Daf 66

After DAF had experimented with a new set-up of the Variomatic & rear axle combination through various prototypes, the final Variomatic configuration with differential coupled to a De Dion rear axle was expressed in the Daf 66. This was the biggest novelty of the Daf 66, actually a thoroughly facelifted Daf 55 with an appearance adapted to the era of the early 1970s. At that time, the De Dion rear axle was used in large cars such as the Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Rover 3500 and Opel Admiral/Diplomat, a completely different price range.

Daf 66 Sedan

About 316 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1972 - 1975
Produced:    75.766 (20.045 De Luxe and 55.721 Super Luxe)

Compared to the 55, the new front gives the car a modern and sleek appearance. The biggest change is the new Variomatic with differential and a de Dion rear axle that ensures much better handling. The power of the engine has been increased to 53 hp. The dashboard is businesslike and stylish due to the new design and has been given a soft bumper at the top for safety. There are 3 versions of the Sedan: De Luxe, Super Luxe and Marathon (see 1100 Marathon Sedan and 1300 Marathon Sedan).

The De Luxe trim level has skai (faux leather) seats, a regular dashboard, rubber floor mats and front drum brakes without power brakes. A Daf 66 Super Luxe has an imitation wood dashboard, sleeping seats with fabric upholstery and carpeting.
 

Daf 66 Station wagon

About 27 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1972 - 1975
Produced:    18.716 (4.734 Luxe and 13.982 Super Luxe)

Like the 66 Sedan, the station wagon is available in 3 versions: De Luxe, Super Luxe and Marathon. It has a wealth of storage space that can be expanded by folding the back seat flat. It has world class handling with its de Dion rear axle and new Variomatic with differential. The engine delivers 3 hp more than its predecessor Daf 55 Station wagon.

Daf 66 Van

About 7 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Bouwjaar:    1972 - 1975
Produced:    1.208 (of which 2 with blinded windows)

The already considerable space of the 66 Station wagon is even larger by removing the rear seat: this 66 Van is a workhorse with a two-piece plywood loading floor. So there is plenty of space behind the 2 front seats, an ideal commercial vehicle with Variomatic. Because it is a commercial vehicle, luxury items such as sleeping seats and a sliding roof are not available on this variant. It is a rarity: just over 1200 were produced.

Daf 66 Coupe

About 192 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1972 - 1975
Produced:    5.587

The rounded lines of the previous model have been replaced by clean and modern lines. The new front ensures that it does not lose any of its beauty and is in line with the slender roofline. The better handling makes it even more of a 'cruiser'. The engine delivers 3 hp more than its predecessor. The Coupé only has two trim levels: Super Luxe or (1100cc or 1300cc) Marathon.

Daf 66 Sedan 1100 Marathon

Ongeveer 8 op kenteken in Nederland bron: RDW (2023)

Bouwjaar:    1972 t/m 1973
Geproduceerd:    9.208

Kleur:

De Marathon is te herkennen aan de dubbele marathonstrepen en de benaming op het voorscherm; in de bovenste balk is “Marathon” geschreven. De motor is opgevoerd en hij staat op 13” velgen. De 1100 Marathon is maar 1 vol jaar geleverd: vanaf 1973 werd de 1100 cc motor vervangen door de 1300 cc motor en werd het topmodel de 1300 Marathon.

Daf 66 Stationcar 1100 Marathon

Ongeveer 2 op kenteken in Nederland bron: RDW (2023)

Bouwjaar:    1972 t/m 1973
Geproduceerd:    1.758

Met de komst van de 66 serie kon ook de Stationcar gekocht worden met de sterke Marathon motor. Uiterlijk te herkennen aan de marathonstrepen met het opschrift “Marathon” op de flank in de bovenste balk. De 1100 Marathon heeft geen verstralers in de grille die de 1300 Marathon standaard wel heeft. De Stationcar heeft dezelfde voordelen als zijn stalgenoten met een lichtere motor: een zeer goede wegligging, een zee van ruimte en comfort. In zijn enige productiejaar zijn er slechts 1758 gebouwd. De topsnelheid van de 1100 Marathon stationcar is 145 km/u.

Daf 66 Coupe 1100 Marathon

About 28 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1972 - 1973
Produced:    3.416

With the upgraded engine, the beautiful coupe Marathon is also a speed monster with its top speed of 145 km / h. The double striping on the sides, with the written “Marathon” in the top bar and the steel 13" rims clearly show that this is a fast Daf. The interior exudes tranquility with its wood finish, and the Marathon version has a finish flag in the center placed in the 3-spoke steering wheel. The 1100 Coupé Marathon was succeeded after 1 production year by the Coupe 1300 Marathon.

Daf 66 Sedan 1300 Marathon

About 41 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1973 - 1975
Produced:    13.128

The strong 1300 cc engine provides more pulling power and fits very well with the 66. The top speed is the same as the 1100 Marathon: 145 km/h. In the interior, the center console stands out with the possibility of installing 3 meters and extra storage space. The front seats get integrated headrests and the windscreen is now made of laminated glass. The grille has room for 2 spotlights. The stripes on the flanks say “1300 Marathon”.

Daf 66 Station wagon 1300 Marathon

About 27 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1973 - 1975
Produced:    6.429

Compared to the 1100 Marathon station wagon, the 1300 Marathon station wagon has a more powerful engine, 2 spotlights are mounted between the headlights in the grille. On the flanks in the marathon stripes is written "1300 Marathon". The center console in the interior has the option of installing 3 extra meters and has a large compartment for storing items. The front seats have integrated headrests and the windscreen is laminated glass.

Daf 66 Coupe 1300 Marathon

About 135 remaining in the Netherlands bron: RDW (2023)

Years of construction:    1973 - 1975
Produced:    3.517

The combination of a de Dion rear axle, the Variomatic and the strong 1300 cc engine gives the Coupe its sporty character, especially in the Marathon version, this is the top model. A top speed of 145 km/h makes it fast, but that can also be seen in the striping with '1300 Marathon' and the extra spotlights in the grille. The center console has the option of installing 3 extra meters. The sporty front seats have headrests. The laminated glass windscreen adds to safety.

Daf 66 YA

About 527 remaining in the Netherlands source: RDW (2023)

Version:    Army and civilian version
Years of construction:    1974 t/m 1975
Produced:    1.201

The 66 YA (where YA stands for Y = military vehicle and A = General) has been specially developed for the Dutch army. The technology is the same as that of the 66, but it has a 24 volt electrical system. The open 66 YA has a reinforced body with welded reinforcement strips all around. The car can be closed with a linen hood. The 66 YA has been deployed by the military for support services. The de Dion axle in combination with the Variomatic makes it less suitable for fieldwork in loose sand: many conscripts have been allowed to dig it out. 115 km/h is the top speed that “Joe Soldier” can drive with it: more than enough for column guidance.

The 66 YA was the final production model for an army reconnaissance vehicle. Started as a YA 44 prototype for testing at the army to replace the DKW 2-stroke Jeep, further development was done with a prototype YA 55 because it suited the 4-cylinder water-cooled engine better. After the assignment was completed in 1972, the Daf 55 was now replaced by the Daf 66, which eventually became the 66 YA.
Civilian versions of the 66 YA have also been sold. Officially, the name is therefore 66 YA: YA after the model name, with a space instead of 66YA, YA-66 or YA66.

1201 66 YAs were built: 1200 for the army and 1 delivered to Hub van Doorne for testing with the new CVT.