Description
The DAF 55 Coupé Marathon was a special, performance-oriented version of the standard DAF 55 Coupé, introduced in the early 1970s to celebrate and capitalize on DAF’s growing reputation in motorsport. Named after the brand’s participation in long-distance rally events like the London–Sydney Marathon, the Coupé Marathon offered sportier styling and a more powerful engine, while retaining the ease of use and unique Variomatic transmission that defined the DAF lineup.
Visually, the DAF 55 Coupé Marathon stood out from the standard Coupé with distinctive graphics, often including bold “Marathon” striping along the sides and sportier trim elements. These design details gave the car a more aggressive and youthful appearance, aimed at drivers who wanted a car with a bit more personality and edge. The body still featured the sleek, fastback-style roofline of the regular Coupé, but with more flair and attitude.
Under the bonnet, the Marathon version benefited from an uprated 1.1-litre Renault-sourced inline-four engine. Whereas the standard 55 engine produced about 50 horsepower, the Marathon received tuning upgrades that pushed output closer to 65 horsepower. This made a noticeable difference in performance, with improved acceleration and a higher top speed—approaching 145 km/h (90 mph). While it wasn’t a hot hatch by modern standards, the increase in power made it one of the livelier small cars of its time, especially considering its light weight and compact dimensions.
The engine’s extra performance was still delivered through DAF’s unique Variomatic continuously variable transmission. The system handled the added power effectively and provided smooth, gearless acceleration. It remained an unconventional but remarkably functional setup, particularly well-suited to urban driving. In the Marathon, the Variomatic was adjusted to respond more quickly, giving the car a slightly sportier driving feel.
Inside, the Coupé Marathon came with upgraded seats, often finished in sportier materials, and sometimes featured a sport steering wheel and additional gauges. The interior layout remained clean and functional, but the changes helped convey a more performance-oriented feel without losing the DAF’s user-friendly character.
The DAF 55 Coupé Marathon also reflected DAF’s ambitions in motorsport. Specially prepared versions competed in events such as the London–Sydney Marathon and the Alpine Rally, where the durability of the Variomatic transmission and the robustness of the basic car were proven under extreme conditions. These successes lent credibility to the “Marathon” branding and helped generate enthusiasm for the road-going version.
Production of the DAF 55 Coupé Marathon was limited, and it ended in 1972 alongside the rest of the 55 line when the newer DAF 66 was introduced. Today, the Marathon is a rare and collectible variant. Its combination of charming design, rally-bred heritage, and unique transmission technology makes it a favorite among enthusiasts of obscure and characterful European classics.