The DAF 44. The best-selling passenger car with the DAF brand name is the focus of a report in the brand new edition of Auto Motor Klassiek. Subscribers have now received the magazine, and the shelves of many kiosks are also filled with our magazine. As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stories in the latest AMK version.
This month we devoted a large story to the DAF 44, among other things. We made a report with a copy newly delivered in the Netherlands in July 1974. And so was the model. within one of the last production series, which left the factory in Born as DAF 44. The development of the 46 was already at a very advanced stage, not long after the new delivery of our report copy, DAF would bring the 46, and that type also became the last passenger car to enter the price lists under the DAF brand name.
There is much to tell about the 44. The model history is nice, the cars to which the DAF 44 donated its technology are special and rare. And with the DAF 44, the native manufacturer did not leave itself completely unaffected in competition either. We describe it all.
Of course we also give an extensive impression of our photo model, which was offered with a virgin mileage by Gerard Kramer Classics in Wolvega. This DAF 44 de Luxe was in a very decent condition and was offered competitively. It was also no surprise that the DAF sold quickly. The DAF 44 de Luxe was not only attractive cosmetically. There were more reasons to get excited about this neatly finished and technically attractive DAF 44 de Luxe. A car that presented economy with diligence, quality and unique technology in an almost Calvinist way.
The DAF community is growing and the appreciation for the models and the special Variomatic technology is growing. And rightly so, because no matter how you look at the concept: the combination of technology and design is unique. At the time, no other manufacturer in the world built a car of equal scope within the segment of every DAF passenger car. And that is something to be proud of. And that's why it was a pleasure for us to get the DAF 44 for the lens and for the pen. And to set the story in the sign of a double farewell.
You can read the result (seven pages) in the latest Auto Motor Klassiek Edition. And in it you will find many more special subjects, special cars and motorcycles, a wide range of classic cars for sale and numerous short and longer stories. And much more. For a extended preview click on this link. But if you are not yet a subscriber, it is even better to get the magazine yourself. You can find the publication at many kiosks.
Subscribe? Then click here to your subscription Auto Motor Klassiek to close. You will then receive the magazine for and by enthusiasts twelve times a year.
As a motorcycle enthusiast and driver, I also enjoyed two Dafs. Loved it. Never understood why people criticized the technology. You may not like the car, or the seats are bad, or the suspension is not good, but that applies to many brands. Why do people want to drive it?
crowdfunding?
Funny to read how a Daf is now praised, while they were then scornfully reviled by many. Certainly the daffodil and what was modeled from it.
The Netherlands was in a dent with the A v Duin reversing races, wasn't it?
The 55 was cozy, at least you could get along with it. My USA friend and his wife had 2 when they were stationed in Soesterberg. Frances Elsemore loved it, Don
bought an Audi 100. Both Dafjes have fallen apart from rust and misery, but never have
hung behind a tow truck. The Audi has not aged either. In all fairness, the entire fleet of the Elsemore's were maintained in the Netherlands, American………..so nothing, and that is still the case in the US. Quite special and certainly when you see how long a Crown Vic lasts without maintenance. Strange people.
VDL NEDCAR could build a new DAF in retro style, electric or with hydrogen engine complete with DAF / Bosch CVT drive. There is sufficient space and a lot of craftsmanship. Would there be interest in the Netherlands? Internationally probably too.
Then the Netherlands will be back on the world car map! The BMW contract expires next year.
Worth a try? Of course!
I think you're right, it could just be a huge success.
tsjha, but yeah, who's going to pay for that??? I think the development will cost too much. Money is very often the killer of the idea in such cases. I would be in favor of it myself. DAF was poured in with the young spoon. All models have passed at our house.
The Netherlands has never been on the “world car map” at all. There was one significant manufacturer that never sold more than 100.000 cars a year. Roughly speaking, two platforms have been built and one own engine type has been developed. After fifteen years it was impossible to continue independently and after nineteen years Daf was taken over by Volvo. No one is waiting for a “retro-Daf”.
And I have a lot of respect for the brand, but this kind of message seems more like a schoolboy fantasy.
Yet it was a technical tour de force from DAF, later also internationally with the 'push tires'.
Just look at what DAF achieves with the trucks Olav,
also 'schoolboys' can feel free to fantasy and their opinion too!!
However??
At VDL Ned Car they could build a 'retro-Daf', the factory is big for it,
complete with the DAF/Bosch CVT. There's a lot of interest in it (I think).
EV. electric or hydrogen engines. Then the Netherlands will be on the (car) map again. That's nice.
Good plan. Presumably a small market, but should work. 💪
If someone has a few billion to put into it, great plan!
It has cost Tesla years and an enormous amount of money, and don't think that developing an expensive car costs more than a cheap one.