Daf 46

Body shapes:

Sedan
Station wagon
Van
Daf 46 Sedan + Stationcar - Folder (voorkant)Daf 46 Sedan + Stationcar - Folder (binnenzijde)Daf 46 Sedan + Stationcar - Folder (achterkant)  


"With the 46, DAF introduces a car that, thanks to its unique properties, combines the two most important aspects of modern driving: safety and economy."

DAF presents the Daf 46 in 1974, which later turned out to be the last real DAF. The Daf 46 is the successor to the Daf 44, which differs considerably from its predecessor, especially on a technical level. The 46 gets the De Dion axle construction from the Daf 66 and because DAF focuses on weight savings, a single Variomatic is used: the automatic gearbox has only one belt. The alternator and fuel tank (42 litres) are carried over from the 66. Compared to the 44, the DAf 46 has a separate braking system.

 The engine, on the other hand, remains the 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine that was in its predecessor 44. It is precisely this combination of a proven 2-cylinder engine and the weight savings due to the single Variomatic that gave the Daf 46 favorable fuel consumption: an economically sound choice.

As the successor to the Daf 44, the 46 was an evolution of that design. In general terms, both cars are the same, but the 46 has a decorative strip with the brand and type designation separately. Round flashing lights are mounted on the front screens of a Daf 46.

The Daf 46 was built in the factory in Born from 1974 to 1976 and was the last real DAF passenger car produced under the DAF brand name: unlike the Daf 66, this 46 was not renamed Volvo.

Daf 46 Sedan

Daf 46 Sedan (Kanaro) About 364
remaining in the Netherlands
source: RDW (2023)

Version:    Luxury and Super Luxury
Years of construction:    1974 - 1976
Produced:    28.344 (11.820 Luxury en 16.524 Super Luxury)

The big news was that the Daf 46, just like the 66, gets a De Dion rear axle. Due to the 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine, the power is less than the 66, which means that a Variomatic with only 1 drive belt will suffice. Furthermore, the car is almost identical in design to the 44 it replaces. The top speed is 123 km/h. It is the last real DAF, produced until 1976.

The Daf 46 was available in two trim levels: Luxury (L) and Super Luxury (SL). The Luxury had skai (fake leather) upholstery and rubber mats on the floor. The Daf 46 SL had decorative edges around the windows, an (imitation) wooden dashboard finish, carpet on the floor, fabric upholstery, front seats with adjustable backrests and headrests. Due to the carpet on the floor, the 46 Super Luxury was considerably quieter than a 46 Luxury!

Measurements

Wheelbase
2.25m

Total length
3.85m

Total width
1.54m

Total height
1.38m

Engine

Type  
2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer

Capacity
844 cm3

Max power
40 hp (SAE) at 4500 rotations/min.

Compression ratio 
7.5:1

Performance

Maximum speed 
123 km/hour

Fuel efficiency
7 - 8 liter / 100 km

Capacity fuel tank
42 liter

 

Daf 46 Station wagon

Daf 46 Stationcar (Toendra) About 20
remaining in the Netherlands
source: RDW (2023)

Version:    Luxury and Super Luxury
Years of construction:    1974 - 1976
Produced:    3.577 (1.262 Luxury and 2.315 Super Luxury)

Like the sedan, the station wagon has a De Dion rear axle with the 1-belt Variomatic. The station wagon has the advantages of a larger luggage compartment, which can be further increased by folding the rear seats. It is otherwise the same as the 44 station wagon it replaces.

Measurements

Wheelbase
2.25m

Totalelength
3.85m

Total width
1.54m

Total height
1.38m

Engine

Type  
2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer

Capacity
844 cm3

Max power 
40 hp (SAE) at 4500 rotations/min.

Compression ratio
7.5:1

Performance

Maximum speed
123 km/hour

Fuel consumption
7 - 8 liter / 100 km

Capacity fuel tank
42 liter

 

Daf 46 Van

Daf 46 Bestel
© Flickr (Michiel V)
About 2
remaining in the Netherlands
source: car database DAF Club Netherlands (2023)

Years of construction:    1974 t/m 1975
Produced:    468

Due to the lack of a rear seat, the interior consists of two front seats and an immense cargo space. Due to the modifications, this version could only be supplied with a 'grey license plate': the 46 for business. Only 468 copies of the 46 Van were built so it was and is a real rarity.

Measurements

Wheelbase
2.25m

Total length
3.85m

Total width
1.54m

Totale height
1.38m

Engine

Type  
2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer

Capacity
844 cm3

Max power 
40 hp (SAE) at 4500 rotations/min.

Compression ratio
7.5:1

Performance

Maximum speed 
123 km/hour

Fuel consumption
7 - 8 liter / 100 km

Capacity fuel tank
42 liter

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