In the early 1970s, Volvo began to think about expanding the model line through the production of small cars. As a result, in 1972, Volvo acquired a third of the shares of the Dutch company DAF Car BV , which in those years was considered as the leading developer of innovative small cars, where Volvo had not been represented before. As a result, in 1975, when the company DAF Car BV was experiencing financial difficulties, Volvo increased its share in the passenger compartment of DAF from 33 to 75%, becoming in fact its owner. The new company became known as Volvo Car BV.
| Volvo 66 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Total information | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Cars |
| Years of production | 1975 - 1980 A total of 106 137 units were produced. |
| Assembly |  Volvo Car BV ( Netherlands ) |
| Class | Compact |
| Design | |
| Body type | 2-dv. hatchback (4 places) 3-dv. sedan (4-seater) |
| Layout | front-wheel, rear-wheel drive |
| Wheel formula | 4 × 2 |
| Engine | |
| 1.1 L 47 HP P4 1.3 L 57 HP P4 | |
| Transmission | |
| DAF Variomatic | |
| Specifications | |
| Mass-dimensional | |
| Length | 3880 mm |
| Height | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2250 mm |
| Weight | 820 kg |
| Dynamic | |
| Top speed | 128 km / h |
| On the market | |
| Segment | B segment |
| Other | |
| Volume of the tank | 42 l |
| Designer | Giovanni Michelotti |
As a result, gaining access to technology, Volvo created a 66-series model that goes directly to the 1973 DAF 66 developed by Giovanni Michelotti. Volvo 66 was presented in the two-door body of a mini sedan, as well as in the version of the mini station wagon with three doors. It was decided to abandon the coupe based on the DAF 66 Coupé.
In essence, the Volvo 66 is a redesigned DAF 66 with improvements mainly related to safety. Other seats with headrests were installed in it, before they were equipped with a safe steering wheel, steel amplifiers in the doors and reinforced bumpers. As well as a disconnecting servo, which allowed the driver to shift gears while the throttle was on (in older DAF models, this was not possible, because increased idle speed caused the centrifugal clutch to turn on). In addition, the Volvo 66 received a parking mode in the variator, which blocks the transmission.
The machine was equipped with hydraulic disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, and also had a rear suspension of the “De Dion” type.
Since 1977, the station wagon version has been equipped with a wiper on the rear trunk lid.
Links
- Volvo 66 1975 on the official website of Volvo Cars in Russia.