The DAF Marathon line / tuning package

For several decades, the Variomatic was actively represented in motorsport: in Formula III racing cars in the 1960s and in international rallies and rallycross in the 1970s. In particular, the performances in the London-Sydney Marathon and the Marathon de la Route put DAF in the spotlight. In an attempt to give the image of DAF passenger cars a sporty boost, an option package was developed for 'the sporty DAF driver'. The Daf 55 was changed in both engine and appearance to be known as the 'Daf 55 Marathon', named after the rallies in which DAF made fame.

Where 'the sporty DAF driver' was mainly interested in the increased power, the young driving public in particular was interested in the optical embellishments that the Marathon package brought. It was precisely this target group that DAF wanted to reach in order to build up a better image, so the trial balloon that was the Marathon package turned out to be the duck with the golden eggs.

This success prompted DAF to supply custom Marathon equipment fitted from the factory on various body styles of the 2nd type of the Daf 55 line. Its successor Daf 66 could also be fitted with the Marathon trim fitted from the factory, first as 1100 Marathon and later as 1300 Marathon.

The following sections describe the features and differences:

Marathon tuning set for the Daf 55

1st type: Marathon tuning set (mounted afterwards)

The optional Marathon boost set was developed for the Daf 55, when the first type (1967-1970) was in the showrooms. From 1968, the package could be ordered and installed at an authorized DAF dealer, who would implement the engine and exterior changes and, as icing on the cake, could attach the specific Marathon emblems to the body.

The 1100cc 4-cylinder water-cooled Renault Cléon-Fonte engine in a Daf 55 Marathon had been upgraded with different ignition, carburetion and camshaft, mainly to improve performance. This provides an output of 66 SAE hp and a top speed of approximately 145 kilometers per hour.

Appearance:

13" alloy wheels on wide 165/13 tyres
a centrally placed sports exhaust, with a round rear muffler and an open mid-pipe
a tachometer
a leather-covered (sports) steering wheel
three silver Marathon emblems in tricolor: on both front fenders and the tailgate

13" alloy wheels on wide 165/13 tyres

Centrally placed sports exhaust, with a round rear muffler and an open mid-pipe

Tachometer

A leather-covered steering wheel

3 Marathon emblems: one on each front screen and one on the tailgate

2nd type: factory fitted Marathon tuning set

From 1971 a modified Marathon package is available from the factory. It was a compromise between the Marathon option package of the 1st type, and the standard 55: 13 HP more than the standard but less power than the Marathon engine upgraded by the boost kit. The 55 Marathon (2nd type) first came as a Sedan with a choice of 4 colors: Kobina (off-white), Mostana (mustard yellow), Nationa (orange) and Tabina (dark brown), at the end of 1971 the Coupe followed, which was available in 3 colors : Kobina (off-white), Mostana (mustard yellow), and Nationa (orange).

13” steel rims with black hubcaps with DAF logo
a centrally placed sports exhaust with a round silencer and an open mid-pipe
black or silver double marathon stripe
black Marathon nameplates on the sides and trunk lid, below the Marathon stripe
fabric-covered reclining chairs
a steering wheel with centrally placed finish flag (hub cap) and white-rimmed spokes
optional: leather steering wheel and tachometer

13” steel rims with black hubcaps with DAF logo

Centrally placed sports exhaust with a round silencer and an open mid-pipe

Black or silver double marathon striping

Black Marathon nameplates on the sides and trunk lid, below the Marathon stripe

Fabric-covered reclining chairs

Steering wheel with centrally placed finish flag (hub cap) and white-rimmed spokes

Optional: tachometer

Marathon trim for the Daf 66

The Daf 66 could also be ordered factory-fitted with the Marathon trim: first as an 1100 Marathon, equivalent to the 55 Marathon (with 1100cc engine), and later with a 1300cc engine that squeezed out 2 hp more.

1100 Marathon option package

The 1100 Marathon kit, for the Sedan, Stationcar and Coupe body styles, was delivered from 1972 to 1973. The engine is identical to that in the 55 Marathon: an 1100cc Renault Cléon-Fonte engine with 63 hp SAE at 5600 rpm and a top speed of about 145 kilometers per hour.

Appearance:

13" steel rims with black hubcaps
double marathon stripes with “Marathon” lettering on the flank in the top bar
a steering wheel with centrally placed finish flag (hub cap) and white rimmed spokes

13" steel rims with black hubcaps

Black or silver double marathon stripes with “Marathon” lettering

Steering wheel with centrally placed finish flag (hub cap) and white rimmed spokes

1300 Marathon option package

From 1973 the Daf 66 in Marathon trim was delivered as 1300 Marathon for the Sedan, Stationcar and Coupe body styles. In addition to the invisible 2 hp extra that the engine with a larger displacement squeezes out, you can recognize the 1300 Marathon by the spotlights in the grille, which the 1100 Marathon does not have.
The 1300 Marathon received a laminated windshield, self-adjusting brakes, a compressible steering column and a brake fluid level indicator: things that contributed to an overall higher level of safety.

Appearance:

13" steel rims with black hubcaps
spotlights in the grille
double marathon stripes with “Marathon” lettering on the flank in the top bar
a special Daf 66 1300 Marathon steering wheel
'nunhood chairs': chairs with integrated headrests, upholstered in fabric and imitation leather
center console with space for additional gauges
type plate '1300' on the boot lid