The time of the national and municipal police is far behind us. These government organisations were later merged into the regional police, a structure that has also been replaced in the meantime. In the decades after the Second World War, police vehicles of all shapes and sizes drove on the Dutch roads. Different brands, types and colours determined the street scene. One of the iconic models from this time was the DAF 44. Pierre Jean provided us with a special contribution about this car, which he often saw in his hometown during the daily surveillance rounds of the police. An original version of this car can now be admired in the DAF Museum in Eindhoven, where a special police version of the DAF 44 is on display.
The DAF 44: Technical innovations and simplicity
The DAF 44, produced between 1966 and 1974, is a typical example of Dutch engineering. The car was designed by Giovanni Michelotti, an Italian designer known for his elegant and practical designs. The DAF 44 had an air-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine of 844 cc, good for a modest 40 hp. Thanks to the revolutionary Variomatic transmission, the car was easy to operate and accelerated smoothly, regardless of the engine speed. The Variomatic, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), made the DAF unique and a technical masterpiece for its time. The car reached a top speed of approximately 120 km/h, which made it ideal for city use and shorter distances.
Police version: Practical and recognizable
The police version of the DAF 44 was a smart choice. Thanks to its compact dimensions, easy maintenance and the smoothly operating Variomatic, the car was ideally suited for use in urban areas. The DAF 44 in police version was equipped with special features such as blue flashing lights, a striking black and white colour scheme and police emblems on the doors. The space in the boot offered enough room for the officers' equipment, and the comfortable interior made long shifts bearable.
The ICHIKO DAF 44: Miniature full of nostalgia
In the 70s, Japanese manufacturer ICHIKO released a metal toy model of the DAF 44, which was sold exclusively through HEMA. This 1:20 scale miniature was a popular toy and a faithful replica of the police version. The model was provided with authentic details such as the police emblem, hubcaps and headlight rings that characterized the real DAF 44. Interestingly, the miniature had a small design flaw: three pedals in the interior, while the real DAF only had two pedals due to the Variomatic. However, this flaw makes the model special and sought-after among collectors.
Toys and childhood memories
The ICHIKO DAF 44 was intended as a toy, but is now cherished by collectors. The models often worked with a flywheel mechanism or were equipped with a remote control. A striking detail was the shared license plate “55-44-EH” on all models. This number referred to the DAF type (44 or 55) and the origin of the brand: Eindhoven. The miniature evokes childhood memories for many who think back to the time when tin toy cars were popular.
A piece of Dutch history
The DAF 44 is not only a technical icon, but also a cultural heritage. The police version reminds us of a time when Dutch cars were an important part of daily life. Thanks to both the real car and the ICHIKO miniature, this 'look' at the past remains a source of nostalgia and admiration for Dutch glory.
(The article continues below with the photos)
There is one on Marktplaats, in a slightly worse condition than the one in the photos.