Spotted: a driveway full of Dutch glory

Unless you include the models NedCar produced (and is producing) in Born, the Netherlands has not had its own auto industry for decades. Okay, we had Spyker and we still have Donkervoort, but those are small numbers. Once it was different, thanks to “den DAF. The lovable compact cars were everywhere. Eventually the passenger car division of DAF merged into Volvo, but even the popular Volvo 300 series may still be seen as a truly Dutch product.

From folk to hobby car

In their own time, however, the DAFs and the Volvo 300 series were not the most sparkling models, so it took a while for them to be “discovered” by vintage and youngtimer enthusiasts. The DAF’jes have had a loyal fan base for some time now, and it seems that the Volvo 300 series, too, is now finally getting the appreciation it deserves.

A nostalgic driveway

The cars that shine in this column this week clearly belong to an enthusiast who cherishes Dutch automotive history. Not only are no fewer than three archetypal Dutch products in front of the door, they look as if they are new. While it’s a bit awkward to photograph in someone’s driveway – which is why we’re not disclosing the spot location at this point – we couldn’t just walk by this one.

A 1982 Volvo 345 GL

Standing proudly in front of the door – rightly so – is this still very beautiful and “of course” original Dutch Volvo 345 GL Automatic. The car is from 1982, making it post the first facelift. That means it no longer has the distinctive DAF front end, but it still has the older type of taillights. It is also an earlier specimen than most Volvo 300s you still come across.

A DAF 46 from 1977

On the side of the house there is also something nice: an also original Dutch and still as new Daf 46 from 1977. The 46 was the slightly modernized successor to the nearly identical DAF 44. However, according to our information, production of the 46 ran until 1976, but since it was registered in early 1977, this may be a late example that had to wait a while for registration. In front of the 46 is another white DAF “station wagon,” but exactly what model that is otherwise cannot be seen this way.