| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1972 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1975 discontinued in 1975 |
The DAF 66, produced from 1972 to 1975, is a quintessential example of compact European sedans of the early 1970s. This generation of the DAF 66 sedan embodied practical design combined with the innovative Variomatic transmission, setting it apart in its class. The car's dimensions positioned it comfortably in the small family car segment, making it perfect for city driving and tight European roads. Although detailed dimensions such as length, width, and height for the DAF 66 sedan are less commonly documented, typical measurements for this model align roughly around a length of approximately 3.9 meters (about 12.8 feet), width near 1.57 meters (5.15 feet), and height close to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). The vehicle’s lightweight construction contributed to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency, an important factor during the energy-conscious era of the 1970s. With a sedan body type, the DAF 66 provided a practical four-door layout, offering ample interior space relative to its size while maintaining a modest overall footprint. Its compact size aesthetic and functional design appeal to classic car enthusiasts appreciating historical European automobiles that prioritize economy without compromising on innovation. Comparing the DAF 66’s size to other compact sedans of the era reveals how it melded practicality with distinctive Dutch automotive engineering, characterized by the unique continuously variable transmission system. This made the DAF 66 a notable vehicle in both historic and collector car circles, highlighting a period of automotive development aimed at efficiency and everyday usability in a small package.
Discover the standout features that make the 1972 DAF 66 a leader in its class
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The DAF 66 sedan, produced from 1972 to 1975, features a compact and practical design with a length of approximately 3,940 mm (155.1 inches), a width of about 1,560 mm (61.4 inches), and a height around 1,390 mm (54.7 inches). These dimensions reflect its status as a small family car suitable for urban and suburban driving conditions, offering ease of maneuverability in tighter spaces while maintaining sufficient interior room for passengers.
The DAF 66 weighs around 855 kilograms (1,885 pounds) curb weight. This relatively light weight contributes positively to the car's agility and fuel efficiency. The modest mass helps in delivering a nimble driving experience with responsive handling, which was one of the characteristics appreciated in the small family car segment during its production era.
While specific interior dimensions of the DAF 66 sedan are not extensively documented, the vehicle’s overall compact exterior size was optimized to provide comfortable seating for four passengers. The interior layout focused on maximizing space efficiency, typical of small sedans in the early 1970s, allowing adequate headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants while maintaining a stylish yet functional cockpit.
Yes, the DAF 66 fits comfortably inside a standard garage. Given its compact dimensions — 3.94 meters in length (approximately 12.9 feet), 1.56 meters in width (about 5.1 feet), and 1.39 meters in height (around 4.6 feet) — it easily accommodates the standard garage size, which typically ranges around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 to 3.5 meters (10 to 11.5 feet) in width. This makes parking and storage hassle-free for owners.
The DAF 66 is slightly larger than its predecessor, the DAF 55. The 66 offers improved dimensions reflected in a longer length and wider body, which translates to a more spacious interior experience. While the DAF 55 measured approximately 3,820 mm (150.4 inches) in length, the 66 extended to around 3,940 mm (155.1 inches). The increased size was part of efforts to modernize the model and cater to evolving customer preferences for slightly larger, more comfortable compact cars.
In comparison to similar compact sedans of the early 1970s, such as the Volkswagen Beetle or the Fiat 128, the DAF 66 falls within the typical size range for small family cars of its era. Its length of nearly 3.94 meters (155.1 inches) is generally comparable, slightly larger than the VW Beetle (approximately 4 meters / 157 inches) but similar in footprint. Its modest width and height contribute to a practical balance between interior space and maneuverability, making it competitive among European compact sedans from that period.
The DAF 66 was produced over a concise period from 1972 to 1975. During this timeframe, it served as the last small family car under the DAF brand before the model and manufacturing rights transitioned to Volvo. While exact production numbers vary by source, estimates suggest that around 100,000 units were manufactured. The DAF 66 remains notable for its role in bridging the design and engineering heritage of DAF and the subsequent Volvo 66 model.
The DAF 66 sedan features a classic three-box design typical of small European cars in the early 1970s. Its styling includes slightly rounded edges with a compact yet purposeful stance. The vehicle typically came with two doors and a modestly sloped rear trunk, providing practical cargo space. The sedan’s simple, functional aesthetics emphasized economy and ease of use, making it appealing to urban families seeking a reliable everyday car.
The DAF 66 was designed to comfortably seat four passengers with two front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. Luggage capacity was sufficient for small to moderate loads typical in a compact sedan, with a trunk volume estimated around 300 liters (approximately 10.6 cubic feet). This made the car practical for daily errands and weekend trips but not intended for heavy cargo or large family travel involving significant baggage.
The Volvo 66, which succeeded the DAF 66 after Volvo took over production, shared many mechanical and dimensional characteristics but introduced enhancements in safety, comfort, and refinement. Dimensionally, both cars were very similar, as the Volvo 66 was essentially a facelifted and upgraded variant of the DAF 66 chassis and body, with length remaining close to 3.94 meters (155 inches). The Volvo improvements included better interior quality, enhanced safety equipment, and updated styling catering to evolving market expectations.
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