The Uber Rare Moretti Helmet Horn Button
Unraveling the history and rarity of Momo’s exclusive Moretti helmet button
by Mads – October 28, 2021
A Unique Collectible
The Moretti helmet horn button is a one-of-a-kind piece in Momo’s collection. Tiny but significant, it was produced for Gianpiero Moretti in the early 1990s, inspired by the design of the Porsche 962C he drove at the 1990 Le Mans 24 Hours. Its red face with yellow Momo logo mirrors Moretti’s helmet, making it a unique artifact in racing history.
Researching the Moretti Button
Information on Momo products is scarce. Employees and former staff often only know their small areas of responsibility, and no complete archive exists. Knowledge is pieced together from anecdotes, clues, and cross-referencing multiple sources – this is how the Moretti helmet horn button’s story has been reconstructed.
Origins and Production
The Moretti helmet horn button was reportedly designed for Gianpiero Moretti’s 50th birthday, inspired by the look of the Porsche 962C he drove at the 1990 Le Mans 24 Hours. Its red face with yellow Momo logo reflects Moretti’s helmet design. Production was limited, exact numbers unknown. One known button was manufactured in April 1991, another in September 1992.
Another account suggests a Le Mans 24 Hours promotional connection: Momo created the button to support brand visibility for the Momo Gebhardt Racing Team, with distribution possibly limited to the event and associated merchandise. Allegedly, a total of 962 buttons were produced, though sources differ on whether this number reflects production or distribution.
Relation to Momo Signature Steering Wheels
Some sources claim the Moretti signature steering wheel came with this helmet horn button. Examination of the actual wheels and boxes shows otherwise: the Moretti steering wheel from the mid-1980s came with a simple black horn button with a silver ring, similar to earlier Momo Formula 1 Enterprises “Real Wheel” designs from 1966–1967. The Moretti helmet button is a separate item, produced later, confirming it was not originally paired with a steering wheel.
Design Features
- Color: Red with yellow Momo logo
- Production timeframe: Early 1990s (1991–1992)
- Variations: no confirmed variations exist
- Association: Celebratory and design-inspired by Moretti’s Le Mans 962C helmet
Why It Matters
This button is unique. It is a rare artifact linking Momo’s brand, racing history, and Moretti’s personal legacy. For collectors, owning this item is a singular achievement and a preserved piece of motorsport history.