DAF Trucks NV is a truck maker from the Netherlands and is a subsidiary of Paccar, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks.
Both their manufacturing plants and headquarters are located in Eindhoven. Their axle assemblies and cabs are developed in their Westerlo factory in Belgium.
To better increase their production, they hired Leyland Trucks to design and develop some of their truck models. The Leyland Trucks are built at their Farington factory in Preston, England.
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The company was founded by Hubert van Doorne in 1982 together with A.H. Huenges who is also an owner of a brewery. Its initial name is Commanditaire Vennootschap Hub van Doorne’s Machinefabriek. Van Doorne actually worked for Huenges by repairing his cars. He did a pretty good job in it that Huenges offered him a deal to finance his own company.
He started the small shop inside Huenges’ brewery. In 1932, the company was fully given supervision to Van Doorne and his brother Wim. They then decided to change the company’s name to Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek or DAF which translates to Van Doorne’s Trailer Factory in English.
Huenges decided to leave the company in 1936 and handed over the whole company to Van Doorne. They designed the Trado conversions to fully transform the 4×2 Ford trucks to a 6×4 drive.
The Trado drivetrain also gave way to the construction of DAF’s first armored vehicle, the M39 Pantserwagen. This was meant to be used for the Second World War but it was released late and only three units of it went to combat.
Image source: wikimedia.org
Aside from trucks, DAF also manufactured cars. They released their first passenger car, the DAF 600, followed by the Daffodil models DAF 30, DAF 31, and DAF 32. In 1986, they released a new car, the DAF 55 which has an engine derived from the Renault 8 Cleon engine.
Full List of DAF Car Models
The late 1960’s were interesting years for the automobile industry in the Netherlands. During that time, Dutch car manufacturer, DAF, was dishing out all sorts of models for motorists to enjoy. And one such unit that enjoyed great reviews was no other than the DAF 55.
A family car, the DAF 55 engine actually was a collaboration between DAF and Renault. As such, the car brought much joy among drivers craving for speed. Additionally, the DAF 55 incorporated the rather unique DAF Variomatic transmission system that the company takes pride of.
It also came as no surprise (considering that DAF 55’s adaptability to speed), that this car was also a popular ride in the motorsport scene. Winner of several major races, we all sure do miss the thrills that the car brought with it!
More About DAF 55 on Wikipedia
Image source: wikimedia.org
The DAF 66 is a compact car designed and manufactured by DAF, a Dutch automaker. The DAF 66 lasted from its first release in 1972 to its final unit distribution in 1976. It followed the DAF 55 and was then followed by the Volvo 66. It was available in three variations – 3-door estate, 2-door coupe, and 2-door saloon.
More About Daf 66 on Wikipedia
More DAF Cars List
Practical, Innovative, and Unpretentious
The DAF 33 Break is a distinctive chapter in the rich tapestry of automotive history, emblematic of a period when practicality and simplicity were key virtues in car design. Introduced in the mid-1960s and built through the early 1970s, the DAF 33 Break, or station wagon, stands out for its unassuming charm and pioneering technology.
Designed in the Netherlands, the DAF 33 Break was a testament to Dutch ingenuity. It featured a minimalist, boxy design that maximized interior space without sacrificing compact dimensions, making it exceptionally practical for urban families and small business owners alike. Its silhouette was straightforward yet functional, with a two-box design that prioritized utility over aesthetics. The body was adorned with minimal chrome and simple, clean lines that reflected the no-frills attitude of its era.
Underpinning the DAF 33 Break was the innovative Variomatic transmission, a hallmark of DAF’s engineering prowess. This continuously variable transmission (CVT), a rarity at the time and a precursor to modern CVTs, allowed for a smooth and gearless driving experience that was both novel and efficient. The vehicle was powered by a modest 746cc air-cooled, flat-twin engine, which was suitable for the car’s light frame and urban aspirations, providing enough pep to navigate city streets and country lanes with ease.
Inside, the DAF 33 Break was spartan yet thoughtfully arranged. The interior was straightforward, with simple gauges and minimal controls that emphasized ease of use over luxury. The rear seats could be folded down to provide a surprising amount of cargo space, which added to the vehicle’s versatility, making it ideal for a variety of roles from a family hauler to a delivery vehicle.
Modestly equipped, Prioritizing Basic Comfort and Functionality
The DAF 600 marks a significant piece of automotive history as the first car produced by the Dutch manufacturer DAF, known primarily for its trucks and commercial vehicles. Introduced in 1959, the DAF 600 pioneered the use of the innovative Variomatic transmission, a type of continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was revolutionary at the time. This feature provided the vehicle with a smooth and seamless driving experience, free from the usual gear-shifting interruptions, and positioned DAF as a forward-thinking company in automotive technology.
The design of the DAF 600 is charmingly retro, with rounded edges and a compact, bulbous body that typifies the European cars of its era. Its appearance exudes a post-war optimism with simple yet functional aesthetics. The car is small and nimble, ideal for the narrow streets commonly found in European cities.
- DAF 44
- DAF YP 408
- DAF fire truck
- Classic DAF 2600 cab over truck
- DAF YA 328 military truck
Video of DAF Car Models
Photos of DAF Different Types of Cars
(Photos Courtesy of https://www.wikipedia.org)
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