Description
The DAF Daffodil 31 was a small family car produced by the Dutch manufacturer DAF (Van Doorne’s Automobiel Fabriek) during the early 1960s. It was introduced in 1963 as an updated version of the earlier DAF Daffodil 30, continuing the company’s efforts to provide affordable, practical cars equipped with innovative technology for the mass market. The Daffodil 31 retained the compact design and mechanical layout of its predecessor while featuring slight refinements in styling and comfort.
At the heart of the Daffodil 31 was DAF’s hallmark feature: the Variomatic transmission. This was a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, one of the first of its kind in a production car. It used a set of rubber drive belts and variable-diameter pulleys to provide a seamless range of gear ratios, eliminating the need for manual gear changes or a clutch. The system made driving simpler, especially in urban settings, and allowed the car to maintain optimal engine performance across different speeds.
The engine powering the Daffodil 31 was a 746 cc air-cooled flat-twin, producing around 30 horsepower. It delivered modest but sufficient performance for a small city car of the time. The car’s top speed was approximately 100 km/h (62 mph), and while acceleration was not brisk, the smooth operation of the Variomatic transmission helped make up for the lack of power in everyday driving.
Visually, the Daffodil 31 featured minor exterior updates compared to the Daffodil 30, with slightly revised trim and body details that gave it a cleaner and more modern appearance. The body style remained a two-door saloon, with practical proportions and an emphasis on simplicity and functionality. Inside, the cabin offered basic seating and controls, with improved trim and finish over earlier models, aiming to appeal to the growing European middle class.
The Daffodil 31 was marketed as a dependable and user-friendly family car. It was especially popular in the Netherlands but also found buyers across other parts of Europe. Its appeal lay in the combination of low running costs, ease of use, and mechanical innovation. The automatic nature of the Variomatic made it accessible to drivers of all experience levels, including those who found manual transmissions challenging.
Production of the DAF Daffodil 31 continued until 1965, when it was replaced by the DAF Daffodil 32. While it was never a high-performance car, the Daffodil 31 played a significant role in DAF’s early automotive history and showcased the company’s commitment to innovation in small car engineering. Today, it remains a charming and quirky classic, appreciated for its originality and the forward-thinking technology it embodied in a modest and economical package.