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Draft:PACTO Helmets

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Danilo Coto Cruz and PACTO Helmets

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Danilo Coto Cruz is a Costa Rican entrepreneur and artisan known for his handcrafted vintage racing helmets. Founder of the brand PACTO Helmets, he has gained international recognition for producing vintage-style helmets and accessories for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Early Life and Background

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Danilo Coto Cruz was born in Cartago, Costa Rica, in 1970. From an early age, Coto developed a fascination with history, spurred by stories from his father, Javier,  about significant events such as the Pacto de Ochomogo, a treaty that ended Costa Rica’s Civil War in 1948.

In his youth, Coto became deeply passionate about motorcycles and history, particularly the racing culture of past decades. He avidly read books and magazines about vintage motorcycles, especially the history of classic motorcycle races such as the Isle of Man TT and the German Grand Prix. His passion for history and his love for motorcycles shaped Coto’s future path, leading him to become one of the world’s most respected creators of handcrafted vintage helmets. His brand now has a strong presence at several iconic vintage car racing events, including the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia.

Motorcycle Restoration and Early Career

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At the age of 19, while studying agricultural engineering at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica, Coto began restoring motorcycles. He later moved to San José, where he pursued a civil engineering degree and became involved in the classic motorcycle community. His passion for motorcycles led him to become the Costa Rican Antique Motorcycle Club president in the early 2000s. During this time, he began collecting rare motorcycles, including a Zundapp KS601 Sport and developed an interest in vintage motorcycle helmets. By 2001, he had purchased another significant bike, an NSU Konsul 500 cc, which led to his participation in the NSU Rally in Germany. It was during this trip that his interest in vintage helmets blossomed, starting with the gift of a Romer helmet from a German antique dealer.

The Beginning of PACTO Helmets

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Coto's journey into helmet manufacturing began serendipitously. In 1999, he acquired a rare NSU Konsul 500 motorcycle and traveled to Germany to participate in a rally organized by the NSU Konsul Club. His growing admiration for vintage helmets led him to design and handcraft his own helmet after being inspired by a gift of a vintage Romer helmet in Germany. With no readily available manufacturers for the specific helmets he desired, Coto decided to create his own, employing his engineering background and skills in fiberglass and PVC.

In 2012, Coto founded PACTO Helmets, a brand specializing in vintage racing helmets inspired by designs from the 1950s and 1960s. His first helmet garnered international attention when he posted it on social media, leading to a commission from the owner of one of the oldest motorcycle accessory shops in history, located in London. This collaboration marked the beginning of PACTO's growth in the global vintage racing community.

PACTO’s Growth and International Recognition

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PACTO Helmets, particularly their 1958 "Jet helmet" designs, became popular among classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts in the UK, Japan, and beyond. PACTO expanded its offerings to include visors, gloves, footwear, and other accessories tailored to vintage auto and motorcycle racing. Coto's helmets are handcrafted with fiberglass shells, cork liners, and leather detailing, allowing for extensive customization, making them highly sought-after by collectors and participants in prestigious racing events.

One of Coto's most significant career milestones occurred when Bill Vero, son of the founder of Everoak, the legendary manufacturer of Formula 1 helmets, praised Coto's work and invited him to collaborate on the production of specific parts for their helmets.

Collaboration with the Film Industry and Special Projects

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In 2016, James Mangold, director of the film Ford v Ferrari, commissioned PACTO to produce helmets, visors, gloves, and other vintage racing gear for the film. This marked a pivotal moment for PACTO, further solidifying its reputation in the vintage racing world.

In June 2022, PACTO Helmets was approached by the production team working with acclaimed film director Michael Mann for the Ferrari movie. The film's costume department, led by costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini, sought to accurately depict the racing gear using period-correct items. The request was for a quote on 23 helmets, 12 pairs of shoes, and 10 rain visors. Coincidentally, PACTO's team was in Italy at the time, just a short distance from the costume department's office. This allowed them to attend an immediate meeting where they took detailed notes on the helmets' manufacturing requirements. Specifications such as exact colors, buckle shades, and visor lengths were discussed, with all details needing to match the helmets used by drivers in the 1957 Mille Miglia. These drivers included legends like Alfonso de Portago, Edmund Nelson, Wolfgang von Trips, Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn, Olivier Gendebien, Peter Collins, Stirling Moss, and Jean Behra.

The project spanned more than six months of production, during which PACTO Helmets conducted extensive research into the specific helmets worn by drivers during that era. This research involved analyzing historical photographs and original video footage and even included contributions from the daughter of Piero Taruffi, who provided images of her father’s helmet.

In 2023, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello approached PACTO Helmets with a request for several replicas of the helmets used in Michael Mann’s Ferrari film. These replicas, including those of the helmets worn by Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hill, and John Surtees, were intended for display at the museum. As of January 2024, these helmets are showcased in the museum’s famous Window of Champions.

PACTO has also provided helmets and accessories for numerous international racing events, including collaborations with Goodwood Revival, the Mille Miglia, and the Bernina Grand Turismo. Renowned clients such as Dereck Hill, son of Formula 1 champion Phil Hill, have commissioned PACTO Helmets for historic racing events.

Legacy and Continued Impact

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Danilo continues to work from his workshop near San José, Costa Rica, crafting helmets that honor the racing spirit of the 1950s and 1960s. Each helmet is a handcrafted piece of art, blending historical accuracy with modern materials for safety and durability. Coto's dedication to preserving the heritage of motorsport through his work has made PACTO Helmets a respected name in both Europe and Asia.

Danilo Coto Cruz’s dedication to preserving the craftsmanship and style of vintage racing helmets has made PACTO one of the most respected names in the niche of retro racing gear. His helmets are highly valued not only for their aesthetics but also for their quality and historical accuracy. As of today, PACTO's creations continue to be used in prestigious vintage racing events around the world, representing a seamless blend of history, craftsmanship, and passion.

Products and Offerings

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In addition to its iconic helmets, the PACTO brand also produces:

  • Visors
  • Leather gloves
  • Leather bags
  • Racing shoes
  • Racing suits
  • Classic racing accessories

Each product is meticulously crafted with a focus on historical accuracy and personalized customization, catering to the niche community of vintage racing enthusiasts.


References

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