Exhibit 99.1
                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE










                    SONIC AUTOMOTIVE AUTHORIZES STOCK BUYBACK

CHARLOTTE, NC (NOVEMBER 4, 1999) - Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH) today
announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to expend up to
$25,000,000 to repurchase outstanding shares of its Class A common stock or
redeem securities convertible into Class A common stock. The Board's decision
reflects its determination that the most recent per share closing price of SAH
common stock ($10 per share as of November 4, 1999) is not an appropriate
valuation of the Company's common stock. Shares of common stock will be
purchased from time to time in the open market subject to market conditions.

"The Board has confidence in the Company's strategy and the future of automobile
retailing, and this buyback reflects our confidence. At current share prices,
buying back the Company's stock is a sound use of our capital," stated O. Bruton
Smith, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. is the second largest automotive retailer in the United
States, with operations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North
Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Upon completion
of announced acquisitions, Sonic will operate 159 franchises and 30 collision
repair centers.

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements with
respect to the Company's prospects and industry conditions. There are many
factors which affect management's views about future events and trends of the
Company's business. These factors involve risk and uncertainties that could
cause actual results or trends to differ materially from management's view,
including without limitation economic conditions, risks associated with
acquisitions and the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company's
recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



Contact: Theodore M. Wright, Chief Financial Officer of Sonic Automotive, Inc.,
         (704) 532-3347. J. Todd Atenhan, Investor Relations of Sonic
         Automotive, Inc. (888) 766-4218. Val Holley-Dennis, Media Relations of
         Sonic Automotive, Inc. (704) 660-3424. Internet Address:
         www.sonicautomotive.com