Interesting info there, yes the Mk1 Passat is like very much like the P900 drawings. Even looks vaguely like a longer 343 in some areas, shape of rear side windows in the 3 door version, front window quarter light and general square shape. Although as you say these are probably just the style of many cars at the time!

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... AQ&dur=371

Project P-900 (DAF 77) was introduced to the public in 1972 (way before Volvo had a stake in the company). The project actually begun around 1970 with head designer Michelotti (who's design studio was based in Turin, Italy). The reason is has so many features of other cars (i.e. VW) is that Michelotti also designed for many other car companies as well. I guess it was hard to come up with many fresh design ideas when you work for Triumph, Ferarri, VW, DAF, BMW, etc. all at the same time.

John

thebear54 wrote:The reason is has so many features of other cars (i.e. VW) is that Michelotti also designed for many other car companies as well. I guess it was hard to come up with many fresh design ideas when you work for Triumph, Ferarri, VW, DAF, BMW, etc. all at the same time.

Pininfarina too

Austin A60 Cambridge:


Peugeot 404:

Yes, Those as well Rich.
The man had his hands on way too many cars.

John

John,

Even though Michelotti was involved, his contribution to the P900 project was rejected very early. The car that became the Volvo 343 was designed completely by DAF's own styling department. There was no public unveiling of the P900 as such, although De Vries' basic model was leaked to the press in 1972. It was this Passat-ish car that became the basis for further development. Michelotti had absolutely no involvement in this car. The transformation from Daf 55 to Daf 66 was conceived by the DAF design team too.