DAF 66

The 66 replaced the 55. The basic body design was the same as the "B-body" 44 and
55. However, the front wings, grille and bonnet were redesigned in a more "squared-
off" style. (At a glance, it could be confused for a Mk1 VW Golf or Mk2 Ford Escort)
Apart from the new front end design, the main change was to the rear suspension,
which now featured a de-dion axle design. This replaced the swing arm arrangement
from the 44 and 55 which in some hands, could produce "interesting" handling!

The 66 appeared in 1972 and was available in saloon, coupé and estate in standard,
deluxe and Marathon versions. The 1108cc Renault engine was used but soon, the
uprated 1289cc engine was used.

In 1976, Volvo had taken full control of DAF Cars and the DAF name disappeared
from the cars. However, the 66 continued in the guise as a Volvo 66 which was
basically the DAF 66 with big bumpers, highback seats, a modified transmission
selector (to make it more "normal" i.e. instead of a forward to go forward leaver, we
had a standard PRND selector). The Volvo 66 was available as a saloon or estate
(the attractive coupé body was discontinued) and carried on in production until 1980.