75 years of DAF truck production, what did those trucks look like?
In 2024, DAF truck production celebrated 75 years. In this article, we will take a look at four of those historical DAF trucks from that impressive series. Each will be accompanied by a short story and a photo. In the next newsletter, we will highlight a few more to put in the spotlight. This time, we feature the very first truck from 1949, along with those from 1955, 1957, and 1964:
1949. A dream of brothers Hub and Wim van Doorne comes true. DAF introduces its first truck. A chassis with a gasoline or diesel engine, a steering wheel, a dashboard, and the famous grille with seven chrome strips. Thanks to a simple wooden seat, the chassis can be driven to the bodybuilder—through all kinds of weather.
From the early 1950s, DAF also offers the '7-stripe' with a cab. There are two versions to choose from, with the luxury version featuring a second windshield wiper, rubber floor mats, and interior lighting. Those were indeed remarkable times.
1955. Time for the introduction of the second generation of DAF trucks. Externally recognizable by the 6 instead of 7 chrome strips in the grille. The cab becomes a “living room for the driver,” as it now features a spring seat.
This also applies to the special Tapissière, where the cab and the body form a single unit. A moving truck with an enormous amount of space, or so it seems. However, this A1300 from 1956 was equipped with a hinged platform to maintain overhead lines for trolleybuses and served in Switzerland. Special thanks to the DAF Oldtimer Truck Club for providing this information.
1957. Dutch transport companies are gradually evolving into the freight carriers of Europe. For this, trucks capable of heavier loads are needed, featuring a larger cab, a more powerful engine, and increased payload capacity.
With the new DAF 2000 DO, total weights can reach up to an impressive 35 tons. The heavyweight DAF receives an updated cab in 1965 with a modified roofline for added comfort, as seen in this beautiful box truck from 1969, provided by DAF dealer Leo Loven for the transportation of flour.
1964. It’s not hard to guess: the famous "Kikkerdaf" gets its nickname from its distinctive headlights.
The design of the cab still resembles the trucks with which DAF made its entrance into the commercial vehicle market. The updated grille now prominently displays "DAF."
The "Kikkerdaf" is suitable for a wide range of applications: from distribution in towns and cities to international transportation. For fuel suppliers, DAF even offers complete tank trucks straight from the factory with capacities of up to 17,000 liters.
If you want to see these models and a few others in person, visit the special exhibition "75 Years of DAF Truck Production" at the DAF Museum.
These trucks will be on display until May of this year.