# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001043509
**File Stem:** 0001628280-26-030729
**Filing Date:** 2026-5
**Character Count:** 30973
**Document Hash:** e2f68967753567610138e2ab2d94b4fb
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001628280-26-030729.hdr.sgml**: 20260505

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001628280-26-030729

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-8 POS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 3

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260505

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260505

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260505

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001043509
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** RETAIL-AUTO DEALERS & GASOLINE STATIONS [5500]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 07 Trade & Services
- **EIN:** 562010790
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-8 POS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-204027
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26944614

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4401 COLWICK ROAD
- **CITY:** CHARLOTTE
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 28211
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 704-566-2400

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4401 COLWICK ROAD
- **CITY:** CHARLOTTE
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 28211

<br> <br> <u><br></u>

**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

_________________

**POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**No. 333-256891**

**POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**No. 333-232177**

**POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**No. 333-204027**

**POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**No. 333-180814**

***UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933***

_________________

**SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_________________

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **56-2010790** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br>incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer<br>Identification No.) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **4401 Colwick Road**<br>**Charlotte, North Carolina** | <br>**28211** |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |

---

_________________

**Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan**

**Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan**

(Full title of the plan)

_________________

**Stephen K. Coss**

**Senior Vice President and General Counsel**

**Sonic Automotive, Inc.**

**4401 Colwick Road**

**Charlotte, North Carolina 28211**

(Name and address of agent for service)

_________________

**(704) 566-2400** 

(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

_________________

***Copies to:***

**D. Ryan Hart, Esq.**

**Moore & Van Allen PLLC**

**100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700**

**Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-4003**

**(704) 331-1000**

_________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
|  |  | Emerging growth company | ☐ |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

<br> <br> <u><br></u>

------

**EXPLANATORY NOTE**

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (the "Registrant") previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-256891, 333-232177, 333-204027 and 333-180814) with respect to shares of the Registrant's Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), issuable under the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2012 Stock Incentive Plan").

On April 29, 2026 (the "Approval Date"), the Registrant's stockholders approved the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2026 Equity Incentive Plan") and, in connection therewith, no further awards will be made under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan. The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan includes, in addition to 2,000,000 new shares (registered concurrently on a new registration statement on Form S-8): (i) 318,148 shares available for issuance but not issued or subject to outstanding awards under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan as of the Approval Date and (ii) an aggregate of up to 889,020 shares subject to awards under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan as of the Approval Date that subsequently cease to be subject to such awards, such as by expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or cash settlement of the awards (together, the "Prior Plan Shares").

In accordance with Item 512(a)(1)(iii) of Regulation S-K and Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation 126.43, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-256891, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-232177, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-204027 and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-180814 (together the "Post-Effective Amendments") are hereby filed to cover the issuance of the Prior Plan Shares pursuant to the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan.

**PART I**

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a)(3) PROSPECTUS**

The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be sent or given to participants in the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). In accordance with the Note to Part I of Form S-8, such documents are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") either as part of this registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act. These documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II hereof, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.

**PART II**

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incorporation of Documents by Reference.**

Except as indicated below, the following documents filed by the Registrant with the Commission are incorporated by reference in this registration statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Registrant's <u>[Annual Report on Form 10-K](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001043509/000162828026010570/sah-20251231.htm)</u> for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Registrant's <u>[Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001043509/000162828026028847/sah-20260430.htm)</u> for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on <u>[February 13, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001043509/000162828026007898/sah-20260211.htm)</u>, <u>[April 2, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001043509/000162828026023135/sah-20260327.htm)</u> and <u>[May 1, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001043509/000162828026029314/sah-20260429.htm)</u>; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in <u>[Exhibit 4.1](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000162828026010570/exhibit412025.htm)</u> to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2026, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

In addition, all documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), other than those Current Reports on Form 8-K or portions thereof which "furnish" information pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and any exhibits "furnished" in connection therewith, 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 in this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.

Any statement contained herein or in any document 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 subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.

**Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Description of Securities.**

Not applicable.

**Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.**

Not applicable.

**Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification of Directors and Officers.**

Set forth below is a description of certain provisions of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the "Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation"), the Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Amended and Restated Bylaws") and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"), as such provisions relate to the indemnification of the directors and officers of the Registrant. This description is intended only as a summary and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Amended and Restated Bylaws and the DGCL.

Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good

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faith and in a manner such person 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 reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person is adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court deems proper. The Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the Registrant will indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to include a provision in its certificate of incorporation eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director or officer to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of (i) a director or officer for any breach of the director's or officer's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) a director or officer for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) a director for unlawful payment of dividends or purchase or redemption of shares; (iv) a director or officer for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit; or (v) an officer in any action by or in the right of the corporation. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision limiting the personal liability of the Registrant's directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Section 145 of the DGCL also permits a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation. The Registrant maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance for its directors and officers, as permitted in the Amended and Restated Bylaws.

**Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exemption from Registration Claimed.**

Not applicable.

**Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits.**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| 4.1 | <u>[Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated August 7, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350921000004/exhibit31123120.htm)</u> |
| 4.2 | <u>[Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated June 16, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000156459017007512/sah-ex33_315.htm)</u> |
| 4.3 | <u>[Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated April 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000156459017007512/sah-ex34_316.htm)</u> |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 4.4 | <u>[Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated May 3, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed June 8, 2021).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350921000012/exhibit44.htm)</u> |
| 4.5 | <u>[Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated May 16, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350923000014/q22023exhibit36.htm)</u> |
| 4.6 | <u>[Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sonic Automotive, Inc., dated February 10, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 12, 2021).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350921000001/amendedandrestatedbylaws.htm)</u> |
| 4.7 | <u>[Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed October 17, 1997).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/0000950168-97-003028.txt)</u> |
| 5.1 | <u>[Opinion of Dykema Gossett PLLC as to the legality of the securities being registered with respect to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on April 18, 2012).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000119312512168787/d336723dex5.htm)</u> |
| 5.2 | <u>[Opinion of Moore & Van Allen PLLC as to the legality of the securities being registered with respect to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 8, 2015).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000119312515179828/d923238dex51.htm)</u> |
| 5.3 | <u>[Opinion of Moore & Van Allen PLLC as to the legality of the securities being registered with respect to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on June 18, 2019).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350919000002/exhibit51mvaopinion.htm)</u> |
| 5.4 | <u>[Opinion of Moore & Van Allen PLLC as to the legality of the securities being registered with respect to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on June 8, 2021).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350921000012/exhibit51.htm)</u> |
| 5.5\* | <u>[Opinion of Moore & Van Allen PLLC.](a2026mvaopinionformposs-8.htm)</u> |
| 23.1\* | <u>[Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.](gts-8poaconsent.htm)</u> |
| 23.2 | Consent of Dykema Gossett PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.2) |
| 23.3\* | <u>[Consent of Moore & Van Allen PLLC (included in Exhibits 5.2. 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5).](a2026mvaopinionformposs-8.htm)</u> |
| 99.1 | <u>[Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of February 10, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2021).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000104350921000011/exhibit101tosonicformdated.htm)</u> |
| 99.2 | <u>[Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 1, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043509/000162828026029314/exhibit101-sah2026equityin.htm)</u> |

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<u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>

\*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Filed herewith.

**Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Undertakings.**

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Filing Fee Tables" in the effective registration statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

*provided, however*, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 undersigned 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 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the 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.

(h) 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.

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**SIGNATURES**

**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, 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 this 5th day of May, 2026.

**SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.**

By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Heath R. Byrd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>

Heath R. Byrd

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on this 5th day of May, 2026:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>Signature</u>** | **<u>Title</u>** |
| <u>/s/ David Bruton Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>David Bruton Smith | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer<br>(Principal Executive Officer) |
| <u>/s/ Jeff Dyke&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>Jeff Dyke | President and Director |
| <u>/s/ Heath R. Byrd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>Heath R. Byrd | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<br>(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
| <u>/s/ William I. Belk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>William I. Belk | Director |
| <u>/s/ William R. Brooks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>William R. Brooks | Director |
| <u>/s/ Michael Hodge&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>Michael Hodge | Director |
| <u>/s/ Keri A. Kaiser&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>Keri A. Kaiser | Director |
| <u>/s/ B. Scott Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>B. Scott Smith | Director |
| <u>/s/ Marcus G. Smith&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>Marcus G. Smith | Director |
| <u>/s/ Eugene Taylor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u><br>R. Eugene Taylor | Director |

---

## Exhibit 5.5

**Exhibit 5.5**

May 5, 2026

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

4401 Colwick Road

Charlotte, North Carolina 28211

**Re: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonic Automotive, Inc. – Post-Effective Amendments to Registration Statement on Form S-8**

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-256891, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-232177, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-204027 and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-180814 (together the "<u>Post-Effective Amendments</u>") that are being filed on the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>Commission</u>") by the Company pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), with respect to the Prior Plan Shares (as defined below), which may be issued pursuant to the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2026 Equity Inventive Plan (the "<u>2026 Equity Incentive Plan</u>").

On April 29, 2026, (the "<u>Approval Date</u>"), the Company's stockholders approved the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan and, in connection therewith, no further awards will be made under the Sonic Automotive, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "<u>Prior Plan</u>"). The total number of shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized for issuance under the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan includes, in addition to 2,000,000 new shares (registered concurrently on a new registration statement on Form S-8): (i) 318,148 shares available for issuance but not issued or subject to outstanding awards under the Prior Plan as of the Approval Date and (ii) an aggregate of up to 889,020 shares subject to awards under the Prior Plan as of the Approval Date that subsequently cease to be subject to such awards, such as by expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or cash settlement of the awards (the shares described in (i) and (ii), the "<u>Prior Plan Shares</u>").

In rendering our opinion, we have examined, and are familiar with, and have relied as to factual matters solely upon, originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records or other instruments as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose of the opinion set forth herein, including, without limitation (i) the Post-Effective Amendments, (ii) the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, (iii) the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, (iv) the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws and (v) certain actions of the Company's board of directors and stockholders reflected in the Company's minute book (collectively, the "<u>Registration Documents</u>").

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Sonic Automotive, Inc.

May 5, 2026

In rendering our opinion, we have assumed the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons executing documents and certificates submitted to us, the genuineness of all signatures, the compliance with fiduciary duties, the authenticity of original and certified documents submitted to us, and the conformity to original or certified documents of all copies submitted to us as conformed or reproduction copies. As to various questions of fact relevant to the opinion expressed herein, we have relied upon, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of, statements contained in the Registration Documents and certificates or comparable documents and oral or written statements and other information of or from public officials and officers and representatives of the Company and others.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Prior Plan Shares have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and sold by the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as currently in effect, and no opinion is expressed with respect to such law as subsequently amended, or any other laws, or any effect that such amended or other laws may have on the opinion expressed herein. The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein. The opinion expressed herein is given as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to advise you of any changes in applicable laws after the date hereof or of any facts that might change the opinion expressed herein that we may become aware of after the date hereof or for any other reason.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter with the Commission as Exhibit 5.5 to the Post-Effective Amendments. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of such persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.

Very truly yours,

/s/ MOORE & VAN ALLEN PLLC

MOORE & VAN ALLEN PLLC

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We have issued our reports dated February 23, 2026, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting of Sonic Automotive, Inc. included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which are incorporated by reference in these Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements on Form S-8. We consent to the incorporation by reference of the aforementioned reports in these Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements on Form S-8.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

May 5, 2026

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