Description
The DAF 66 Coupé 1300 Rallye was a special and rare version of the DAF 66 aimed at motorsport-minded drivers and enthusiasts. Introduced in the early 1970s, it was developed to highlight DAF’s interest in rallying and to showcase the potential of its Variomatic transmission in a more performance-focused setting.
This model was based on the DAF 66 Coupé body, which already had a sleeker and sportier profile than the saloon or estate versions. The Rallye version took this one step further with unique exterior graphics, sport stripes, rally-style detailing, and often bold colour combinations that distinguished it from other models in the lineup. These visual cues gave the car a purposeful, aggressive stance that echoed DAF’s motorsport ambitions.
Under the bonnet, the Coupé 1300 Rallye was powered by a tuned version of the 1.3-litre Renault-sourced inline-four engine. This engine delivered more power than the standard 1300 and was paired with DAF’s advanced Variomatic continuously variable transmission. While CVTs were generally known for smooth and easy driving, DAF had proven that they could also perform competitively in motorsport, particularly in rallies and hill climbs. The Rallye version of the Variomatic system was often specially calibrated for quicker response and better use of the engine’s power band.
The suspension and handling of the DAF 66 Coupé 1300 Rallye were enhanced compared to regular models. The standard de Dion rear axle provided a solid foundation, but the Rallye often came with firmer springs, upgraded dampers, and wider tyres to improve road holding and cornering stability. The steering was light and responsive, and combined with the CVT’s seamless power delivery, the Rallye offered a very different kind of driving experience for a small, lightweight car of its era.
Inside, the car featured a more utilitarian and sporty interior layout, possibly with bucket-style front seats, a rally-style steering wheel, additional gauges, and minimal trim to reduce weight and emphasize its performance nature. Some versions may have included rally instrumentation such as a rev counter and auxiliary switches.
Though the DAF 66 Coupé 1300 Rallye was never mass-produced in high numbers, it played an important role in DAF’s public image. It served as a halo model, showing that the Variomatic system was not just for economy but could also be competitive and exciting in the right configuration.
Today, the DAF 66 Coupé 1300 Rallye is a highly sought-after rarity among collectors. It represents a unique intersection of quirky Dutch engineering, motorsport heritage, and the innovative use of continuously variable transmission in a sporty package. For enthusiasts, it stands as one of the most interesting and characterful vehicles DAF ever built.