Every collection needs a conversation piece, and in the Mohrschladt Family Collection, that car is the DAF 750 Daffodil, a much-adored, loveable little Chihuahua of a car, happily admired by all who see it both on the street and on display. Built by a large Dutch manufacturer, more famous for its production of heavy trucks, the charming Daffodil was, in many ways, a technological wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its drivetrain was remarkably advanced, including a flat, air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, allowing space for a surprisingly large interior; independent rear suspension; and, most prominently, Variomatic automatic transmission.

Variomatic was one of the first continuously variable transmissions to be utilized in a production automobile. The company pioneered its original design in 1955 and spent four more years fine-tuning it in research and development, finally debuting a production version in the prototype DAF 600 passenger car in 1958. The 600 eventually evolved into the 750, with a larger, more efficient 750-cubic centimeter engine, and available in more “luxurious” Daffodil trim. The Daffodil’s Variomatic employed two transmissions, one per rear wheel; should one transmission fail, the other transmission will be sufficient to keep the car in motion. It was, simply put, fascinating technology, and it remains so today.

According to Mr. Mohrschladt, his Daffodil was originally used to get around the grounds of a large estate in Brookville, Long Island (still not a bad purpose for it today). The former owner told him that he acquired the car from its original owner and that it received a full restoration “to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance standards” in 1995. While the DAF may not be invited to the Monterey Peninsula anytime soon, its condition is certainly worthy; aside from some light scratching of the windshield glass and some trim chrome, it remains in beautiful condition, with beautiful bodywork finished correctly in factory-style BASF Glasurit paint, and a wonderful, authentic interior. Undoubtedly no Daffodil is in as fine a condition.

Offered with its workshop manuals, a correct spare, and a jack, this wonderful little automobile will undoubtedly be among the most popular in its new owner’s stable.