Description
The DAF 55 de Luxe was a more refined and better-equipped version of the standard DAF 55, produced between 1967 and 1972 by the Dutch carmaker DAF. It built on the practical and innovative foundation of the base model by adding comfort and cosmetic enhancements aimed at buyers who wanted a more polished small car without sacrificing the simplicity and efficiency that DAF vehicles were known for.
At its core, the DAF 55 de Luxe shared the same mechanical layout as the standard version. It featured a 1.1-litre, water-cooled inline-four engine supplied by Renault, producing around 50 horsepower. This engine, in combination with DAF’s trademark Variomatic continuously variable transmission, gave the car smooth and stepless acceleration. With this setup, the de Luxe could reach a top speed of approximately 135 km/h (84 mph), which was respectable for a compact car of its era.
The de Luxe version distinguished itself mainly through its upgraded trim and interior appointments. It typically featured chrome accents around the windows and bumpers, a more detailed and padded dashboard, upgraded upholstery, and additional sound insulation. These features made the cabin feel quieter and more comfortable compared to the standard 55, making it a better choice for longer journeys or buyers who wanted a bit more style and ease in daily driving.
Externally, the DAF 55 de Luxe retained the clean lines and functional design created by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. Available body styles included the two-door saloon, three-door estate (Combi), and the sleek coupé version. The de Luxe trim usually included hubcaps, extra trim detailing, and optional extras such as a heater, better lighting, or even a radio—options that were not always standard on base models in the late 1960s.
On the road, the de Luxe maintained the same easy-going character of all DAF 55 variants. The Variomatic system made it especially appealing in urban settings where constant gear shifting in manual cars could be tiring. Combined with its compact dimensions, the de Luxe was easy to maneuver and park, but still capable of handling motorway speeds without strain.
Though never a high-performance car, the DAF 55 de Luxe offered an ideal blend of Dutch engineering quirkiness and everyday usability. Its practicality, mechanical simplicity, and unique CVT system made it a standout in the European small car market during its production run.
Today, the DAF 55 de Luxe is a charming and increasingly rare classic car. It appeals to collectors who appreciate its distinctive engineering and the quiet, underrated role it played in bringing automatic transmission technology to small, affordable vehicles long before it became common.