Description
The DAF 555 Coupé is a particularly rare and somewhat enigmatic model in DAF’s history, as it was never part of the company’s regular production lineup. In fact, the DAF 555 was more of a prototype or concept vehicle rather than a mass-produced model. It was developed in the early 1970s as part of DAF’s exploration into higher-performance and more modern compact vehicles, potentially intended to bridge the gap between the 55 and the upcoming DAF 66 range.
The DAF 555 Coupé was based on the underpinnings of the DAF 55, but with a focus on increased performance and sportier styling. The exact engine specifications vary across sources, but it is believed to have used an enhanced version of the Renault-sourced 1.1-litre engine, possibly tuned to produce more than the standard 50–65 horsepower found in the DAF 55 and Marathon models. Some sources even suggest it was fitted with a larger engine under development at the time, though these details remain largely anecdotal.
As with other DAF vehicles, the 555 retained the brand’s unique Variomatic continuously variable transmission, a hallmark of the company’s engineering identity. This system provided smooth acceleration and made the car remarkably easy to drive. The Variomatic was capable of handling the additional power, and DAF was actively testing its use in motorsport during this period, particularly in rally cars derived from the 55.
Visually, the DAF 555 Coupé took cues from the DAF 55 Coupé but was given a more dynamic and forward-looking design. Some prototypes and mockups featured sleeker lines, a lower profile, and more aggressive front-end styling. It was intended to look faster and more modern than the standard Coupé, with potential inspiration from sportier Italian and German compact cars of the time.
Inside, the 555 likely featured a cabin similar to the 55 Coupé, albeit with sportier touches such as more supportive seats, different instrumentation, and possibly a sport steering wheel. As a prototype, interior fittings may have varied depending on the specific show model or development version.
Ultimately, the DAF 555 Coupé never entered production. It served more as a developmental test bed and styling exercise for future models. The arrival of the DAF 66 in 1972, with its larger body, revised suspension, and further-refined Variomatic system, rendered the 555 concept unnecessary. Many of the ideas behind the 555 carried forward into the 66 and later the Volvo 66, after Volvo acquired DAF’s passenger car operations.
Today, the DAF 555 Coupé is a fascinating “what if” chapter in the story of Dutch carmaking. Surviving prototypes or images, if any, are extremely rare, and the model is known primarily to dedicated DAF historians and enthusiasts. Its legacy lives on as a glimpse of how DAF might have evolved had they continued pushing further into the performance compact market.