The Wolfrace Sonic is a rare and audacious chapter in British automotive showmanship conceived not just as an alloy wheel but as a full-blown promotional concept car. In the early 1980s, Wolfrace needed something that would grab attention: a vehicle that embodied what the company stood for, innovation, flair, and the bold design spirit of the time. The result was the Sonic, a six-wheeled super-concept built to showcase the new 'Sonic' wheel design. Designed by Nick Butler (former aircraft engineer), it featured twin Rover V8 engines, a space-frame chassis with Jaguar running gear, dramatic styling (think wedges, dramatic proportions, the kind of futurism the eighties craved) all to put the Sonic alloys in the spotlight. Its appearance in motor shows and press created buzz: this wasn't just a wheel; it was a statement.

The project was commissioned in 1981 by Barry Treacy, the owner/MD of Wolfrace. Initial quote for the build was about £29,000, but final cost ballooned to around £75,000, however other sources say £100,000 was more accurate because of the complexity. The car featured at motor shows, press events, etc. to generate publicity. In the 1990s, Wolfrace sold Sonic to a private collector. It also featured in events such as the opening of the British Grand Prix and was repainted and photographed once at the Playboy Mansion. At one point in 2010, it was reportedly offered for sale at about £1 million.

Although stunning in concept, it was also road-legal, bearing a UK registration (YNK 135X), a sign that Wolfrace wanted legitimacy, not just a spectacle. Over time, the car vanished from public view, and the example offered in recent years needed major restoration; its rarity and wild engineering have made it something of a legend among enthusiasts.

The legend that is the six-wheel Sonic was purchased by our vendor requiring restoration. Upon full inspection, he decided that the best course of action was a full nut and bolt scheme for which he enlisted the services of a restoration specialist and friend Trevor Farrington. Naturally, the complexities of a 'one off' made this project a unique undertaking. Initially the plan was to have it restored to a 'better than new' standard given that someone ham-fisted had already tried to restore it poorly. Fast forward to 2025, the car is 80% finished but not visually complete and requires the final fix, over £100,000 has been invested by our vendor but sadly he can no longer complete the final stages. He didn't want to shorten the quality of the restoration and therefore has decided to offer the car as is. He recommends Trevor Farrington be the chosen restorer to complete the project, but the new owner may of course have their own plan.

Trevor Farrington have detailed the following will need to be completed specifically but naturally the car also requires final finish, paint and any fettling. Specifically, Simtek has advised that the remaining electronic work includes final calibrations, completing the dashboard integration, and re-packaging part of the wiring harness to protect it from heat damage is needed. As the photos show the car has been repaired and mechanically readied, it starts, moves and turns but requires to be ideally disassembled, the final works fitted which includes the electronics and of course paint before reassembly. The work up to now has been incredibly complex, understanding the original designs and aerospace technology that is defunct today, much needed to be understood, corrected or replaced with modern components. Trevor Farrington is proud of where the project has got to, stating much of this work would be of a far better quality than in the late 70's. Thanks to the significant testing and hours of R&D work the twin engines and transmission are now correctly in sync as is the steering and geometry for the six wheels which was said to be 'difficult' when it arrived, we should keep in mind this would have also been the main challenge when new. Having been neglected since its time as the car that donned numerous media sources, it was important this was correct for our client who wished to have a fully drivable car once finished. The paint, when applied, should be either the original purple or red for which much of the PR was seen however this would be the choice of any new owner, one of the bonuses of completing the project to your own specification. It will, of course, sit on the six original Wolfrace wheels that you find driving those twin V8 engines.

This could suit many an eclectic buyer or collector and could also make a very interesting and popular YouTube/social media or documented restoration series. The car is no stranger to attention and that's no surprise, it was built for attention, and it carries out that brief incredibly well. Offered with a wealth of documents and history. We are informed that, at this stage, there are not many parts required, the lion's share of the completion would be the finish and paint coupled with specialist labour for which the current restorers would be ideally placed to carry out or indeed consult. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Unsung heroes - the Wolfrace Sonic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b93UcEf4TQ

More details

http://www.sixmania.fr/en/wolfrace-sonic/

Lot details
Year: 1981
Make: Wolfrace
Model: Sonic
Registration: YNK 135X
Chassis No: RV16P5A181
Odometer: tba

* Six wheels and twin Rover V8 engines
* Built by Wolfrace to showcase a 'Sonic' wheel design
* One off concept car with significant provenance