Description
The DAF 66 Marathon 1300 was the sportiest and most performance-oriented version of the DAF 66 range. Introduced in the early 1970s, it was designed to appeal to younger drivers and those looking for a livelier driving experience, all while retaining the core DAF characteristics of simplicity, practicality, and the unique Variomatic transmission.
Visually, the Marathon 1300 stood out with several sporty touches. It often featured distinctive striping along the sides, blacked-out grilles, sportier wheels, and sometimes additional badges or decals to highlight its identity. Inside, the cabin was also upgraded slightly compared to the standard models, with sport-style seats, a more comprehensive instrument cluster, and unique trim details that emphasized its performance aspirations.
At the heart of the DAF 66 Marathon 1300 was a 1.3-litre Renault-sourced four-cylinder engine. This engine provided more power than the base 1.1-litre versions, offering noticeably improved acceleration and a higher top speed. When paired with the Variomatic continuously variable transmission, the Marathon 1300 delivered a smooth yet spirited drive. The CVT system allowed the engine to stay in its power band, giving the car surprisingly responsive performance for its class.
The suspension setup in the Marathon version was also slightly tweaked to support more enthusiastic driving. It retained the de Dion rear axle introduced across the DAF 66 range, which improved ride quality and handling. Combined with the low weight of the car and the efficient powertrain, the Marathon 1300 offered an agile and enjoyable driving experience, especially on winding roads and in urban environments.
The DAF 66 Marathon 1300 was available in both saloon and coupé body styles, with the coupé being especially popular among enthusiasts due to its sleeker design. While it didn’t rival true sports cars in performance, it occupied a unique niche as a small, automatic car with a sporty edge, making it especially attractive to younger drivers in countries where DAF had a strong presence.
Production of the Marathon 1300 ended in 1975 when Volvo took over DAF’s passenger car division. While the core DAF 66 platform lived on as the Volvo 66, the distinctively styled and badged Marathon models were not continued.
Today, the DAF 66 Marathon 1300 is one of the most collectible versions of the DAF 66 lineup. Its sporty character, distinctive looks, and rare combination of performance and Variomatic technology make it a fascinating example of 1970s European motoring with a uniquely Dutch twist.