DAF 55 for hire in Groningen – Rally classic with Variomatic

Looking to hire a DAF 55 in Groningen? At Tonny’s Classic Drive you can rent the legendary rally classic with Variomatic – the car that stunned the world during the 1968 London–Sydney Marathon.

Forget the “granny car” image. This DAF 55 Rally is a true rally hero, fitted with a roll cage, sports exhaust and rally seats. Perfect for a day of classic car hire in Groningen, an oldtimer rally or a group outing.

The DAF 55: from “granny car” to rally champion

Forget everything you thought you knew about DAF. The 1969 DAF 55 shattered all preconceptions. With its water-cooled Renault four-cylinder engine (1108cc, 50 hp) and the legendary Variomatic transmission, this Dutch hero proved that automatic and sporty can go hand in hand.

The secret lies in the Variomatic. No conventional gearbox with gears, but two belts that continuously adjust the transmission ratio. The result is optimal traction under all conditions. And yes – it goes just as fast in reverse as it does forward. Try that in your modern automatic.

In 1968, Rob Slotemaker and Rob Janssen finished 17th in the gruelling London–Sydney Marathon. 16,000 kilometres through deserts and mud. The newspaper headline read: “The DAF is here to stay.” Our DAF 55 Rally has been converted with a roll cage and sports exhaust and closely resembles the car that delivered this legendary achievement.

Our DAF 55 Rally

Year: 1969
Engine: 1108cc Renault four-cylinder
Transmission: Variomatic (continuously variable)
Capacity: 2 persons
Features: Rally seats, roll cage, luxury satin upholstery

Want to learn more about the history of the DAF 55? Read our in-depth background article.

No classic car experience required

After a short briefing – including our YouTube video – you can drive off with confidence. The Variomatic feels familiar within five minutes. Accelerate, brake, steer. The car does the shifting itself. You only choose the direction with the clever little lever: forward, neutral or reverse.

Who is the DAF 55 Rally for?

Classic car enthusiasts who want to drive a rally without putting wear on their own car will find the DAF 55 the ideal rally machine. Do you own a classic that’s currently off the road, or do you simply want to experience what a real rally car feels like? The DAF 55 is ready at the start line.

Couples looking for a special day out choose the DAF 55 for its intimate setting. The two rally seats are comfortable and supportive, and touring through the landscapes of Groningen or Drenthe together becomes an unforgettable experience in this classic.

DAF enthusiasts and car lovers get a rare opportunity here. Only around 260 DAF 55s are still registered in the Netherlands. This is your chance to drive one – not view it in a museum, but truly experience it from behind the wheel.

Groups who want to tour together combine the DAF 55 with other cars from our fleet of classic cars in Groningen. Two people in the DAF, the rest in a Renault 4, Citroën DS or Fiat 500 – heading out together, creating stories together.

Combine with our routes

The DAF 55 Rally is perfectly suited to the routes we offer as part of classic car hire in Groningen.

The Groninger Grain Republic Route (101.5 km) – past stately manor houses, farmland and the Wadden Sea. Discover five centuries of history in a car that is history itself.

The Industrial Heritage Route (117 km) – via UNESCO World Heritage site Veenhuizen to historic mills. The DAF 55 feels right at home here: Dutch heritage driving through Dutch heritage.

The Picnic Route – take a picnic basket (€25 per person) and enjoy local delicacies at one of the beautiful stops along the way.

Rates DAF 55 Rally

1 day (150 km included): €175
Additional day: €87.50 per day
Week (7 days): €650

Included:
Third-party + all-risk insurance
Passenger accident insurance
150 km included per day
Route book of your choice
Personal instruction
24/7 telephone support

Optional:
Picnic basket: €25 per person

Practical information

Pick-up location: Groningerweg 40, Groningen
Driving licence: Category B
Minimum age: 21 years

Reservations

Would you like to hire the DAF 55 Rally? Get in touch:

Email: reserveren@tonnysclassicdrive.com
Phone: +31 50 211 2459
WhatsApp: Send a message
Website: Book directly

Drive the Past, Create Timeless Memories.

Tonny’s Classic Drive – DAF 55 rental | Classic car hire Groningen | Classic car rental Netherlands | Oldtimer rally car hire | A day driving a classic