DAF 55 Coupe (1968)Anrie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

DAF 55 Coupe

1968 — Netherlands

Muscle Era (1960-1974)Other EuropeanSwinging Sixties
Engine1,108 cc
DrivetrainRWD

DAF 55 Coupe

DAF's innovative Variomatic belt-driven CVT transmission made the 55 Coupe a technical curiosity with remarkable capabilities. The stepless transmission provided seamless acceleration and, famously, the same top speed in reverse as forward. Michelotti styled the attractive coupe body, making it sportier than DAF's usual economy offerings. The 55 Coupe achieved surprising success in rallying, where the CVT's constant power delivery proved advantageous on loose surfaces.