OPTION GRANT PURSUANT TO
        THE SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

         This Option is granted as of January 1, 1998 to _____________________
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Sonic Automotive, Inc. Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). You are hereby granted an option to purchase
_____ shares of the Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of Sonic
Automotive, Inc.

         This option will be exercised automatically on a quarterly basis in
accordance with the Plan at an exercise price equal to the lesser of (a) 85% of
the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock as of January 1, 1998, or (b)
85% of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the applicable
exercise date.

          Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the Plan, this option will
expire December 31, 1998.

         This option is not transferable by you other than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution.

         This option has been granted in compliance with the terms of the Plan.
In the event of a conflict between the terms of this option grant and the terms
of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

                                           SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.


                                          By:
                                             _________________________________