Kalmar Tjorven

Kalmar Verkstad AB (Verkstadsaktiebolag), also Swedish, accepted the contract and built a prototype for a mail car (the Kalmar KVD400) on a chassis of a Daffodil (Daf 31), including a two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine and DAF Variomatic, which was heavily tested with 1 million test kilometers. Eventually, Kalmar Verkstad AB was commissioned by Posten to build 1,000 units.

Further adjustments were made to the prototype and from 1968, based on the technology of the Daf 44, series production was started. Compared to the Daf 44, a DAF Kalmar / Kalmar Tjorven has a separate braking system, a large-capacity alternator and a shorter transmission.

In addition to production for Posten (2000 Kalmars were eventually used by the Swedish Post), Kalmar Verkstad AB had plans to also sell the Tjorven to private individuals. For this market, the van had 2 vertically split tailgates, the so-called 'crocodile's mouth', while the Posten versions (except Swedish and Swiss private ones) have a left-hinged rear door. Because the demand was disappointing and there was hardly any purchase abroad, production stalled at approximately 2,170 copies.

The Kalmar KVD440 is equipped with the 850 cc two-cylinder boxer engine from the then new Daf 44, and has an instrumentation and Variomatic from DAF.
Compared to the prototype KVD400, the polyester body is no longer placed on a DAF chassis; manufacturing a chassis yourself is cheaper for producer Kalmar Verkstad AB. In addition, this van has a separate braking system and alternator.

The driver sits on the right side; close to the mailboxes and can easily get in and out through the sliding door. Usually the van had only 1 seat for the driver, which provided more cargo space, but there are also versions with an adjustable passenger seat. In 1970, a switch was made from a 6-volt electrical circuit to 12 volts; rather than the Daf 44 from which the model borrowed a lot.

This van was also exported to Norway (postal service), Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.