| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1975 discontinued in 1975 |
The DAF 66 Combi, produced between 1972 and 1975, represents a distinctive station wagon iteration in the DAF 66 generation lineup. Developed by the Dutch manufacturer DAF, this model catered to drivers seeking compact utility combined with practical indoor space. While exact dimensions for the 66 Combi vary slightly due to model year adjustments, it generally featured a compact footprint suitable for both urban and suburban environments typical of early 1970s Europe. The station wagon body style offered increased cargo flexibility compared to the sedan variant, making it an attractive choice for families and small businesses. Though the DAF 66 was recognized primarily for its innovative Variomatic continuously variable transmission, the Combi variant extended the model’s appeal by providing useful interior volume without significantly increasing overall vehicle size. Drivers of the DAF 66 Combi benefited from a compact length, roughly around 3.87 meters (152.4 inches), with a width close to 1.57 meters (61.8 inches), and a height approximating 1.43 meters (56.3 inches). These dimensions underscored the car’s maneuverability and ease of parking, enhancing its practicality in crowded city streets. The weight of the Combi, depending on equipment levels and trim, generally hovered around 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds), balancing fuel efficiency with adequate robustness for everyday use. The DAF 66 Combi is historically significant as one of the compact station wagons of the early 1970s that offered advanced drivetrain technology packaged in a practical and accessible body style. Compared to contemporary station wagons of similar class, the DAF 66 Combi maintained competitive dimensions, providing a modest yet versatile option in the compact segment. Today, it remains a cherished collector’s vehicle for enthusiasts who value its unique combination of Dutch engineering, practical design, and the classic 1970s automotive aesthetic. The DAF 66 Combi exemplifies how compact station wagons catered to multi-purpose needs during this era, blending efficient use of space with characteristic DAF innovation.
Discover the standout features that make the 1972 DAF 66 Combi a leader in its class
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The DAF 66 Combi station wagon produced between 1972 and 1975 has compact exterior dimensions suited for a small family car of its era. The overall length measures approximately 3,920 millimeters (154.3 inches), the width is about 1,545 millimeters (60.8 inches), and the height stands around 1,420 millimeters (55.9 inches). These modest dimensions made the 66 Combi practical for both urban driving and parking in tighter spaces, reflecting the car's design focus on efficiency and usability as a compact station wagon.
The DAF 66 Combi features a surprisingly spacious cabin considering its compact external dimensions. Front and rear legroom was optimized for a vehicle of its class, with enough space to accommodate average-sized adults comfortably on short to medium-length trips. Headroom is also adequate, offering an open and airy feel due to the station wagon's roofline. While exact figures for legroom and headroom are varied due to vintage sources, the car was known for providing a practical and comfortable interior for four passengers, enhancing its appeal as a family-oriented station wagon.
The DAF 66 Combi station wagon was designed to cater to families and users requiring versatile cargo space. While exact cargo volume specifications are not extensively documented, the station wagon designation implies an enhanced rear cargo area compared to the sedan variant of the DAF 66. The cargo space behind the rear seats is ample for groceries, luggage, and moderate bulky items. Additionally, the rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo volume, allowing the 66 Combi to accommodate longer items and larger loads, making it a practical choice for daily chores and weekend trips.
The curb weight of the DAF 66 Combi is approximately 890 kilograms (around 1,963 pounds). This relatively low weight for a station wagon contributes positively to the car's nimbleness and fuel efficiency. The lightweight construction helps improve acceleration and handling dynamics, especially in urban settings, while also contributing to lower fuel consumption figures, which was an important consideration for drivers in the early 1970s. The balance between weight and power plays a key role in making the 66 Combi both economical and practical.
Yes, the DAF 66 Combi fits comfortably into a standard garage typical of residential homes. Given its external length of about 3.92 meters (12.9 feet), width of 1.54 meters (5 feet), and height of around 1.42 meters (4.7 feet), most single-car garages, which usually are over 5.5 meters (18 feet) deep and 2.5 meters (8 feet) wide, can easily accommodate the vehicle with room for opening doors and storage. This makes it a convenient choice for owners with typical home garages, requiring no special modifications for parking.
The DAF 66 Combi, produced from 1972 to 1975, succeeded earlier DAF models like the DAF 55. Compared to its predecessor, the DAF 66 featured slightly larger dimensions to offer improved interior space and more cargo capacity, especially in the station wagon version. The DAF 55 was somewhat smaller and less spacious, whereas the 66 Combi extended the length and height marginally, providing better accommodation for passengers and luggage. These dimensional upgrades reflected evolving market demands for more practical family vehicles with enhanced usability.
Compared to other compact station wagons from the early 1970s, such as the Volkswagen Variant or the Renault 6 Estate, the DAF 66 Combi was fairly typical in size. With a length of 3.92 meters (154 inches), it was slightly shorter than many competitors that often ranged closer to 4 meters (157 inches) or more. Its width and height were modest as well, reflecting its compact design focus. This size made it well-suited for European urban environments, balancing interior space with ease of maneuverability, and often appealing to buyers looking for a reliable and economical compact family car.
The DAF 66 Combi distinguished itself with its innovative Variomatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which offered smooth and efficient gear changes without manual shifting. This made driving easier, especially in city traffic. Its compact yet practical station wagon design provided a useful cargo area, a comfortable interior, and solid build quality. Additionally, the DAF's rear-engine layout contributed to decent traction. These features, combined with economical running costs and easy handling, made the 66 Combi popular among families needing versatility and practicality from their compact car.
The DAF 66 Combi was typically equipped with a 1.1 or 1.3-liter inline-four engine producing between approximately 48 to 55 horsepower, depending on the market and specific variant. Coupled with the innovative Variomatic CVT, the engine provided smooth acceleration suited for city and suburban driving, though it was not designed for high-speed performance. The lightweight nature of the car enhanced responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The emphasis for the 66 Combi was reliability, ease of use, and economy rather than outright speed or sporty performance.
Being a classic car from the early 1970s, the DAF 66 Combi enjoys a dedicated enthusiast following, which helps with maintenance and parts availability. While original parts can sometimes be challenging to find due to the car's age and relatively niche market, many components are still available through specialist classic car suppliers and restoration shops. The mechanical simplicity and robustness of the DAF 66 make it relatively straightforward to maintain. Owners often appreciate the unique Variomatic transmission but may require specialist knowledge or support to service it properly. Overall, with some effort, keeping a DAF 66 Combi operational remains feasible for enthusiasts.
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