Description
The DAF 55 Cabriolet was a rare and stylish variant of the DAF 55 series, built in very limited numbers and never officially part of the standard production lineup. While DAF itself did not manufacture a convertible version of the 55 in-house, several coachbuilders and small firms created open-top versions based on the DAF 55 Coupé or saloon, giving enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the quirky Dutch engineering with the added pleasure of open-air motoring.
These cabriolets typically retained the core mechanical components of the standard DAF 55, including the 1.1-litre water-cooled inline-four engine sourced from Renault. The engine produced around 50 horsepower and was mated to the company’s signature Variomatic continuously variable transmission. This combination allowed for smooth and gearless acceleration, making the car exceptionally easy to drive. The performance remained modest but adequate, with top speeds in the region of 135 km/h (84 mph), depending on bodywork and weight.
The transformation from coupé or saloon to cabriolet involved substantial modifications to the body structure. Since the standard DAF 55 was not designed as a convertible, removing the roof meant that reinforcement had to be added to the chassis to maintain rigidity. These conversions were often carried out by specialist firms in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe, and because of their bespoke nature, no two DAF 55 Cabriolets were exactly the same.
Styling-wise, the cabriolet versions retained much of the clean, Michelotti-designed bodywork of the standard cars, but with the roofline removed and sometimes a fabric top added for weather protection. The look was elegant and appealing, particularly with the Coupé’s already sleek proportions. Some versions also included custom trim, unique paintwork, or modified interiors to suit the open-top format.
Inside, the DAF 55 Cabriolet usually shared its dashboard and basic interior layout with the Coupé, though materials might have been upgraded depending on the conversion company and customer preferences. Seating remained for four in most cases, although rear seat space could be compromised slightly by structural reinforcements or the folding roof mechanism.
As a custom or coachbuilt car, the DAF 55 Cabriolet was produced in extremely small numbers—only a handful are known to exist today. This makes surviving examples quite collectible and sought after among DAF enthusiasts and classic car collectors who value rarity and uniqueness.
Although never officially recognized as a factory model, the DAF 55 Cabriolet stands as a charming and imaginative extension of the brand’s philosophy—practical, easy to drive, and just a little different from the norm. Its combination of rarity, retro style, and quirky engineering ensures it remains a notable footnote in the story of Dutch automotive history.