The patented Variomatic transmission was the unique selling point of the Daf saloons and light commercial vehicles. With its small 32hp two-cylinder engine and a load capacity of 450kg the Daf 33 van, or ‘Combi’, might not have been suitable for the long haul, but the continuously variable transmission made it perfect for city deliveries with many stop-and-start duties. It was easy to handle and very quick in busy traffic. For these reasons the Combi was not only used by small merchants, but also by larger companies such as the former PTT (Dutch Royal Mail and Telephone Company) for
postal deliveries and technical maintenance. This specific vehicle was owned by a house painter in the province of Brabant in the south of The Netherlands, who used it until 2013.
The Daf 33 was introduced in 1967, one year after the larger and more modern looking, Michelotti-designed 44, and was the smaller car in the Daf range. Approximately 130,000 were made.
Engine
746cc air-cooled flat-twin
Power output
32hp
Load capacity
450kg
Special details
In use until 2013