One to Buy: 1 of 1 ex-Jack Setton 1985 Peugeot 205 T16 (SOLD)
As the most successful rally car of the Group B era, the Peugeot 205 T16 needs little introduction. Suffice to say, in the face of incredibly stiff opposition, it won back-to-back Driver and Constructor WRC titles in 1985 and ‘86 before this type of absurdly powerful machine was banned.
To qualify for Group B, a manufacturer had to produce 200 base cars within a twelve month timeframe. The road-going 205 T16 was built between late 1983 and early 1984. Homologation was duly approved on April 1st.
Officially, the T16 was only offered in one colour, Winchester Grey, however, a couple of VIP customers received cars in other liveries, one of which was the last example built, chassis 200, which is set to go under the hammer at Artcurial’s auction in Monaco on July 19th.
Chassis 200 was supplied to renowned French collector and motor racing fan, Jack Setton.
Famously, Setton was the French distributor for high end Japanese audio system manufacturer Pioneer and at various times promoted the brand through title sponsorship of Ferrari and Peugeot motor sport programmes.
Between the late 1970s and late 1980s, Setton amassed an enormously impressive collection of vehicles. In 1981 he acquired the spectacular Chateau de Wideville 35km west of Paris and built a private circuit to enjoy his fleet.
T16 chassis 200 was gifted to Setton by Peugeot Talbot Sport boss, Jean Todt. Instead of standard grey, the car was finished in blue and white Pioneer livery.
Setton retained chassis 200 until 1992, at which point the car had covered around 16,000km, Since then it has resided with just one custodian who has increased the mileage to a little under 50,000km.
Reprinted below is Artcurial’s description:
Chassis no. 200
Ex-Jacky Setton
Exceptional, well-documented history and provenance
Bought directly from Jacky Setton in 1992
Iconic colour scheme
Number 200 of 200
This Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 has a unique pedigree.
First, it is number 200 of the 200 cars built by Peugeot for the model to be homologated in Group B.
Secondly, it was part of the famous collection built up by Jacky Setton, whose flamboyant and creative character enabled him to assemble an exceptional group of cars in the 1980s. To the point where Hervé Poulain devoted a reference book to him called Une Collection d'avance, proving Setton's flair for finding the most interesting cars, historically and technically. He even had his own circuit where he could drive his GTs, sports prototypes and single-seaters, each of them carefully chosen.
A dynamic businessman, Setton was the head of Pioneer France at a time when the hi-fi brand was the most prominent in the car market. It was only logical therefore that Pioneer should sponsor some racing teams, and Setton's collection included a Ferrari 512 BB LM and a 308 Michelotto in Pioneer's colours, raced on behalf of Ferrari France.
As a nod to this racing livery, Setton took the initiative to have his own 205 T16 similarly finished in the blue and white colours of his company.
The current owner bought the car directly from Jacky Setton in 1992, when it had covered only 16,000km (10,000 miles). Setton's private secretary confirmed at the time that the car had been given to him by Jean Todt although it was a show car and already registered.
The registration document in Setton's name is still in the car's history file.
The car was driven regularly in the 1990s and now has 49,700km on the odometer. It is in used condition and still has its iconic colour scheme; the rear bonnet has been carefully repainted to keep the car in satisfactory condition.
The owner is selling the car as he has too few opportunities to drive it.
A service has just been carried out by the RSR garage at Venelles and the timing belt and water pump replaced.
With its exceptional provenance, splendid historic paint scheme and its chassis number, this is without doubt one of the most desirable 205 T16s for a discerning collector.
