Recently we got a great opportunity to drive a DAF. We did that often. Now it was the turn of the DAF 44 de Luxe from 1974. The car was offered by Gerard Kramer Classics and offered every reason to make a report about it. We will share the driving impression with you.
The DAF 44 model series originally dates from 1966. It was replaced in the fall of 1974 by the 46 with a pinched engine, De Dion construction at the rear and a Variomatic arrangement with one belt. That is an essentially different car than the car offered by Gerard Kramer Classics. It always remained in the Netherlands from new delivery, and has had its original Dutch registration since July 31, 1974. The DAF 44 de Luxe was fitted with a rear window heating as an extra. This was never standard on the DAF 44, so the rear window features an aftermarket feature that is exemplary of the spirit of the times in which the DAF was sold.
As a De Luxe, the DAF 44 was also a model of economy with diligence. But that characteristic could be combined well with quality. What's in it is all neat and enough to make you feel comfortable as an occupant. Moreover, the materials used are still in excellent condition, even 49 years later. The fact that the car was little used from 1974 (less than 48.000 kilometers!) May have something to do with this. But you also noticed in previously driven DAF examples that the Dutch passenger car manufacturer of yesteryear was doing well in terms of quality. Furthermore, this 44 is still in a very decent condition. Yes, you do see some signs of use, some signs of the ravages of time. And the Variomatic plate near the license plate light is missing. But otherwise the DAF is in a very original and not messed up condition. That's how we like to see them.
We simmer through the beautiful Weststellingwerf, which offers many beautiful photo locations. Up the paths, into the avenues, that idea. The DAF 44 has the air-cooled two-cylinder 844 cc engine on board. This is part of the powertrain with the Variomatic transmission. This also has a large transmission bandwidth in the 44. Partly because of this, you can easily accelerate with this 44 to speeds of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour. The engine is lively and relatively spry. This also applies to other technical components. A nice test for this is, for example, starting with the lever in the chosen direction of travel. That is fine with this DAF, the car does not crawl away (gas off) after starting. If you choose to start with the gear lever in neutral, it is really important to wait a while before choosing the direction of travel to avoid 'brushing your teeth'. That is DAF-specific.
Furthermore, a historically known shortcoming occurs in this car: the moderate braking capacity. In the event of a deceleration, it is really important to operate the brake pedal firmly in order to decelerate slightly. This objection has already emerged in historical test reports, and we also maintain that with our reportage copy. It feels like the (non-powered) drums are undersized all around, and you really have to be aware of that if you're on the road with (for example) a 44.
Furthermore, there is little to criticize about this car. The DAF steers remarkably light, handles very nicely on the road and feels nice and light-footed, partly thanks to the axle construction. The chassis tuning is quite comfortable. You do get through the steering wheel the processing of bumps in the road surface. The DAF is also sensitive to lateral wind gusts, so you notice that it likes to take a step to the side. That is - given the low total weight and the fairly high-built passenger compartment of the beautiful Michelotti bodywork - no surprise. On the other hand, the 44 remains neutral for quite a long time in corners, the handling of the car is acceptable.
Speaking of that passenger compartment: it offers a decent amount of space and freedom of movement. In addition, the seats in the DAF are really excellent. They support well and are well positioned in relation to the steering wheel. As a front passenger, you always have to get used to the wheel arches that protrude far inward. Yet there is (for the driver) enough space to find a place for the left foot, also because the clutch pedal is obviously missing. The operating functions in the DAF are easy to find. The interior offers another plus: the all-round visibility is really excellent from all sides.
This is how the image of a fine Dutch classic, which lends itself perfectly for a nice ride indoors, remains. A conclusion that the new owner will soon draw. He gets a DAF that is in a very nice technical and cosmetic condition, and moreover his 44 is a late delivery in the Netherlands. In any case, we were not surprised that this really nice 44 de Luxe was sold quickly.
Thanks to Gerard Kramer Klassiekers, Wolvega
Photos: Bart Spijker and Erik van Putten
And to think that someone in the Hilversum region had been so creative as to hang a Renault / Alpine engine block in the front and must have driven a Mercedes driver almost insane by driving that search. We are talking about an event in the 70s…
Back to the 44 from this report; also note the bellows in the middle of the (interior) photo, which can be seen just above the operation of the windscreen wipers.
Not electrically, as is often the case, but by hand.
Indeed, if you drove a DAF 55 in the city (a bit sporty then) then not many came with it, experienced more than once. Daf was a difficult car for many garage owners.
The DAF museum is definitely a must for enthusiasts
It was quite a task to stick the rear window heating element on it properly and STRAIGHT.
When my mother-in-law switched from a 33 to a 55, The Hague became a lot less safe. I dropped out after 1x riding.
Very nice 44 this.
Ha nice, my 1st car as a student of the HTS Autotechniek (then) in Apeldoorn. Once again won the 3rd prize in a rally of the school: if you drove wrong, you could go back just as fast :-))
I think had a year, then switched to a somewhat tired one Alfa Romeu Giulia 1600 Sprint GT from 1966. I really wanted to have it….
But very inventive car, my 44.
Been back to the DAF museum for a while, highly recommended, how beautiful!!
Once had a Daf 55. At the traffic lights and other starting positions, this model caused a shocking experience for many BMW drivers. For some it was probably even a trauma, that such a small, cheap "funny car" gave them a look when the gas was given.
Indeed, it was advisable after starting with a dot of gas to wait until the engine returned to normal idle speed before putting the smart stick in forward or reverse. If the choked speed was set a bit high, so it was like brushing your teeth. When DAFjes did not yet have facilities to increase safety when starting, many a scion from the Bornse factory happily hopped through the garage door if people weren't paying attention. But how fun and revolutionary they were! The instruction manual for the motorcycle then stated that a motorcycle usually accelerates faster from a standstill than a car. With a clear statement that the DAF was an exception due to its 'fierce acceleration'. Yes, they were surprisingly fast on those first meters. Fantastic cars, they were, they are!