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<TITLE>FORM S-8</TITLE>
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 <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2002 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Registration No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="3" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000"><B>FORM S-8 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B><I>UNDER </I></B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000"><B><I>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 </I></B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="6" COLOR="#000000"><B>SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) </B></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center">
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>56-2010790</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(State or other Jurisdiction of</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"
COLOR="#000000"><B>Incorporation or Organization)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"
COLOR="#000000"><B>Identification No.)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>5401 East Independence Blvd.</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000"><B>Charlotte, North Carolina</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>P.O. Box 18747</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"
COLOR="#000000"><B>(Address of principal executive offices)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>28212</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Zip
Code)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000"><B>Sonic Automotive, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Amended and Restated as of May 8, 2002 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Full title of the Plan) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Stephen K. Coss, Esq. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Vice President and General Counsel </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Sonic Automotive, Inc. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>5401 E. Independence Blvd. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>P.O. Box 18747 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Charlotte, North Carolina 28212-5401 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Name and Address of Agent for Service) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>(704) 532-3320
</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%"
COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B><I>Copy to: </I></B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Brian T. Atkinson, Esq. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Thomas H. O&#146;Donnell, Jr., Esq. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Moore &amp; Van Allen, PLLC </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>100 North Tryon </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Street, Suite 47 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-4003 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>(704) 331-1000 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="3" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center">
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Amount to be</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Registered</B></FONT></DIV>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share(1)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Amount of Registration Fee</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2"><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="46%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Class A Common Stock</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="13%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">1,200,000&nbsp;shares</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">$</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">14.62</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">$</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">17,544,000</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">$</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">1,620</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(1)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Estimated in accordance with Rules 457(h)(1) and 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee, based upon the average of the highest and lowest prices of the Registrant&#146;s Class A common stock reported on December 17, 2002, which prices were $14.99 and $14.25, respectively. </FONT></DIV>
</TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="17%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>This
Registration Statement covers the registration of additional securities relating to an employee benefit plan for which Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 333-46274, 333-81059, 333-69907 and 333-49113) were filed by the Registrant
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2000, June 8, 1999, December 3, 1998 and April 1, 1998, respectively. The contents of the June 5, 2000, June 8, 1999, December 3, 1998 and April 1, 1998 registration statements, including any
amendments thereto, are incorporated herein by reference. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="3" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>

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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>EXPLANATORY NOTE </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">This Registration Statement covers 1,200,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share (the &#147;Common Stock&#148;), of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the
&#147;Company&#148; or the &#147;Registrant&#148;) reserved for issuance under the Company&#146;s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the &#147;Employee Plan&#148;). Pursuant to Rule 428 promulgated under the Securities Act, the Company intends to deliver
a prospectus meeting the requirements of Part I of Form S-8 to all participants in the Employee Plan. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>PART I
</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 1. Plan Information. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">The documents
containing the information specified in Item 1 will be sent or given to employees, directors or others as specified by Rule 428(b). In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;)
and the instructions to Registration Statement on Form S-8, these documents are not being filed with the Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as a prospectus pursuant to Rule 424. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">The documents containing the information specified in Item 2 will be sent or given to employees, directors or others as specified by Rule 428(b). In accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions to Registration Statement on Form S-8, such documents are not being filed with the Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as a prospectus pursuant to Rule 424.
</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>PART II </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Except as indicated below, the following documents filed by us with the Commission are incorporated herein by
reference: </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(a) Our Registration Statements on Form S-8, Commission File Numbers 333-46274 (Employee Plan Amended
and Restated as of June 5, 2000), 333-81059 (Employee Plan Amended and Restated as of June 8, 1999), 333-69907 (Employee Plan Amended and Restated as of December 3, 1998) and 333-49113 (Employee Plan as of April 1, 1998), including exhibits thereto,
are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement, except as the same may be modified by the information set forth herein.<B></B> </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(b) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 15, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000">(c) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 15, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(d) Our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(e) Our Amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May
6, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(f) Our Amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed June 13, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(g) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 14, 2002 (File No. 1-13395)*; </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(h) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 14, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(i) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2002 (File No. 1-13395)*; </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(j) Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV>

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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(k)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(l)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(m)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); and </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(n)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">The description of our Class A common stock contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as amended, filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange
Act, including all amendments and reports updating such description (File No. 1-13395). </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE>
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<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="92%"> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="9%" COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"></TD> </TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="10"> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="92%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">* The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K was furnished to the Commission under Item 9 of Form 8-K. The information in this report is not deemed to
be &#147;filed&#148; for purposes of the Exchange Act. We are not incorporating this information into this registration statement and will not incorporate it by reference into any prospectus, registration statement or any of our other filings with
the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">In addition, all documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those which furnish information pursuant to Regulation F-D), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Any statement contained herein or in a document, all or a portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified
or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or amended, to constitute a part of this registration statement. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 4. Description of Securities. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Not applicable.
</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Not applicable. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and
Officers. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Our Bylaws effectively provide that we shall, to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time (&#147;Section 145&#148;), indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation eliminates personal liability of
our directors to the full extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time (&#147;Section 102(b)(7)&#148;). </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Section 145 permits a corporation to indemnify its directors and officers against expenses (including attorney&#146;s fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlements actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding brought by a third party if the directors or officers acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reason to believe their conduct was unlawful. In a derivative </FONT></DIV>
 <P></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">2 </FONT></DIV>


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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">action, indemnification may be made only for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by directors and
officers in connection with the defense or settlement of an action or suit and only with respect to a matter as to which they shall have acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made if such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that the defendant officers or directors are reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses despite such adjudication of liability. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Section 102(b)(7) provides that a corporation may eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that
such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director&#146;s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for willful or negligent conduct in paying dividends or repurchasing stock out of other than lawfully available funds, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. No such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">We maintain insurance against liabilities under the Securities Act for the benefit of our officers and directors. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000">Not applicable. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 8. Exhibits. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center">
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<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;No.</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="62" ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Description of Document</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="143" ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">5</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Opinion of Moore &amp; Van Allen PLLC</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche, LLP</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.2</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of Moore &amp; Van Allen PLLC (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit No. 5)</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">24</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Power of Attorney (included on the signature page.)</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>Item 9. Undertakings. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(a) The Registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000">(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(b) The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
 <P></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">3 </FONT></DIV>


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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
 <P></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">4 </FONT></DIV>


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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>SIGNATURES </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on December 20, 2002. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="right">
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<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3" WIDTH="37%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="2%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">By:</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="37%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Theodore M. Wright</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="37%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Theodore M. Wright</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"
COLOR="#000000">President and Chief Financial Officer</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Each of the undersigned directors and officers of the above named Registrant, by his execution hereof, hereby constitutes and appoints B.
Scott Smith, Theodore M. Wright and Stephen K. Coss, and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, to do any and all acts and things for him or her, and in his or her name, place and
stead, to execute and sign any and all pre-effective and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement and any additional registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and file the same, together with
all exhibits and schedules thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission and with such state securities authorities as may be appropriate, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and hereby ratifying and confirming all
the acts of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, which they may lawfully do in the premises or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registrant Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV>
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<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Signature</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="54" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Title</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="25" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Date</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="26" COLOR="#000000"></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ O. Bruton Smith</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">O. Bruton Smith</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ B. Scott Smith</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">B. Scott Smith</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Vice Chairman, Chief Strategic Officer and Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Theodore M. Wright</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Theodore M. Wright</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">President, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and accounting officer) and Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Jeffrey C. Rachor</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Jeffrey C. Rachor</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Thomas A. Price</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Thomas A. Price</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ William R. Brooks</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">William R. Brooks</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV>
 <P></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">5 </FONT></DIV>


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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ William P. Benton</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">William P. Benton</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ William I. Belk</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">William I. Belk</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ H. Robert Heller</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">H. Robert Heller</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Maryann N. Keller</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Maryann N. Keller</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Robert L. Rewey</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Robert L. Rewey</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">/s/ Thomas P. Capo</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV
STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Thomas P. Capo</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="41%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="17%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">December 20, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
 <P></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">6 </FONT></DIV>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;No.</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="62" ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><B>Description of Document</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE WIDTH="143" ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">5</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Opinion of Moore &amp; Van Allen PLLC</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche, LLP</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">23.2</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Consent of Moore &amp; Van Allen PLLC (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit No. 5)</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="9%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">24</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="90%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:2%; text-indent:-2%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">Power of Attorney (included on the signature page.)</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV>
 <P></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000">7 </FONT></DIV>

 </BODY></HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "ds8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 53545}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC", "cik": "0001043509", "assigned-sic": "5500", "irs-number": "562010790", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-102053", "film-number": "02864866"}, "business-address": {"street1": "5401 EAST INDEPENDENCE BLVD", "street2": "PO BOX 18747", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28212", "phone": "7045323354"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "5401 EAST INDEPENDENCE BLVD", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28212"}}
FORM S-8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware
56-2010790
(State or other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
5401 East Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina
P.O. Box 18747
(Address of principal executive offices)
28212
(Zip
Code)
Sonic Automotive, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Amended and Restated as of May 8, 2002
(Full title of the Plan)
Stephen K. Coss, Esq.
Vice President and General Counsel
Sonic Automotive, Inc.
5401 E. Independence Blvd.
P.O. Box 18747
Charlotte, North Carolina 28212-5401
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(704) 532-3320
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Brian T. Atkinson, Esq.
Thomas H. O'Donnell, Jr., Esq.
Moore & Van Allen, PLLC
100 North Tryon
Street, Suite 47
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-4003
(704) 331-1000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be Registered
Amount to be
Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share(1)
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price
Amount of Registration Fee
Class A Common Stock
1,200,000 shares
$
14.62
$
17,544,000
$
1,620
(1)
Estimated in accordance with Rules 457(h)(1) and 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee, based upon the average of the highest and lowest prices of the Registrant's Class A common stock reported on December 17, 2002, which prices were $14.99 and $14.25, respectively.
This
Registration Statement covers the registration of additional securities relating to an employee benefit plan for which Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 333-46274, 333-81059, 333-69907 and 333-49113) were filed by the Registrant
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 2000, June 8, 1999, December 3, 1998 and April 1, 1998, respectively. The contents of the June 5, 2000, June 8, 1999, December 3, 1998 and April 1, 1998 registration statements, including any
amendments thereto, are incorporated herein by reference.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement covers 1,200,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the
"Company" or the "Registrant") reserved for issuance under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee Plan"). Pursuant to Rule 428 promulgated under the Securities Act, the Company intends to deliver
a prospectus meeting the requirements of Part I of Form S-8 to all participants in the Employee Plan.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
Item 1. Plan Information.
The documents
containing the information specified in Item 1 will be sent or given to employees, directors or others as specified by Rule 428(b). In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
and the instructions to Registration Statement on Form S-8, these documents are not being filed with the Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as a prospectus pursuant to Rule 424.
Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
The documents containing the information specified in Item 2 will be sent or given to employees, directors or others as specified by Rule 428(b). In accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions to Registration Statement on Form S-8, such documents are not being filed with the Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as a prospectus pursuant to Rule 424.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Except as indicated below, the following documents filed by us with the Commission are incorporated herein by
reference:
(a) Our Registration Statements on Form S-8, Commission File Numbers 333-46274 (Employee Plan Amended
and Restated as of June 5, 2000), 333-81059 (Employee Plan Amended and Restated as of June 8, 1999), 333-69907 (Employee Plan Amended and Restated as of December 3, 1998) and 333-49113 (Employee Plan as of April 1, 1998), including exhibits thereto,
are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement, except as the same may be modified by the information set forth herein.
(b) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 15, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(c) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 15, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(d) Our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(e) Our Amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May
6, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(f) Our Amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed June 13, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(g) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 14, 2002 (File No. 1-13395)*;
(h) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 14, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(i) Our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2002 (File No. 1-13395)*;
(j) Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 1-13395);
(k)
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(l)
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2002 (File No. 1-13395);
(m)
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 1-13395); and
(n)
The description of our Class A common stock contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as amended, filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange
Act, including all amendments and reports updating such description (File No. 1-13395).
* The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K was furnished to the Commission under Item 9 of Form 8-K. The information in this report is not deemed to
be "filed" for purposes of the Exchange Act. We are not incorporating this information into this registration statement and will not incorporate it by reference into any prospectus, registration statement or any of our other filings with
the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
In addition, all documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those which furnish information pursuant to Regulation F-D), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document, all or a portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified
or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or amended, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and
Officers.
Our Bylaws effectively provide that we shall, to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time ("Section 145"), indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation eliminates personal liability of
our directors to the full extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time ("Section 102(b)(7)").
Section 145 permits a corporation to indemnify its directors and officers against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlements actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding brought by a third party if the directors or officers acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to,
the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reason to believe their conduct was unlawful. In a derivative
2
action, indemnification may be made only for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by directors and
officers in connection with the defense or settlement of an action or suit and only with respect to a matter as to which they shall have acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made if such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that the defendant officers or directors are reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses despite such adjudication of liability.
Section 102(b)(7) provides that a corporation may eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that
such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for willful or negligent conduct in paying dividends or repurchasing stock out of other than lawfully available funds, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. No such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective.
We maintain insurance against liabilities under the Securities Act for the benefit of our officers and directors.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Description of Document
5
Opinion of Moore & Van Allen PLLC
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche, LLP
23.2
Consent of Moore & Van Allen PLLC (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit No. 5)
24
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page.)
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a) The Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b) The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on December 20, 2002.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
By:
/s/    Theodore M. Wright
Theodore M. Wright
President and Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each of the undersigned directors and officers of the above named Registrant, by his execution hereof, hereby constitutes and appoints B.
Scott Smith, Theodore M. Wright and Stephen K. Coss, and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, to do any and all acts and things for him or her, and in his or her name, place and
stead, to execute and sign any and all pre-effective and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement and any additional registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and file the same, together with
all exhibits and schedules thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission and with such state securities authorities as may be appropriate, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and hereby ratifying and confirming all
the acts of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, which they may lawfully do in the premises or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registrant Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ O. Bruton Smith
O. Bruton Smith
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ B. Scott Smith
B. Scott Smith
Vice Chairman, Chief Strategic Officer and Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ Theodore M. Wright
Theodore M. Wright
President, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and accounting officer) and Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ Jeffrey C. Rachor
Jeffrey C. Rachor
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ Thomas A. Price
Thomas A. Price
Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ William R. Brooks
William R. Brooks
Director
December 20, 2002
5
/s/ William P. Benton
William P. Benton
Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ William I. Belk
William I. Belk
Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ H. Robert Heller
H. Robert Heller
Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ Maryann N. Keller
Maryann N. Keller
Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ Robert L. Rewey
Robert L. Rewey
Director
December 20, 2002
/s/ Thomas P. Capo
Thomas P. Capo
Director
December 20, 2002
6
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
Description of Document
5
Opinion of Moore & Van Allen PLLC
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche, LLP
23.2
Consent of Moore & Van Allen PLLC (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit No. 5)
24
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page.)
7