Abarth Rally Steering Wheel
Some designs don’t try to compete.
They simply exist.
by Mads – Updated March, 2026
A Different Choice
For many, the default is obvious:
Momo Prototipo.
For others, it isn’t.
The Abarth steering wheel has always been the quieter alternative –
chosen by people who know exactly what they’re looking at.
Origins of a Rally Icon
The classic Abarth steering wheel became widely known in the 1960s and 70s.
Used across:
- Fiat Abarth models
- Lancia
- Autobianchi
- and various rally cars
It earned its nickname: Abarth Rally.
Even though there was never an official name.
Sizes & Variants
The Abarth steering wheel was available in:
- 320mm
- 350mm
- 370mm
Closely related versions — without Abarth branding — were also produced for manufacturers like:
- Autobianchi
- Lancia
These included additional sizes like 330mm and 380mm.
Design & Materials
- anodized aluminum spokes (black or silver)
- distinctive elongated spoke slots
- foam grip with subtle contour
Compared to many period steering wheels:
- lighter
- more minimal
- less decorative
The design sits somewhere between road and rally.
Early vs Late Versions
There are clear differences between early and later wheels.
Early Version
- larger spoke slots
- thinner grip (~28.6mm)
- early Momo manufacturing marks (e.g. 12707)
Later Version
- slightly thicker grip (~31.2mm)
- “Made in Italy” stamping on the back
- cleaner, more refined appearance
Momo & Abarth
Despite the branding:
Abarth did not manufacture these wheels.
They were produced by Momo.
Early examples even predate the official Momo branding,
which explains the unusual markings found on some wheels.
Motorsport & Reality
The Abarth steering wheel is often associated with racing.
And yes — it was used in rally cars.
But technically:
It was never a pure motorsport wheel.
- thinner than true racing wheels
- less aggressive grip
- more balanced for road use
Still, it offered something important:
control without excess.
The Porsche Connection
Over time, the Abarth steering wheel became popular among Porsche enthusiasts.
Especially as an alternative to the extremely rare: Porsche 911R Steering Wheel
While similar at first glance, they are not the same:
- the 911R wheel is based on a modified Momo Monza
- flat design vs. Abarth’s semi-dish
- different spoke geometry
Still, the visual proximity made the Abarth a natural substitute.
Details That Matter
Small differences define these wheels:
- spoke slot size
- grip thickness
- stamping position
- horn button variations
Even the placement of “Made in Italy” varies.
There’s no single version — only variations.
Final Thought
The Abarth steering wheel never tried to be universal.
It stayed specific.
And that’s exactly why it still works.
