Classic DAF

55
The 55 meant a big change for the Daf company. It was introduced in December 1967 and it was the first car produced with a 4-cylinder in-line water cooled engine.

The engine, a 1.100 cc, was supplied by Renault. The bodywork of the 55 resembled the 44. The 55 was only available in one version, slightly more luxurious than the 44 Luxe. The 55 was supposed to attract new customers to Daf, but that didn't work out as well as thought.
In 1968 Daf entered two 55愀 in the London-Sydney Marathon. Both cars finished, one as seventeenth and one as fifty seventh. This produced a lot of positive publicity for Daf. To profit from this success Daf made an improvement kit for the 55 to upgrade it to Marathon specifications. This Marathon kit was available from January 1969 onwards. It consisted of light alloy STIL wheels, a rev counter, an engine modification set, special rear springs to improve road holding and a new exhaust pipe placed in the center of the car. This kit proved to be successful, so Daf introduced the factory 55 Marathon in 1971. This version also had a brake assister, carpet on the floors, and 13 inch wheels with black covers. The car a the double Marathon striping on it愀 sides.
In 1972, the 55 was replaced by the 66.

TECHNICAL DATA 55
Engine type:	4 cylinder in-line / 4 stroke / water cooled
Cubic capacity:	1108cc
Bore x stroke:	70 x 72
Power:	50 hp at 5000 RPM
Compression ratio:	8,5:1
Clutch:	automatic centrifugal clutch in drum
Variomatic ratios:	14,87:1 / 3,73:1
Front brakes:	hydraulic disc
Rear brakes:	hydraulic drum
Front suspension:	independent
Rear suspension:	commute axle with helical spring
Body:	integral body and frame
Wheel base:	2250 mm
Length x width:	3880 mm x 1540 mm
Weight:	785 kg
Maximum weight:	1.110 kg
Electrical system:	12 V
Tyre size:	135 x 14 inch
Fuel tank:	38 ltr.
Top speed:	136 kph
Acceleration 0-80:	12 sec.
Body types:	Sedan, Coupé, Combi, Delivery van
Years of production:	1967 - 1972
Total production:	153.263

TECHNICAL DATA 55 MARATHON

Engine type: 4 cylinder in-line / 4 stroke / water cooled

Cubic capacity: 1108cc

Bore x stroke: 70 x 72

Power: 63 hp at 5600 RPM

Compression ratio: 10:1

Clutch: automatic centrifugal clutch in drum

Variomatic ratios: 14,87:1 / 3,73:1

Front brakes: hydraulic disc

Rear brakes: hydraulic drum

Front suspension: indepedent

Rear suspension: comute axle with helical spring

Body: integral body and frame

Wheel base: 2250 mm

Length x width: 3880 mm x 1540 mm

Weight: 790 kg

Maximum weight: 1.180 kg

Electrical system: 12 V

Tyre size: 155 x 13 inch

Fuel tank: 38 ltr.

Top speed: 145 kph

Acceleration 0-80: 10,5 sec.

Body types: Sedan, Coupé

Years of production: 1971 - 1972

Total production: 10.967