Van Doorne's Automobielfabriek NV., Eindhoven. Holland. 1958 - 1971

DAF Car B.V., Born. Holland 1972 - 1976

From 1950 DAF become a well established commercial vehicle manufacture having started making trailers in 1928 and progressing to 4 x 4 military vehicles by 1940.

The first car was announced in 1959. It was powered by a flat twin 600cc overhead valve, air cooled engine, giving 22bhp. It had a simple unitary construction body shell with the engine mounted at the front and independent suspension all round. The most unusual feature was the use of a centrifugal clutch and infinitely variable transmission to a limited slip differential. This transmission system called the "Variomatic" used rubber "V" belts driving between expanding and contracting pulleys operated by a single lever. It was a very simple car to drive.

By 1962 the engine capacity had been increased to 750cc and 30bhp, and with a top speed of about 65 mph. this was a useful little runabout and production rose to about 20,000 a year. These models were called Daffodils.

The "Variomatic" transmission also found it's way into a light 4 x 4 military vehicle for the Dutch army and a Formula 3 racing car. DAF cars were quite successful in rallying and won the 1966 Marathon de la Route and also the team prize.

There was a larger model called the 44 launched in 1967 with styling by Michelotti which was available concurrently with the Daffodil. The 44 had an 844cc engine giving 40bhp and the top speed increased to 75 mph. The following year the 55 was available with a 4-cylinder water cooled Renault engine and there was also an attractive sports coupe version.

By 1972 there was a 1,440cc, 63bhp engined coupe called the Marathon 55 which was capable of 115 mph. The 66 was announced the same year and incorporated an improved centrifugal clutch fitted to the Renault engine.

The proposed 77 model never made it into production as a DAF because the company was acquired by Volvo in 1972, but it was revised and improved and became the Volvo 343