Momo Prototipo — Complete History, Generations & Collector’s Guide
Mads van Appeldoorn
November 9, 2025
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Why the Momo Prototipo Became a Religion Among Vintage Car Enthusiasts
The Momo Prototipo — for many vintage car aficionados, it’s not just a steering wheel. It’s the drug of choice, the holy grail of motorsport heritage. Momo has used the name Prototipo for more than half a century, and during that time, it has evolved from a simple steering wheel into an icon of design and racing history. For countless classic-car lovers, owning a Momo Prototipo is almost a rite of passage.
When a journalist recently asked me for my opinion on the Momo Prototipo, I realized how deep this story goes. I wanted to compile everything known about the different generations, the markings, the sizes, and the surface finishes — even if exact production years and transitions between generations remain uncertain. To do so, I went through old Momo catalogs and period advertisements, cross-checked dates, and compared them to the wheels in my own collection (and a few that have passed through my hands).
Some inconsistencies remain, of course. But here’s my attempt to give a clear overview — for those who own one, want one, or are simply wondering whether the Momo Prototipo is the right vintage steering wheel for them, and why it’s still so sought after.
Pile of second-generation Momo Prototipos
a well-kept, well-preserved example
The Prototipo earned its legendary status through decades of racing success. It appeared in some of the most iconic race cars of the 1960s and 1970s — the Porsche 908, 910, and 917, among others. For many, that makes it the steering wheel to have. It’s timeless, reliable, and still in production today. Yet for those who want to stand out, there are other remarkable Momo models — the Monza, Le Mans, or Sebring — each carrying its own story from the racetrack.
In this article, I’ll focus on the first three generations of the Momo Prototipo — roughly from its birth in the mid-1960s to the late 1980s — the era that defined its legend.
First Generation Momo Prototipo Steering Wheel (1966–1971)
The first generation of the Momo Prototipo can easily be identified by its engraved logo on the lower part of the center spoke. Unlike later printed versions, this early engraving was cut directly into the metal — and since the templates were far from perfect, no two logos look exactly the same. On a black anodized wheel, the engraving stands out beautifully; on a silver one, it’s barely visible. That’s one reason why collectors often prefer the black first-generation wheels.
Just like other Momo steering wheels from the 1966–1967 period, the earliest Prototipos came with one of three different stampings on the back of the center spoke:
- “12707 MOMO Made in Italy”
- “MOMO”
- “PAT. MOMO ITALY”
first-generation Momo Prototipo logo
black 320mm Momo Prototipo steering wheel
first-generation Momo Prototipo Logo
silver 360mm Momo Prototipo steering wheel
Although all of these markings belong to the same general era, it’s unclear exactly when Momo used which one. After this period, Momo switched to the stacked logo on the back of the spokes. The 1972 Momo catalog already shows the silkscreen-printed Prototipo logo of the second generation, which suggests that the first generation ended around 1971.
In terms of sizes, the first-generation Momo Prototipo was available in 320mm, 360mm, 370mm and 380mm. Some period ads mention a 350mm version, but that remains unconfirmed. The examples in my own collection — 320, 360 and 380mm — are all flat wheels with the stacked logo on the back. Both flat and semi-dish versions existed, though all semi-dish Prototipos I’ve seen belong to the later stacked-logo period, roughly 1968 to 1973.
first-generation Momo Prototipo, 380mm, black, flat
first-generation Momo Prototipo logo
380mm Momo Prototipo. black
first-generation Momo Prototipo, 360mm, silver, flat
first-generation Momo Prototipo logo
360mm Momo Prototipo. silver
Second Generation Momo Prototipo Steering Wheel (1972–1980)
The second generation of the Momo Prototipo brought the most noticeable change: the logo. Instead of the engraved Prototipo logo at the lower edge of the center spoke, Momo switched to silkscreen printing the logo in the middle of the spoke. The placement varied slightly from wheel to wheel, and there seems to have been no strict rule. Silver wheels featured black paint for the logo, while black wheels received white paint.
Another distinction within the second generation lies in the backside markings. Between 1968 and 1973, Prototipos carried the stacked Momo logo on the back of the center spoke. Later examples were stamped with the Momo logo on the front. Following this period, from 1974 to 1976, the wheels were marked either Made in Italy or Made in Italy M20340. Interestingly, two otherwise identical 350mm flat wheels can differ significantly: one with the plain “Made in Italy” stamp weighs 740 g, while the “Made in Italy M20340” version weighs 1064 g.
second-generation Momo Prototipo, 370mm, flat
second-generation Momo & Prototipo logo in different spots
Around mid-1977, Momo began printing exact production dates (MM-YY) on the back of the wheels, helping collectors narrow down manufacturing periods. The exact transition from the second to the third generation is unclear, but based on my collection, it likely occurred sometime between January and July 1980.
Regarding sizes, the second-generation Momo Prototipo focused primarily on 320mm, 350mm, and 370mm, each available in black or silver. Other rare sizes exist but were likely not sold to the general public.
second-generation Momo Prototipo, 370mm, semi-dish
early silkscreen printed Prototipo logo, stacked Momo logo on the back
stacked Momo logo on the back of the earlier second-generation wheels
Made in Italy, M 20340 on the back of the later (1974-1976) wheels
Third Generation Momo Prototipo Steering Wheel (1980s-)
The third generation of the Momo Prototipo began in the first half of 1980. The logo remained silkscreen-printed on the center spoke, but its design was updated: the font became narrower, and Momo added a box around the logo — a square with rounded corners.
Collectors will notice another subtle change: the edges around the spoke holes. Previously rounded, the edges became sharper in later models. If you run your finger along a wheel, the difference is immediately noticeable. The latest Momo Prototipo Heritage wheels are particularly sharp compared to earlier versions.
third-generation Prototipo logo, sharp edges
second-generation Prototipo logo, round edges
In terms of sizes and dish, Momo largely continued the offerings from the second generation. However, at some point, certain sizes were quietly discontinued, including the flat Momo Prototipo. The last 370mm semi-dish wheel I have seen dates from January 1984, marking the end of production for that size. Collectors around the world are still hoping for a comeback of the 370mm Prototipo.
In the late 1980s, the font on the back, the “Made in Italy” stamp, and the production date were all updated once again. That’s where my historical interest in Momo Prototipos ends — my collection only goes up to 1988. (Although I do have younger daily drivers, retrofitting a Momo steering wheel into a modern car — a Tesla, for instance — is not really an option.)
early third-generation stamp on the back
later third-generation stamp on the back
Other Momo Prototipo Steering Wheels & Special Variants
There are countless Momo Prototipo variants, many of which were never available to the general public. The Prototipo wheels used in legendary Porsche 908, 910, and 917 race cars were slightly different from standard models, including a unique logo. These wheels measured 360mm in diameter, featured three padded spokes, and had a semi-dish design. Produced from 1969 onward, they were made exclusively for these race cars and were never sold in retail stores.
Some other variants are also well known among collectors. One example is the Momo Prototipo S, which came in two generations. It is not entirely clear whether the Prototipo S followed the same generational timeline as the standard Prototipo. The first-generation Prototipo S, for instance, features a silkscreen-printed logo similar to the second-generation standard Prototipo. And it came with a odd-looking horn-pad.
Momo Prototipo S, 1st generation
Momo Prototipo S, silkscreen printed logo
Why the Older Momo Prototipo Wheels Are So Coveted
When it comes to vintage collectibles, the older, the better — and this certainly applies to classic cars, fine wine, guitars, watches, and of course, the Momo Prototipo steering wheel. First-generation Prototipos, in particular, are rare and highly sought after, especially in excellent condition. My own wheel holds a place of honor in my collection, but there are always a few Momo Prototipo steering wheels available for sale worldwide.
Whether you’re a collector, racer, or vintage car enthusiast, securing a Prototipo is about owning a piece of motorsport history. Check the latest listings and discover which wheel could be the perfect addition to your collection.
