Under the Radar: Abarth Horn Buttons
Less obvious than Momo — but just as interesting.
by Mads – March 16, 2023
Collecting Abarth Horn Buttons
Abarth horn buttons don’t follow the same clearly defined generations. Instead, they offer a wider variety of designs, with subtle changes over time and fewer documented references.
That makes them harder to categorize — but also more interesting for collectors.
Abarth vs. Momo
Abarth horn buttons are often compared to Momo, but the structure is different.
There are no strict generations. Instead, the main distinction is between early designs (before the mid-1970s) and later versions.
Like the steering wheels, not all Abarth horn buttons were produced by Momo — which adds another layer of variation.
Early Designs (1967 – Mid 1970s)
The first Abarth horn buttons appeared around 1967, alongside early Abarth steering wheels.
Most well-known is the classic crest with:
- checkered flag
- silver scorpion
- blue, yellow and red shield
These early versions typically feature a chrome ring and come in various color combinations, including:
- yellow/red
- light red
- dark red
- dark blue
- black
They represent the most iconic and widely recognized Abarth horn button designs.
Later Designs (Mid 1970s and After)
From the mid-1970s onwards, the design shifted.
The chrome ring was replaced by a black plastic ring — a change also seen on Momo horn buttons during the same period.
Despite this similarity, production sources still varied, and not all Abarth horn buttons from this era were made by Momo.
Limited Documentation
Unlike Momo, Abarth horn buttons are less documented.
Period advertisements are rare and often low quality, making it difficult to verify details. Many are black and white, which doesn’t help when identifying color variations or subtle differences.
This lack of reference material adds to the challenge — and the appeal.
A Note on Authenticity
Despite being less mainstream, Abarth horn buttons are heavily copied.
In fact, over time, more reproductions appear on the market than for many other brands. The variety and limited documentation make them an easy target.
As with other horn buttons, the back often reveals the truth:
- construction details
- connector design
- overall build quality
Comparing with known originals is essential.
Two examples of legit early Abarth (or Momo) horn buttons:
And a not so legit one:
What to Look For
When evaluating an Abarth horn button:
- check the back construction carefully
- compare with verified originals
- pay attention to materials and finishing
If something feels off, it usually is.
Final Thoughts
Abarth horn buttons sit slightly under the radar — but that’s exactly what makes them interesting.
Less structured, less documented and often more diverse than their Momo counterparts, they offer a different kind of appeal.
For collectors, that means more variation — but also a greater need for careful evaluation.
Not sure if an Abarth horn button is original?
Feel free to reach out — a second opinion can make all the difference.