CROSS COUNTRY AUTO RETAILERS INC
S-1/A, 1996-08-30
AUTO DEALERS & GASOLINE STATIONS
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<PAGE>
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 30, 1996
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-06585
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                         ------------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
                            ------------------------
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                            <C>
           DELAWARE                          5511                  75-2653095
 (State or other jurisdiction    (Primary Standard Industrial   (I.R.S. Employer
              of                 Classification Code Number)     Identification
incorporation or organization)                                      Number)
</TABLE>
 
                            1201 SOUTH TAYLOR STREET
                             AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101
                                 (806) 374-8653
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
        including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
 
                                 ROBERT W. HALL
                              SENIOR VICE CHAIRMAN
                            1201 SOUTH TAYLOR STREET
                             AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101
                                 (806) 374-8653
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                         ------------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
         Philip K. Howard, Esq.                   Jerry V. Elliott, Esq.
         Howard, Darby & Levin                     Shearman & Sterling
      1330 Avenue of the Americas                  599 Lexington Avenue
        New York, New York 10019                 New York, New York 10022
             (212) 841-1000                           (212) 848-4000
 
                         ------------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
                         ------------------------------
 
    If  any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule 415 under the Securities Act  of
1933, check the following box.  / /
 
    If  this Form  is filed  to register  additional securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration statement  number  of  the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  / /
 
    If  this Form  is a post-effective  amendment filed pursuant  to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act,  check the following box  and list the Securities  Act
registration  statement number  of the earlier  effective registration statement
for the same offering.  / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected  to be made pursuant to Rule  434,
please check the following box.  / /
 
                         ------------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PROPOSED MAXIMUM    PROPOSED MAXIMUM
               TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                      AMOUNT TO         OFFERING PRICE        AGGREGATE
             SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                 BE REGISTERED       PER SHARE (2)     OFFERING PRICE (2)
<S>                                                    <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                           4,226,250
Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)..............      shares (1)            $14.00           $59,167,500
Rights to Purchase Junior Preferred Stock and Common       4,226,250
 Stock of the Company................................      rights (4)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                           AMOUNT OF
               TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                     REGISTRATION
             SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                    FEE (3)
<S>                                                    <C>
Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)..............        $3,053
Rights to Purchase Junior Preferred Stock and Common
 Stock of the Company................................
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Includes 551,250 shares that the Underwriters have the option to purchase to
    cover over-allotments, if any.
    
 
(2) Estimated   solely  for  the  purpose  of  calculating  the  amount  of  the
    registration fee in  accordance with Rule  457 under the  Securities Act  of
    1933, as amended.
 
   
(3) The  registrant previously paid a filing fee  of $21,067 with respect to the
    registration of 3,593,750 shares of  Common Stock. The registrant is  paying
    an  additional filing fee of $3,053 to register an additional 632,500 shares
    of Common Stock.
    
 
(4) Rights to purchase Junior  Preferred Stock and Common  Stock of the  Company
    will  be issued in a number equal to the number of shares of Common Stock to
    be issued for  no additional consideration  and, therefore, no  registration
    fee  is required therefor.  Prior to the occurrence  of certain events, such
    rights will  not be  exercisable  or evidenced  separately from  the  Common
    Stock. When exercisable, each such right shall entitle the owner to purchase
    from  the Company one-one hundredth of a  share of Junior Preferred Stock or
    shares of Common Stock of the Company with a market value equal to two times
    the  exercise  price  of  such  right,  in  each  case  subject  to  certain
    adjustments.
                         ------------------------------
 
    THE  REGISTRANT HEREBY  AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON  SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A  FURTHER  AMENDMENT  THAT  SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS  REGISTRATION
STATEMENT  SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN  ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT  OF 1933  OR UNTIL  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT SHALL  BECOME
EFFECTIVE  ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Information   contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration statement  relating to  these securities  has been  filed with  the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior  to the time the registration statement  becomes
effective.  This  prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these  securities
in  any State in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
<PAGE>
   
PROSPECTUS (SUBJECT TO COMPLETION)
ISSUED AUGUST 30, 1996
    
 
   
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                3,675,000 SHARES
    
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
                                  COMMON STOCK
                             ---------------------
 
   
ALL  OF  THE  SHARES  OF  COMMON   STOCK  OFFERED  HEREBY  ARE  BEING  SOLD   BY
CROSS-CONTINENT  AUTO RETAILERS,  INC. PRIOR  TO THIS  OFFERING, THERE HAS
      BEEN NO  PUBLIC  MARKET  FOR  THE  COMMON  STOCK.  IT  IS  CURRENTLY
      ESTIMATED THAT THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE WILL
           BE  BETWEEN $12.00  AND $14.00.  SEE "UNDERWRITERS"  FOR A
           DISCUSSION OF THE  FACTORS            CONSIDERED  IN
                 DETERMINING THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE.
    
                         ------------------------------
 
      THE COMMON STOCK HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR LISTING ON THE NEW YORK STOCK
    EXCHANGE UNDER THE SYMBOL "XC", SUBJECT TO OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ISSUANCE.
                         ------------------------------
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
                 SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
                            ------------------------
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS  THE
    SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
      PASSED UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS.  ANY
             REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
                              PRICE $     A SHARE
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     UNDERWRITING
                                                                       PRICE TO      DISCOUNTS AND   PROCEEDS TO
                                                                        PUBLIC      COMMISSIONS (1)  COMPANY (2)
                                                                    --------------  ---------------  ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>
PER SHARE.........................................................        $                $              $
TOTAL (3).........................................................  $               $                $
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
  (1)THE  COMPANY  AND THE  SELLING STOCKHOLDERS  HAVE  AGREED TO  INDEMNIFY THE
     UNDERWRITERS AGAINST CERTAIN LIABILITIES,  INCLUDING LIABILITIES UNDER  THE
     SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. SEE "UNDERWRITERS."
 
   
  (2) BEFORE DEDUCTING EXPENSES PAYABLE BY THE COMPANY ESTIMATED AT $1,650,000.
    
 
   
  (3)CERTAIN  STOCKHOLDERS  OF  THE COMPANY  (THE  "SELLING  STOCKHOLDERS") HAVE
     GRANTED TO THE UNDERWRITERS  AN OPTION, EXERCISABLE WITHIN  30 DAYS OF  THE
     DATE HEREOF, TO PURCHASE UP TO AN AGGREGATE OF 551,250 ADDITIONAL SHARES OF
     COMMON STOCK AT THE PRICE TO PUBLIC SHOWN ABOVE LESS UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS
     AND COMMISSIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF COVERING OVER-ALLOTMENTS, IF ANY. IF THE
     UNDERWRITERS  EXERCISE  SUCH OPTION  IN FULL,  THE  TOTAL PRICE  TO PUBLIC,
     UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS  AND PROCEEDS  TO THE  SELLING STOCKHOLDERS  (BEFORE
     DEDUCTING  EXPENSES  PAYABLE  BY  THE  SELLING  STOCKHOLDERS  ESTIMATED  AT
     $29,000) WILL BE $      , $      AND $      , RESPECTIVELY. SEE  "PRINCIPAL
     STOCKHOLDERS" AND "UNDERWRITERS."
    
                         ------------------------------
 
    THE  SHARES ARE OFFERED, SUBJECT TO PRIOR  SALE, WHEN, AS AND IF ACCEPTED BY
THE UNDERWRITERS NAMED HEREIN AND SUBJECT  TO APPROVAL OF CERTAIN LEGAL  MATTERS
BY  SHEARMAN & STERLING, COUNSEL  FOR THE UNDERWRITERS. IT  IS EXPECTED THAT THE
DELIVERY OF THE SHARES WILL  BE MADE ON OR  ABOUT                , 1996, AT  THE
OFFICE  OF MORGAN  STANLEY & CO.  INCORPORATED, NEW YORK,  N.Y., AGAINST PAYMENT
THEREFOR IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FUNDS.
                            ------------------------
 
MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
       INCORPORATED
           FURMAN SELZ
 
                                                   RAUSCHER PIERCE REFSNES, INC.
 
           , 1996
<PAGE>
                                 [Photographs]
 
   
[LOGO]                                      Insert Photo of Westgate Chevtolet
 
Insert Photo of Chevrolet            Insert Photo of Performance Dodge Service
                                               Department
 
Insert Photo of Nissan                         Insert Photo of Plains Chevrolet
 
Insert Photo of Dodge                        Insert Photo of Performance Nissan
 
Insert Photo of Plains Chevrolet Used Car &
Truck Dept.
    
<PAGE>
    NO  PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY  REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS  PROSPECTUS
AND,  IF GIVEN OR  MADE, SUCH INFORMATION  OR REPRESENTATION MUST  NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY  THE COMPANY, THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS OR  ANY
UNDERWRITER.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  TO  SELL,  OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO  BUY, ANY SECURITY OTHER  THAN THE SHARES OF  COMMON
STOCK  OFFERED HEREBY, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN  OFFER  TO  BUY  ANY  SECURITIES OFFERED  HEREBY  TO  ANY  PERSON  IN  ANY
JURISDICTION  IN WHICH IT IS  UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH  AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO
SUCH PERSON. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL UNDER  ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES  CREATE ANY  IMPLICATION  THAT  THE  INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
                            ------------------------
 
    UNTIL               , 1996 (25 DAYS AFTER  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION,  MAY BE REQUIRED  TO DELIVER A  PROSPECTUS. THIS  DELIVERY
REQUIREMENT  IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
WHEN ACTING  AS UNDERWRITERS  AND WITH  RESPECT TO  THEIR UNSOLD  ALLOTMENTS  OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Prospectus Summary.........................................................................................           4
Risk Factors...............................................................................................           8
Recent Developments........................................................................................          13
Use of Proceeds............................................................................................          14
Dividend Policy............................................................................................          14
Capitalization.............................................................................................          15
Dilution...................................................................................................          16
Selected Combined Financial Data...........................................................................          17
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data..........................................................................          18
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................          22
Business...................................................................................................          33
Management.................................................................................................          47
Principal Stockholders.....................................................................................          51
Certain Transactions.......................................................................................          52
Description of Capital Stock...............................................................................          53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale............................................................................          57
Underwriters...............................................................................................          59
Legal Matters..............................................................................................          60
Experts....................................................................................................          60
Available Information......................................................................................          61
Index to Financial Information.............................................................................         F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL  ABOVE THAT  WHICH MIGHT  OTHERWISE  PREVAIL IN  THE OPEN  MARKET.  SUCH
TRANSACTIONS   MAY  BE  EFFECTED  ON  THE   NEW  YORK  STOCK  EXCHANGE,  IN  THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR  OTHERWISE. SUCH  STABILIZING, IF  COMMENCED, MAY  BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
                            ------------------------
 
   
    This  Prospectus includes  statistical data regarding  the retail automobile
industry. Unless otherwise indicated herein, such data is taken or derived  from
information  published  by  the  Industry  Analysis  Division  of  the  National
Automobile Dealers Association ("NADA") in its INDUSTRY ANALYSIS AND OUTLOOK AND
AUTOMOTIVE EXECUTIVE MAGAZINE publication.
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MORE
DETAILED INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE  NOTES
THERETO,  APPEARING ELSEWHERE  IN THIS PROSPECTUS.  PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD
CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FACTORS SET FORTH HEREIN UNDER THE CAPTION "RISK FACTORS"
AND  ARE  URGED  TO  READ  THIS  PROSPECTUS  IN  ITS  ENTIRETY.  REFERENCES   TO
"CROSS-CONTINENT"  OR THE "COMPANY" ARE  TO CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
AND, UNLESS THE CONTEXT INDICATES  OTHERWISE, ITS CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES  AND
THEIR  RESPECTIVE  PREDECESSORS. REFERENCES  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS TO  THE "COMMON
STOCK" MEAN  THE  COMMON  STOCK, PAR  VALUE  $.01  PER SHARE,  OF  THE  COMPANY;
REFERENCES  TO THE "OFFERING" MEAN THE OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK MADE HEREBY; AND
REFERENCES TO "SHARES" MEAN  THE SHARES OF COMMON  STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.  UNLESS
OTHERWISE   INDICATED,   ALL  INFORMATION   IN   THIS  PROSPECTUS   ASSUMES  THE
UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION IS NOT EXERCISED.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    The Company owns and operates  six franchised automobile dealerships in  the
Amarillo,  Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma markets. Through these dealerships,
the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks, arranges related financing
and insurance,  sells replacement  parts and  provides vehicle  maintenance  and
repair services.
 
    The  Company's founder and  Chief Executive Officer,  Bill A. Gilliland, has
managed automobile  dealerships  since 1966  and  acquired the  Company's  first
dealership, Quality Nissan, Inc. in Amarillo, in 1982. The Company continued its
growth  in the  Amarillo area by  acquiring three Chevrolet  dealerships, two of
which have been in continuous operation (under various owners) since the  1920s.
The  Company  is the  exclusive  Chevrolet and  Nissan  dealer in  Amarillo. The
Company led the Amarillo  market in vehicle unit  sales in 1995, accounting  for
approximately  36% of new vehicle unit sales and 25% of used vehicle unit sales.
In 1995, the Company entered the Oklahoma City market through the acquisition of
a Nissan dealership  in February  and a Dodge  dealership in  December. In  June
1996,  the Company entered into an agreement to purchase Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc.
("Hickey Dodge"), which is located in the Oklahoma City market and is one of the
largest Dodge  dealerships in  the  United States.  With this  acquisition,  the
Company believes that, based on pro forma revenue, it would have been one of the
50  largest dealer groups  out of more  than 15,000 dealer  groups nationwide in
1995.
 
    The Company has demonstrated historical success in acquiring and integrating
dealerships, and  acquisitions  remain an  important  element of  the  Company's
growth   strategy.  According  to  AUTOMOTIVE  NEWS  the  number  of  franchised
dealerships has  declined  from  36,336  in 1960  to  22,288  in  1996.  Further
consolidation  of automobile dealers is anticipated  due to a number of factors,
including increased capital  requirements for  dealerships, the  fact that  many
dealerships  are owned by  individuals nearing retirement age  and the desire of
certain automakers to  strengthen their  brand identity  by consolidating  their
franchised  dealerships.  The Company  believes that  an opportunity  exists for
dealership  groups  with  significant  equity  capital  to  purchase  additional
franchises  and  that being  able  to offer  prospective  sellers tax-advantaged
transactions  through  the  use  of  publicly  traded  stock  will,  in  certain
instances, make the Company a more attractive acquiror.
 
   
    As   a  result  of  the  Company's  business  strategy  and  growth  through
acquisitions, including  the full  year  effect of  the dealership  acquired  in
December  1995,  the Company's  sales increased  from $74.9  million in  1991 to
$294.7 million in 1995. Giving effect to the pending acquisition of Hickey Dodge
and including the full year effect of the dealership acquired in December  1995,
the  Company's pro forma 1995 sales would  have been $416.9 million. The Company
believes that  its business  strategy and  operations have  also enabled  it  to
achieve  a level of profitability superior to the industry average. In 1995, the
Company's actual gross profit margin was 15.9%, compared to the industry average
of 12.9%.
    
 
OPERATING STRATEGY
 
    The Company's strategy includes:
 
    EFFECTIVELY  SERVING  ITS   TARGET  CUSTOMERS.     The  Company's   existing
dealerships,  which together offer  the complete lines  of Chevrolet, Nissan and
Dodge   vehicles,   focus    primarily   on    middle-income   buyers    seeking
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
moderately  priced  vehicles that  can  be financed  with  relatively affordable
monthly payments. The Company believes  that working closely with its  customers
to  identify  appropriate vehicles  and offering  suitable financing  and credit
insurance products enhances  the Company's overall  profitability by  increasing
the  percentage of  vehicle purchases  financed through  its dealerships  and by
reducing the subsequent default rate on  such financing contracts. In 1995,  the
Company  arranged financing for  approximately 76% of its  new vehicle sales and
83% of its used vehicle sales, as compared to 42% and 51%, respectively, for the
average automobile dealership in the United States.
 
    OPERATING MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS IN SELECTED  MARKETS.  By operating  multiple
dealerships  within individual  markets, the Company  seeks to  become a leading
automotive dealer  in each  market that  it serves.  This strategy  enables  the
Company  to  achieve economies  of scale  in advertising,  inventory management,
management information systems and corporate overhead. In 1995, the Company  was
the  market share leader in the  Amarillo vicinity, accounting for approximately
28% of the new car market and 46% of the new truck market. In Oklahoma City, the
combined market shares  in 1995  for the  Company's two  existing Oklahoma  City
dealerships   were  approximately  2%  and  7%  of  new  car  and  truck  sales,
respectively. The Company estimates that, including Hickey Dodge, the  Company's
combined market shares in Oklahoma City would have been 4% of the new car market
and 15% of the new truck market in 1995.
 
    MAINTAINING  DISCIPLINED INVENTORY  MANAGEMENT.   The Company  believes that
maintaining a vehicle mix that matches  market demand is critical to  dealership
profitability.  The  Company's policy  is  to maintain  a  60-day supply  of new
vehicles and a  39-day supply  of used  vehicles. If  a new  vehicle remains  in
inventory  for 120 days,  or a used  vehicle for 60  days, the Company typically
disposes of  the vehicle  by selling  it to  another dealer  or wholesaler.  The
Company believes that this policy enhances profitability by increasing inventory
turnover  and reducing carrying costs. If the Company cannot obtain a sufficient
supply of  popular  models  from  the manufacturers,  it  purchases  the  needed
vehicles  from  other  franchised  dealers  throughout  the  United  States. For
example, because Chevrolet trucks are popular in Amarillo, the Company purchases
trucks from Chevrolet dealers  in other cities to  supplement its allocation  of
trucks  from  Chevrolet. In  managing its  used  vehicle inventory,  the Company
attempts to "mirror the  market" by tracking new  and used vehicle sales  within
its region and maintaining an inventory mix that matches consumer demand.
 
    EMPLOYING   PROFIT-BASED  MANAGEMENT  COMPENSATION.    The  Company  uses  a
management compensation system that differentiates it from most other automobile
dealerships. The Company believes that at many other auto dealerships the  heads
of  each sales department (new vehicles, used vehicles and finance and insurance
("F&I")) are compensated based  on the profitability or  sales volumes of  their
own  departments.  This method  of compensation  does not  encourage cooperation
among departments and  can affect  overall profitability of  the dealership.  At
Cross-Continent,  each  dealership's  general  manager  and  sales  managers are
trained in  F&I analysis  and  receive bonuses  based  on the  profitability  of
overall  vehicle sales  and related F&I  income. The Company  believes that this
compensation system promotes  teamwork and  encourages each  management team  to
maximize overall profitability.
 
    UTILIZING  TECHNOLOGY THROUGHOUT OPERATIONS.   The Company  believes that it
has  achieved   a  competitive   advantage  in   its  markets   by   integrating
computer-based  systems into  all aspects  of its  operations. The  Company uses
computer-based technology to monitor each dealership's gross profit,  permitting
senior  management to  gauge each  dealership's daily  and monthly  gross margin
"pace" and to quickly identify areas requiring additional focus. Sales  managers
also  utilize  a  computer system  to  design  for each  customer  an affordable
financing and insurance  package that  maximizes the Company's  total profit  on
each  transaction. Computer technology is also an integral part of the inventory
management system for new and used vehicles and vehicle parts.
 
    ACHIEVING HIGH LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.  Customer satisfaction and a
dealer's reputation for fairness are key competitive factors and are crucial for
establishing long-term customer loyalty. The Company's sales process is intended
to satisfy  customers  by providing  high-quality  vehicles that  customers  can
afford.  A customer's experience  with the parts and  service departments at the
Company's dealerships
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
can also positively influence overall satisfaction. The Company strives to train
its  service  managers  as   professionals,  employs  state-of-the-art   service
equipment,  maintains  a computer-managed  inventory  of replacement  parts, and
provides clean  service  and  waiting  areas  to  enhance  customers'  post-sale
experience.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    The   Company  intends  to  expand  its  business  by  acquiring  additional
dealerships and seeks to improve  their profitability through implementation  of
the Company's business strategies. The Company believes that its management team
has  considerable experience in evaluating  potential acquisition candidates and
determining whether a particular dealership can be successfully integrated  into
the   Company's  existing  operations.  Based  on  trends  affecting  automobile
dealerships, the Company also believes that an increasing number of  acquisition
opportunities will become available to the Company.
 
    Although  it  plans to  evaluate  acquisition candidates  on  a case-by-case
basis, the Company intends to make acquisitions primarily in selected cities  in
the  Western and  Southern regions  of the United  States where  there are fewer
dealerships relative to the  size of the population  than the national  average.
Although  it may pursue other acquisition opportunities, as part of its strategy
to acquire a leading market share in a given area, the Company intends to  focus
its  efforts on dealer groups that own  multiple franchises in a single city, as
well as on large, single-dealer franchises possessing significant market  share.
Other  criteria for evaluating potential  acquisitions will include a dealership
or dealer group's current profitability, the quality of its management team, its
local reputation with customers and its location along an interstate highway  or
principal thoroughfare.
 
    Upon  completion of  each acquisition,  the Company  plans to  implement its
sales  methods  and   philosophy,  computer-supported   management  system   and
profit-based compensation plan in an effort to enhance the acquired dealership's
overall  profitability.  Cross-Continent  intends  to  focus  initially  on  any
underperforming departments within the acquired entity that the Company believes
may yield the most rapid marginal improvements in operating results. The Company
anticipates that  it will  take two  to  three years  to integrate  an  acquired
dealership  into the  Company's operations and  realize the full  benefit of the
Company's strategies and systems. There can  be no assurance, however, that  the
profitability of any acquired dealership will equal that achieved to date by the
Company's  existing  dealerships. See  "Risk  Factors --  Risks  Associated with
Expansion."
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
Common Stock offered..............  3,675,000 shares (1)
Common Stock to be outstanding
  after the Offering..............  13,800,000 shares (2)
Use of proceeds...................  The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to finance
                                    the pending  acquisition  of  Hickey  Dodge  and  future
                                    acquisitions,  repay debt  and provide  cash for working
                                    capital and general corporate purposes.
New York Stock Exchange symbol....  XC
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
   
(1)  Does not include up to an aggregate  of 551,250 Shares that may be sold  by
     the  Selling  Stockholders  pursuant  to  the  Underwriters' over-allotment
     option. See "Principal Stockholders" and "Underwriters."
    
   
(2)  Excludes (i) 1,380,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for future  issuance
     under  the Company's  stock option  plan, including  an option  to purchase
     7,692 shares of Common  Stock that will be  granted immediately before  the
     completion  of the  Offering with  an exercise  price equal  to the initial
     public offering price,  and (ii)  130,308 shares of  Common Stock  issuable
     upon  the exercise of other options that  will have an exercise price equal
     to the initial public offering price. See "Management -- Stock Option Plan"
     and "Certain Transactions."
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                        SUMMARY COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following  summary  historical and  pro  forma combined  financial  data
should  be read  in conjunction  with "Management's  Discussion and  Analysis of
Financial  Condition  and  Results   of  Operations,"  the  Combined   Financial
Statements  of  the  Company  and  the related  notes  and  "Pro  Forma Combined
Financial Data" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                    FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                          JUNE 30,
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                                                                             PRO
                                                         ACTUAL                           FORMA (1)          ACTUAL
                                  -----------------------------------------------------  -----------  --------------------
                                    1991       1992       1993       1994       1995        1995        1995       1996
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues..................    $74,925  $ 125,183  $ 165,364  $ 181,768  $ 236,194    $416,943    $112,344   $141,241
Gross profit....................     10,839     18,502     25,738     28,322     37,492      60,758      17,874     21,320
Operating income (2)(3).........      2,355      3,369      5,016      5,683      6,593      12,634       3,290      3,977(4)
Net income (3)..................        849        956      1,995      2,382      2,195       5,871       1,105      1,029
Net income per share (5)........                                                              $0.43
Weighted average shares
 outstanding (5)................                                                             13,800
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                      PRO
                                   FORMA (1)
                                  -----------
                                     1996
                                  -----------
 
<S>                               <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues..................    $211,919
Gross profit....................      32,160
Operating income (2)(3).........       6,989 (4)
Net income (3)..................       3,193
Net income per share (5)........       $0.23
Weighted average shares
 outstanding (5)................      13,800
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        AS OF
                                                                                                    JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                     AS OF      ----------------------
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,                  PRO
                                                                                     1995        ACTUAL     FORMA(1)
                                                                                 -------------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                              <C>            <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital................................................................    $     536    $   2,044   $  31,557
Total assets...................................................................       83,407       80,888     109,993
Long-term debt.................................................................       11,859       11,131      11,131
Stockholders' equity...........................................................        7,101        9,479      52,260
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1)  For information regarding the pro  forma adjustments made to the  Company's
     historical financial data, see "Pro Forma Combined Financial Data."
(2)  Operating  income is defined as income before income taxes, interest income
     and interest expense.
   
(3)  During the  six  months ended  June  30,  1996, the  Company  recognized  a
     non-cash  expense of approximately $1.1  million relating to employee stock
     compensation in connection with  the issuance of  303,750 shares of  Common
     Stock  issued for $250,000  to Ezra P. Mager,  the Company's Vice Chairman,
     pursuant to an agreement  dated April 1,  1996 (the "Executive  Purchase").
     During  the six months ended  June 30, 1996, the  Company also recognized a
     compensation expense of  $600,000 relating  to a  bonus paid  to Emmett  M.
     Rice,  Jr., the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
     (the "Executive Bonus") in connection  with the Reorganization (as  defined
     below).  Excluding the  non-cash expense  and compensation  expense, actual
     operating income and  net income  for the six  months ended  June 30,  1996
     would have approximated $5.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
    
(4)  Prior  to  1996 the  Company paid  the  Gilliland Group  Family Partnership
     ("GGFP") an annual management fee  for executive management services.  This
     fee was generally based upon profits earned by the Company and the level of
     management  services rendered by GGFP. As of January 1, 1996 the Company no
     longer pays management  fees to GGFP.  Management fees for  the year  ended
     December  31, 1995, and for the six months ended June 30, 1995 approximated
     $4.3 million and $2.2  million, respectively. See "Management's  Discussion
     and  Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results  of Operations," "Certain
     Transactions"  and  Note  17  to  the  Notes  to  the  Combined   Financial
     Statements.
   
(5)  Historical  earnings per share are not presented, as the historical capital
     structure of the Company prior to the Reorganization (as defined below) and
     the Offering is not comparable with  the capital structure that will  exist
     subsequent to these events. Pro forma earnings per share are based upon the
     assumption  that 13,800,000 shares of Common Stock are outstanding for each
     period. This amount represents the total  number of Shares to be issued  in
     the Offering (3,675,000), the number of shares of Common Stock owned by the
     Company's stockholders immediately following the Reorganization (9,821,250)
     and  the number  of shares of  Common Stock (303,750)  issued in connection
     with  the  Executive  Purchase.  See  "Certain  Transactions,"   "Principal
     Stockholders" and Note 15 to the Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
    
 
    THE  COMPANY  WAS  FORMED  IN  MAY  1996  AND  IN  JUNE  1996  ACQUIRED (THE
"REORGANIZATION") ALL OF  THE CAPITAL  STOCK OF MIDWAY  CHEVROLET, INC.,  PLAINS
CHEVROLET,  INC., WESTGATE  CHEVROLET, INC.,  QUALITY NISSAN,  INC., PERFORMANCE
NISSAN, INC.,  PERFORMANCE DODGE,  INC.,  WORKING MAN'S  CREDIT PLAN,  INC.  AND
ALLIED  2000 COLLISION CENTER, INC. ALL OF THESE SUBSIDIARIES WERE CONTROLLED BY
MR. GILLILAND  PRIOR  TO  THE  REORGANIZATION. MR.  GILLILAND  WILL  REMAIN  THE
PRINCIPAL  STOCKHOLDER OF  THE COMPANY  IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING  THE OFFERING. SEE
"CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS" AND "PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS."
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    PROSPECTIVE  INVESTORS  SHOULD CAREFULLY  CONSIDER AND  EVALUATE ALL  OF THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS,  INCLUDING THE RISK FACTORS SET  FORTH
BELOW.
 
COMPETITION
 
   
    Automobile  retailing  is a  highly  competitive business  with  over 22,000
franchised automobile dealerships in the United States at the beginning of 1996.
The Company's competitors include automobile  dealers (which may be larger,  and
have  greater  financial and  marketing  resources, than  the  Company), private
market buyers  and  sellers  of  used  vehicles,  used  vehicle  dealers,  other
franchised  dealers, service  center chains  and independent  service and repair
shops. Gross profit margins on sales  of new vehicles have been declining  since
1980,  and the new  and used car  market faces increasing  competition from non-
traditional  sources   such   as   independent   leasing   companies,   used-car
"superstores,"  which use sales  techniques such as one  price shopping, and the
Internet. Several groups have recently  announced plans to establish  nationwide
networks  of used vehicle  superstores. "No negotiation"  sales methods are also
being tried for new cars by at least one of these superstores and by dealers for
the Saturn Division of  General Motors Corporation  ("General Motors" or  "GM").
Some  of the recent market entrants may be capable of operating on smaller gross
margins compared to the Company.  The increased popularity of short-term  leases
also has resulted, as the leases have expired, in a large increase in the number
of  late  model  vehicles  available  in  the  market  from  sources  other than
franchised dealers. As the Company seeks to acquire dealerships in new  markets,
it  may face significant competition (including  from other large dealer groups)
as it strives to gain market share.
    
 
   
    The Company  is the  exclusive  Chevrolet dealer  in  Amarillo and  has  the
leading   position  in  the  Amarillo  market.  In  1995,  the  Company  derived
approximately 71% of its  gross profit from its  three Chevrolet dealerships  in
Amarillo.  The  Company  could  be materially  adversely  affected  if Chevrolet
awarded additional  dealership  franchises to  others  in the  Amarillo  market,
although  the Company does not anticipate such  awards will be made, or if other
automobile dealerships increased their market  share in the area. The  Company's
gross margins may decline over time as it expands into markets where it does not
have  a leading position. These and  other competitive pressures could adversely
affect the Company's results of operations.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON AUTOMAKERS
 
    As a franchised dealer,  the Company's success  depends upon the  popularity
and  availability  of vehicles  it  is authorized  to  sell. For  example, light
trucks, in general, and the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe models, in  particular,
are  currently popular  with consumers in  the Amarillo market,  and the Company
typically earns a higher gross profit margin on new trucks than on many new cars
sold by the  Company. If  consumer preferences for  these models  change or  the
Company is unable to obtain a sufficient supply of these vehicles, the Company's
sales  could  decline  and  its results  could  be  adversely  affected. Because
approximately 71% of  the Company's 1995  gross profit was  attributable to  the
Company's Chevrolet dealerships, the Company currently is particularly dependent
upon  the continued popularity of models offered by Chevrolet and on Chevrolet's
ability to provide it with the appropriate inventory.
 
    Domestic automakers are also vulnerable  to strikes and other labor  actions
by  unions which  could reduce  or eliminate  the supply  of new  vehicles for a
period. For example, workers at two of  GM's parts plants went on strike for  17
days  during March 1996, causing  a material drop in  GM's first quarter vehicle
production. The  current collective  bargaining  agreements between  the  United
Automobile  Workers Union  and each of  General Motors  and Chrysler Corporation
("Chrysler") are scheduled to expire on  September 14, 1996, and GM or  Chrysler
may be the target of a strike. These automakers may not be able to negotiate new
collective   bargaining  agreements   without  experiencing   significant  labor
stoppages that could limit or interrupt the production or distribution of  these
automakers'  new  vehicles. The  Company believes  that  it has  been materially
affected in the past  by labor actions  such as the strike  against GM in  March
1996.  Due to the automakers' inability to provide the Company with a sufficient
supply of new vehicles and parts during such periods, the Company has purchased,
and in the event  of another such  strike may need  to purchase, inventory  from
other  automobile dealers, often at  prices higher than it  would be required to
pay to
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
the automakers, in order to carry an  adequate level and mix of inventory.  Such
events  could materially adversely affect the  financial results of the Company.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
Operations -- First Six Months 1996 versus First Six Months 1995."
 
MATURE INDUSTRY; CYCLICAL AND LOCAL NATURE OF AUTOMOBILE SALES
 
   
    The American automobile dealership industry generally is considered a mature
industry  in which minimal growth is expected  in unit sales of new vehicles. In
many mature  local and  regional  retail markets,  sales  of new  vehicles  have
fluctuated  in recent years. As a  consequence, growth in the Company's revenues
and earnings  and  the  market value  of  the  Common Stock  are  likely  to  be
significantly  affected by  the Company's  success in  acquiring and integrating
dealerships and the  pace and size  of such acquisitions.  The Company  believes
that  the automobile dealership business in the Amarillo area also is mature and
that, although the  Oklahoma City  automobile dealership  market may  experience
some  growth, it is not likely  to expand significantly. The automobile industry
historically has experienced periodic downturns, characterized by oversupply and
weak demand.  Many  factors  affect the  industry,  including  general  economic
conditions,  consumer confidence,  the level  of personal  discretionary income,
interest rates and credit  availability. Future recessions  may have a  material
adverse effect on the Company's business and the price of the Common Stock.
    
 
   
    Local economic, competitive and other conditions also affect the performance
of  dealerships. The Texas  Panhandle and Oklahoma  experienced a severe drought
from October 1995 through  June 1996. Although the  Company's sales during  this
period  were not significantly affected by the drought, such a weather condition
could have a  material adverse  effect on  the business  of the  Company in  the
future.
    
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EXPANSION
 
    The  Company's future  growth will  depend in large  part on  its ability to
acquire additional  dealerships.  In  pursuing a  strategy  of  acquiring  other
dealerships,  the  Company  will  face risks  commonly  encountered  with growth
through acquisitions. These risks include incurring significantly higher capital
expenditures and operating  expenses, failing to  assimilate the operations  and
personnel   of  the  acquired  dealerships,  disrupting  the  Company's  ongoing
business, dissipating  the Company's  limited management  resources, failing  to
maintain  uniform standards, controls and  policies, and impairing relationships
with employees and customers as a  result of changes in management. The  Company
expects that it will take two to three years to integrate an acquired dealership
into  the Company's  operations and  realize the  full benefit  of the Company's
strategies and systems.  During the early  part of this  integration period  the
operating  results of an acquired dealership  may decrease from results attained
prior to the acquisition as the  Company implements its strategies and  systems.
For  the first six months of 1996, the financial performance of the two Oklahoma
City dealerships acquired in 1995 has been below the Company's financial results
in the Amarillo market and below the Oklahoma City dealerships' performance  for
the first six months of 1995. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered with such
acquisitions,  including in connection with its two dealerships acquired in 1995
or  its  pending  acquisition  of  Hickey  Dodge.  See  "Recent   Developments,"
"Management's  Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of
Operations" and "Business -- Growth Strategy -- Acquisitions."
 
    Acquiring additional  dealerships,  as  the Company  intends,  will  have  a
significant  impact  on  the  Company's  financial  position,  and  could  cause
substantial  fluctuations  in  the  Company's  quarterly  and  yearly  operating
results.  Acquisitions  could  result  in  significant  goodwill  and intangible
assets, which are likely  to result in substantial  amortization charges to  the
Company that would reduce stated earnings.
 
AVAILABILITY OF ACQUISITION CANDIDATES; NEED FOR FINANCING AND POSSIBLE DILUTION
THROUGH ISSUANCE OF STOCK
 
   
    The  Company's  ability  to  continue to  grow  through  the  acquisition of
additional dealerships will be dependent  upon (i) the availability of  suitable
candidates,  (ii)  receiving  automaker  approval  of  acquisitions,  (iii)  the
Company's ability to compete effectively for available dealerships and (iv)  the
availability  of capital to  complete the acquisitions.  See "Business -- Growth
Strategy -- Acquisitions." The Company's future growth through acquisitions will
depend in part upon its ability to obtain the requisite automaker approvals. The
Company believes that, currently, at least one major automaker would not approve
acquisitions of its
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
dealerships by  the  Company  because  it has  expressed  opposition  to  public
ownership  of its dealerships. Alternatively, one or more automakers may attempt
to impose further restrictions on the Company in connection with their  approval
of  an acquisition. See " --  Automaker Control Over Dealerships." In connection
with  the  Offering,  the  Company  anticipates  entering  into  a  new  "Dealer
Agreement"  with Chrysler's Dodge  division, under which  the Company will agree
not to acquire any  additional Chrysler dealership in  the Oklahoma City  market
without Chrysler's approval and acknowledge that Chrysler will have "good cause"
to  withhold its consent to any such  acquisition (other than the acquisition of
Hickey Dodge).
    
 
   
    The Company intends to finance acquisitions with cash on hand (including the
proceeds of the Offering) and through issuances of stock or debt securities. The
Company may  require substantial  additional  capital in  order to  continue  to
acquire  dealerships in  the future. Using  cash to  complete acquisitions could
substantially  limit  the  Company's  financial  flexibility.  Using  stock   to
consummate  acquisitions  may result  in  significant dilution  of shareholders'
interest in the  Company. Under Dealer  Agreements with the  Nissan division  of
Nissan  Motors Corp. U.S.A.  ("Nissan") that the Company  anticipates will be in
effect upon completion of the Offering,  the Company's Nissan franchises may  be
terminated  if, without  Nissan's prior  approval, Mr.  Gilliland's ownership of
Common Stock falls  below 20%  of the  total number  of shares  of Common  Stock
issued  and  outstanding.  See  "Business  --  Vehicle  and  Parts  Suppliers --
Relationships with Automakers." Although after  the Offering Mr. Gilliland  will
beneficially   own   approximately   50%  of   the   Common   Stock  outstanding
(approximately 47% if  the Underwriters' over-allotment  option is exercised  in
full),  this provision of the Nissan  Dealer Agreement could limit the Company's
ability to issue  additional shares  of Common Stock  to complete  acquisitions.
Using  debt to  complete acquisitions could  result in  financial covenants that
limit  the  Company's   operating  and  financial   flexibility.  In   addition,
substantially  all of  the assets  of the  Company's dealerships  are pledged to
secure the Company's floor plan debt with General Motors Acceptance  Corporation
("GMAC"),  amounting to $36.2 million as of  June 30, 1996, which may impede the
Company's ability to borrow  from other sources. The  Company does not have  any
commitments  from prospective lenders with respect to acquisition financing, and
there can  be  no assurance  that  sufficient  financing will  be  available  on
acceptable  terms in the future.  If the Company is  unable to obtain additional
capital on acceptable terms, the Company may be required to reduce the scope  of
its presently anticipated expansion, which could materially adversely affect the
Company's  business  and  the  value  of  the  Common  Stock.  See "Management's
Discussion and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition and  Results of  Operation  --
Liquidity   and  Capital  Resources"   and  "Business  --   Growth  Strategy  --
Acquisitions."
    
 
CONCENTRATION OF VOTING POWER AND ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
   
    Following the Offering, through their ownership of approximately 73% of  the
outstanding  Common Stock (approximately 69% if the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised in full), the current owners of the Company will continue to
control the election of all directors and all other actions submitted to a  vote
of  the Company's  stockholders, including significant  corporate actions. Other
stockholders (including purchasers of the Shares) will not have the voting power
to elect directors  or make  corporate decisions. This  concentration of  voting
power  in current owners may, among other things, have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in  control of the Company  or preventing stockholders  from
realizing  a premium  on the  sale of  their shares  upon an  acquisition of the
Company.
    
 
    Certain agreements and  corporate documents  and Delaware law  also make  it
difficult  for  a  third party  to  try  to unilaterally  acquire  a significant
ownership position in the Company, including:
 
   
       (i) The  Company's  Dealer  Agreements  with  General  Motors'  Chevrolet
           division  and  with Nissan  put  the Company  at  risk of  losing its
    Chevrolet or Nissan franchises if any person or entity acquires 20% or  more
    of  the Common Stock  without Chevrolet's or Nissan's  approval, as the case
    may be. In addition, under its  Dealer Agreement with the Dodge division  of
    Chrysler, the Company could lose its Dodge dealership upon any change in the
    ownership of a controlling number of shares in the Company. See "Business --
    Vehicle and Parts Suppliers -- Relationships with Automakers."
    
 
       (ii)Under Dealer Agreements with Nissan that the Company anticipates will
           be  in effect upon  completion of the  Offering, the Company's Nissan
    franchises may be terminated if, without Nissan's
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    prior approval, Mr. Gilliland's ownership of Common Stock falls below 20% of
    the total number  of shares of  Common Stock issued  and outstanding or  Mr.
    Gilliland  ceases  to be  the Chief  Executive Officer  of the  Company. See
    "Business -- Vehicle and Parts Suppliers -- Relationships with Automakers."
 
       (iii)
           Certain provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation  and
           Bylaws  (a) allow  the Company to  issue preferred  stock with rights
    senior to those of the  Common Stock without any  further vote or action  by
    the  stockholders,  (b) provide  for a  classified  board of  directors with
    staggered three-year terms and (c) impose procedural requirements that could
    make it more  difficult for stockholders  of the Company  to effect  certain
    corporate  actions.  In  addition,  Section  203  of  the  Delaware  General
    Corporation Law restricts certain business combinations with any "interested
    stockholder" as defined by such  statute. See "Description of Capital  Stock
    --  Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation,
    Bylaws and Delaware Law."
 
       (iv)Under  the  Company's  Rights  Agreement,  shareholders  (other  than
           certain  prospective acquirors) are entitled to purchase Common Stock
    at a  discount or  shares in  the prospective  acquiror at  a discount  upon
    certain acquisitions of 19.9% or more of the Common Stock or a merger of the
    Company  or similar transaction.  The Company may, at  the discretion of the
    Board of Directors, lower this threshold to as low as 10%. See  "Description
    of Capital Stock -- Stockholders' Rights Plan."
 
       (v) Under the Company's Stock Option Plan, options outstanding thereunder
           become  immediately exercisable upon a "change in control" or certain
    mergers or reorganizations of Cross-Continent Auto. See "Management -- Stock
    Option Plan."
 
    The blank check preferred stock  authorized under the Company's  Certificate
of  Incorporation gives the  Board of Directors of  the Company broad discretion
with respect to the creation and issuance of preferred stock without stockholder
approval. The issuance  of such preferred  stock may delay,  defer or prevent  a
change  of control  of the Company  and may  adversely affect the  rights of the
holders of  Common  Stock.  The  issuance of  preferred  stock  with  voting  or
conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of Common
Stock.
 
LIMITED MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES
 
    The  Company's success  depends to a  significant degree  upon the continued
contributions of its  management team (particularly  its senior management)  and
service  and sales personnel. In addition, as the Company expands it may need to
hire additional  managers. The  Company's  employees may  voluntarily  terminate
their  employment  with  the  Company  at any  time.  The  market  for qualified
employees in the  industry and  in the regions  in which  the Company  operates,
particularly  for  general  managers, is  highly  competitive. The  loss  of the
services of  key employees  or  the inability  to attract  additional  qualified
managers  could have a material adverse effect  on the Company. The Company does
not currently maintain key-man life insurance  for any of its officers or  other
employees.
 
LACK OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
 
    At the time it completes the Offering, the Company will not have any outside
membership  on its Board  of Directors. Although it  anticipates naming at least
two outside directors following completion of the Offering, such directors  will
not constitute a majority of the Board, and the Company's Board of Directors may
not  consist of such a majority  in the future. In the  absence of a majority of
independent directors, the Company's executive officers, who also are  principal
stockholders and directors, could establish policies and enter into transactions
without  independent approval  of the  terms and  purposes of  such policies and
transactions.  In  addition,  although  the  Company  will  establish  an  audit
committee,  which will consist entirely of outside directors, and a compensation
committee, which will  consist of at  least two outside  directors, until  those
committees  are  established, transactions  and  compensation policies  could be
established without an  independent review. These  and other transactions  could
present  the potential for  a conflict of  interest between the  Company and its
stockholders generally and the controlling officers, stockholders or directors.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
AUTOMAKER CONTROL OVER DEALERSHIPS
 
    Historically, automakers have exercised significant control over dealerships
and have restricted  them to  specified locations and  retained approval  rights
over  changes in management and ownership.  The Company's ability to expand will
depend, in  part,  on obtaining  the  consent  of automakers  to  the  Company's
acquisitions  of  new dealerships,  including the  acquisition of  Hickey Dodge,
which the Company  currently anticipates  acquiring with  a portion  of the  net
proceeds  from the Offering. While the  Company's acquisitions to date have been
approved and the Company has not been materially adversely affected by the other
limitations imposed by automakers,  there can be no  assurance that the  Company
will  be able to obtain future necessary approvals on acceptable terms or not be
materially adversely affected by other limitations in the future.
 
   
    The Company is dependent to a  significant extent on its ability to  finance
the  purchase of  new and used  vehicles, which involves  significant floor plan
financing principally from GMAC, an affiliate of General Motors. Many automakers
also attempt to  measure customers'  satisfaction with their  sales and  service
experience  and  may limit  vehicle inventory  allocations  or deny  approval of
future acquisitions if dealerships fail to meet certain standards. To date,  the
Company  has not  been adversely  affected by these  standards and  has not been
denied approval of any acquisition. However, there can be no assurance that  the
Company  will be  able to comply  with such  standards in the  future, which may
materially adversely affect the Company.
    
 
   
    The  Company  operates  its  dealerships  under  "Dealer  Agreements"   with
automakers that, like the dealer agreements of other automobile dealers, provide
for  termination for a variety of causes.  The Company believes that it has been
and is in material compliance with all of its Dealer Agreements. Certain of  the
Company's  Dealer Agreements provide that the  Company may lose its franchise if
any one person  acquires 20%  or more  of the  outstanding Common  Stock of  the
Company.  See " -- Concentration of  Voting Power and Anti-Takeover Provisions."
Any such acquisition of shares of the Company's Common Stock may be outside  the
control of the Company and could result in the termination or non-renewal of one
or more of its franchises. In connection with the Offering, the Company has been
informed  that its current  Dealer Agreements with Nissan  will be replaced with
agreements imposing several additional  terms. One of these  terms will be  that
the  continuation of each of these Dealer Agreements by Nissan may be contingent
upon, among other things, the Company's  achievement of stated goals for  market
share  penetration in the market served by the applicable dealership. Failure to
meet the  market share  goals set  forth in  any Nissan  Dealer Agreement  could
result   in  the  imposition  of  additional  conditions  in  subsequent  Dealer
Agreements or  termination of  such Dealer  Agreement by  Nissan. The  Company's
Dealer  Agreements with General Motors expire in or about the year 2000, and its
Dealer Agreements with its other automakers currently have no stated  expiration
date.  The Company currently  believes that, as  it has done  in prior years, it
will be able to renew all of the Dealer Agreements upon expiration, but no  such
assurance can be given. See "Business -- Vehicle and Parts Suppliers."
    
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS
 
    The  Company  is  subject  to  a wide  range  of  federal,  state  and local
regulations, such as local licensing requirements, consumer protection laws  and
rules  relating  to gasoline  storage, waste  treatment and  other environmental
matters. Future acquisitions by the Company  may also be subject to  regulation,
including antitrust reviews. The Company believes that it substantially complies
with all applicable laws relating to its business, but future regulations may be
more stringent and require the Company to incur significant additional costs.
 
NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK; POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
    Prior  to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock
and there can be no assurance that an active public market for the Common  Stock
will  develop or continue after the  Offering. The initial public offering price
of the Common  Stock will be  determined by negotiations  among the Company  and
representatives  of the  Underwriters. Because  the Company  will be  one of the
first public companies dedicated to  the retail auto dealership business,  these
representatives  will not be able to use the market prices of other companies in
the same industry as a benchmark  in setting the initial public offering  price.
See "Underwriters" for a discussion of the factors considered in determining the
initial public offering
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
price. Quarterly and annual operating results of the Company, variations between
such  results and  the results  expected by  investors and  analysts, changes in
local or general  economic conditions or  developments affecting the  automobile
industry,  the Company or  its competitors could  cause the market  price of the
Common Stock to  fluctuate substantially.  Sales of substantial  amounts of  the
Common  Stock by  the Company's principal  stockholders or others  in the public
market following the  Offering, or  the perception  that such  sales may  occur,
could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock and could impair the
ability  of the Company to raise capital through sales of its equity securities.
As a result of all of these factors, as well as other factors common to  initial
public  offerings,  the  market  price could  fluctuate  substantially  from the
offering price.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
   
    In June  1996, as  part  of its  acquisition  growth strategy,  the  Company
entered  into an agreement to purchase substantially all of the operating assets
and the dealership franchise of Hickey  Dodge, which is located in the  Oklahoma
City  market and,  according to  WARD'S DEALER BUSINESS,  is one  of the largest
Dodge dealerships in the United States. For its acquisition of Hickey Dodge, the
Company has agreed to pay $13.85 million  in cash. In addition, the Company  has
agreed  to purchase the  new vehicle inventory  of Hickey Dodge  at the seller's
cost and may purchase some or all of the used vehicle inventory at a price to be
agreed. The purchase of the new vehicle inventory will be financed through floor
plan financing.  The acquisition  is subject  to customary  closing  conditions,
including  the receipt of approval from the Dodge division of Chrysler. Although
there can  be no  assurance that  such approval  will be  obtained or  that  the
closing  will occur,  the Company anticipates  completing the  acquisition on or
about October 1, 1996.
    
 
   
    In 1994  and 1995,  Hickey Dodge  experienced profit  margins  significantly
below the Company's historical margins. Based on its discussions with management
of  Hickey Dodge, the Company believes  that, in 1994, Hickey Dodge aggressively
pursued a strategy to maximize sales, which included promotional activities  and
guarantees  of  consumer  vehicle  loans. In  particular,  Hickey  Dodge heavily
promoted an attempt to set the record for monthly unit sales volume by any  U.S.
automobile  dealership and sold 2,815 units in June 1994, compared to an average
of approximately 1,000 units  per month for the  remainder of 1994. The  default
rates on loans guaranteed by Hickey Dodge and F&I charges relating to 1994 sales
significantly  exceeded management  expectations and, together  with $938,000 in
bonuses paid  to the  owner  and general  manager  of Hickey  Dodge,  negatively
affected  profitability, resulting in pre-tax income  of $593,000 on revenues of
$167.5 million in 1994. In 1995,  revenues declined by 27.0% to $122.2  million.
The  Company believes that  this reduction in  sales was largely  due to reduced
promotional activities, difficulty by Hickey  Dodge in obtaining an  appropriate
mix  of new vehicles and  a general downturn in the  Oklahoma City market due to
the bombing of  the Federal  Building in  April. Although  loan guarantees  were
curtailed  in early 1995, the earnings of Hickey Dodge continued to be adversely
affected as repossessed vehicles relating to loans originated in 1994 were  sold
in  1995. As a  result of these and  other factors, pre-tax  income for 1995 was
only $565,000.  The  Company is  not  assuming any  liability  regarding  credit
guarantees provided by Hickey Dodge prior to the acquisition and does not intend
to  provide such loan guarantees once the acquisition is completed. In the first
six  months  of  1996,  Hickey   Dodge's  pre-tax  margins  improved  from   the
corresponding  period in 1995. Revenues at Hickey Dodge for the first six months
of 1996 were $70.7  million, a 12.4%  increase from the  prior year period,  and
pre-tax  income increased to $3.3 million from $167,000 for the first six months
of 1995. Based on its discussions  with Hickey Dodge, the Company believes  that
revenues  of Hickey Dodge increased because of a better mix of vehicles sold and
that pre-tax income  increased largely because  of the absence  of the  negative
factors that affected 1995 results.
    
 
   
    The  Company  estimates  that,  including the  sales  of  Hickey  Dodge, its
combined market share  of total new  vehicle unit sales  in Oklahoma City  would
have  increased from approximately 4.5% to  approximately 8.8% overall for 1995.
In addition  to increasing  its  market share,  the  Company believes  that  the
acquisition  of Hickey  Dodge will provide  the Company with  the opportunity to
benefit from  the  economies of  scale  that it  seeks  in expanding  its  local
presence in targeted markets.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
    The  net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby  are estimated  to be  approximately $42.8  million, assuming  an
initial  public offering price of $13.00 per share. The Company intends to apply
$13.85 million of the  net proceeds to purchase  Hickey Dodge. The Company  also
may  apply a portion of the  net proceeds to the purchase  of some or all of the
used vehicle inventory of  Hickey Dodge at  a price to  be agreed. Although  the
purchase  of Hickey  Dodge is  contingent on  receiving approval  from the Dodge
division of Chrysler,  the Company  expects to  complete the  acquisition on  or
about  October 1, 1996.  See "Recent Developments." Prior  to the acquisition of
Hickey Dodge, the Company  intends to invest  the proceeds to  be used for  that
acquisition in a short-term, interest-bearing account.
    
 
   
    The  Company  also intends  to apply  approximately $25  million of  the net
proceeds to repay a majority of its vehicle financing indebtedness owed to GMAC.
Such indebtedness accrues interest as of August 1, 1996 at an annual rate  equal
to  8.0%. At June 30,  1996, this debt totaled  $36.2 million. See "Management's
Discussion and  Analysis of  Financial Condition  and Results  of Operations  --
Liquidity and Capital Resources."
    
 
   
    The  Company  intends to  use the  remaining expected  net proceeds  of $3.9
million for  working capital  and other  general corporate  purposes,  including
future acquisitions.
    
 
   
    The  Company will not  receive any of  the proceeds from  any sale of Shares
pursuant to any exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option.
    
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends to holders of Common Stock
for the foreseeable future. Instead, the  Company intends to apply earnings,  if
any,  to finance the growth of  Cross-Continent. Any future determination to pay
cash dividends  on Common  Stock  will be  at the  discretion  of the  Board  of
Directors,  will be subject to certain limitations under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware and will be dependent upon the Company's  financial
condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as
the  Board of Directors deems relevant,  including any restrictions contained in
any future  debt  facilities.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of
Financial   Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  --  Liquidity  and  Capital
Resources."
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
    The following table  sets forth  the cash and  cash equivalents,  short-term
debt and total capitalization of the Company at June 30, 1996, (i) including the
effect  of the Reorganization and excluding the  effect of the Offering and (ii)
on a  pro forma  basis,  as adjusted  to  reflect the  sale  by the  Company  of
3,675,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Offering (at an assumed initial
public  offering price of $13.00 per share) and the application of the estimated
net proceeds  to be  received  by the  Company. This  table  should be  read  in
conjunction  with the Combined  Financial Statements and  related notes and "Pro
Forma Combined Financial Data" appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. See  also
"Use  of Proceeds," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and "Certain Transactions."
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                          ------------------------
                                                                                           ACTUAL    PRO FORMA(1)
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
                                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...............................................................  $   8,892   $     8,892(1)
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
Short-term debt:
  Floor plan debt.......................................................................  $  36,177   $    26,432(1)
  Due to affiliates.....................................................................      4,620           689(1)
  Current maturities of long-term debt..................................................      1,543         1,543
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
      Total short-term debt.............................................................  $  42,340   $    28,664
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities............................................  $  11,131   $    11,131
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;
   no shares issued and outstanding.....................................................     --           --
  Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized;
   10,125,000 shares issued and outstanding, actual;
   13,800,000 shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted (2)............................        101           138
  Paid-in capital.......................................................................      2,312        45,056
  Retained earnings.....................................................................      7,066         7,066
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
      Total stockholders' equity........................................................      9,479        52,260
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
        Total capitalization............................................................  $  20,610   $    63,391
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
   
(1)  Approximately $13.85 million of  the net proceeds of  the Offering will  be
     used  to acquire the assets (excluding  vehicle inventory) of Hickey Dodge.
     Approximately $25.0 million  of the net  proceeds of the  Offering will  be
     used  to reduce  floor plan debt,  partially offset  by approximately $15.3
     million in additional  floor plan  debt that will  be used  to acquire  the
     Hickey  Dodge new  vehicle inventory.  The remainder  of the  estimated net
     proceeds, approximately $3.9 million, will  be invested in an account  with
     GMAC  (the  "GMAC  Deposit Account")  and  in other  cash  equivalents. The
     reduction in "due to  affiliates" represents the  remittance of funds  that
     have  been advanced  to the  Company by  affiliates to  invest in  the GMAC
     Deposit Account. See "Certain Transactions" and "Use of Proceeds."
    
   
(2)  If the  over-allotment  option  is  exercised, the  number  of  issued  and
     outstanding shares of Common Stock will not increase because only shares of
     Common  Stock owned by the Selling Stockholders are subject to such option.
     See "Principal Stockholders." Excludes (i) 1,380,000 shares of Common Stock
     reserved for  future  issuance  under  the  Company's  stock  option  plan,
     including  an option to purchase 7,692 shares  of Common Stock that will be
     granted immediately before the completion of the Offering with an  exercise
     price  equal to the initial public  offering price, and (ii) 130,308 shares
     of Common Stock issuable upon the  exercise of other options which have  an
     exercise  price equal to the initial public offering price. See "Management
     -- Stock Option Plan" and "Certain Transactions."
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
 
   
    The net tangible book value of the Company at June 30, 1996 was  $2,138,000,
or  $.21 per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book value per share represents
the amount of the Company's net  tangible assets less total liabilities  divided
by  the number of shares of Common  Stock outstanding at that date. After giving
effect to the sale by the Company  of 3,675,000 shares of Common Stock  pursuant
to  the Offering (based upon an assumed  initial public offering price of $13.00
per share  and  after  deducting  estimated offering  expenses  payable  by  the
Company)  and  the acquisition  of  Hickey Dodge,  the  Company's pro  forma net
tangible book value at June  30, 1996 would have  been $32,651,000 or $2.37  per
share.  This represents an immediate increase in  the net tangible book value of
$2.16 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $10.63 per
share to new investors  purchasing Shares in the  Offering. The following  table
illustrates this per share dilution:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share...................             $   13.00
  Net tangible book value per share before the Offering...........  $    0.21
  Increase per share attributable to new investors................       2.16
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the Offering....                  2.37(1)
                                                                               -----------
Dilution per share to new investors(2)............................             $   10.63
                                                                               -----------
                                                                               -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1)  Includes  the pro  forma effect  on net tangible  book value  of the Hickey
     Dodge acquisition.
   
(2)  Dilution is determined by subtracting the net tangible book value per share
     of Common  Stock after  the Offering  from the  public offering  price  per
     share.
    
 
   
    The  following table summarizes,  on a pro  forma basis as  of June 30, 1996
(assuming the Offering had been completed at that date), the differences between
the number  of shares  of Common  Stock purchased  from the  Company, the  total
consideration  paid  and  the  average  price per  share  paid  by  the existing
stockholders and by the  investors purchasing 3,675,000  shares of Common  Stock
from the Company in this Offering at an assumed initial public offering price of
$13.00 per share:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  SHARES PURCHASED             TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                                            ----------------------------  -----------------------------  AVERAGE PRICE
                                                NUMBER         PERCENT         AMOUNT         PERCENT      PER SHARE
                                            ---------------  -----------  ----------------  -----------  --------------
<S>                                         <C>              <C>          <C>               <C>          <C>
Existing Stockholders.....................    10,125,000(1)       73.4%   $   9,479,000(2)       16.6%    $    0.94
New Investors.............................     3,675,000          26.6       47,775,000          83.4         13.00
                                            ---------------      -----    ----------------      -----
  Total...................................    13,800,000         100.0%   $  57,254,000         100.0%
                                            ---------------      -----    ----------------      -----
                                            ---------------      -----    ----------------      -----
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
   
(1)  Excludes  138,000  shares  of Common  Stock  that  may be  issued  upon the
     exercise at the  initial public  offering price  of options  to be  granted
     immediately prior to completion of the Offering.
    
(2)  Net book value at June 30, 1996.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                        SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The selected combined statement of operations and balance sheet data for the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 are derived from the Company's
audited  financial statements. The selected combined statement of operations and
balance sheet data for the two years  in the period ended December 31, 1992  are
based  on the  Company's unaudited  financial statements.  The selected combined
results of operations data for the six  months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996  and
the balance sheet data at June 30, 1996 are derived from the unaudited financial
statements  of  the  Company and,  in  the  opinion of  management,  reflect all
adjustments necessary for a fair presentation  of its results of operations  and
financial  condition. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The
results of operations for  an interim period are  not necessarily indicative  of
results  that may be expected for a full  year or any other interim period. This
selected  combined  financial   data  should   be  read   in  conjunction   with
"Management's  Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of
Operations" and the  Combined Financial  Statements and  related notes  included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                        JUNE 30,
                                      -----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                        1991       1992       1993       1994      1995(1)    1995(2)      1996
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales.....................  $  66,289  $ 113,072  $ 150,205  $ 163,721  $ 212,984  $ 101,464  $   125,900
  Other operating revenue...........      8,636     12,111     15,159     18,047     23,210     10,880       15,341
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Total revenues..............     74,925    125,183    165,364    181,768    236,194    112,344      141,241
Cost of sales.......................     64,086    106,681    139,626    153,446    198,702     94,470      119,921
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Gross profit........................     10,839     18,502     25,738     28,322     37,492     17,874       21,320
Selling, general and
 administrative.....................      7,278     12,813     17,194     18,522     25,630     11,958       15,695
Depreciation and amortization.......        408        731        992        934        951        471          549
Management fees (3).................        798      1,589      2,536      3,183      4,318      2,155      --
Employee stock compensation (4).....     --         --         --         --         --         --            1,099
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Operating income....................      2,355      3,369      5,016      5,683      6,593      3,290        3,977(5)
Interest expense, net...............     (1,008)    (1,852)    (1,848)    (1,950)    (3,088)    (1,526)      (1,724)
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Income before income taxes..........      1,347      1,517      3,168      3,733      3,505      1,764        2,253
Income tax expense..................        498        561      1,173      1,351      1,310        659        1,224
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net income (6)......................  $     849  $     956  $   1,995  $   2,382  $   2,195  $   1,105  $     1,029
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------------------------------------      AS OF
                                             1991       1992       1993       1994       1995     JUNE 30, 1996
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital..........................  $   1,274  $       8  $     135  $      50  $     536    $   2,044
Total assets.............................     33,693     38,191     43,513     47,579     83,407       80,888
Long-term debt...........................      7,391      9,034      7,887      7,150     11,859       11,131
Total liabilities........................     34,119     37,661     40,774     42,538     76,306       71,409
Stockholders' equity.....................       (426)       530      2,739      5,041      7,101        9,479
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1)  The  results for the  year ended December  31, 1995 include  the results of
     Performance Nissan, Inc. from  the date of  acquisition, February 2,  1995,
     and  the results of  Performance Dodge, Inc. from  the date of acquisition,
     December 4, 1995.
(2)  The results for the six months ended  June 30, 1995 include the results  of
     Performance Nissan, Inc. from the date of acquisition, February 2, 1995.
(3)  As  of January 1, 1996, the Company no longer pays management fees to GGFP.
     See "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and
     Results of Operations -- Overview" and "Pro Forma Combined Financial Data."
   
(4)  Represents  a non-cash expense relating to employee stock compensation that
     the Company recognized in the second quarter of 1996 in connection with the
     Executive Purchase. This non-cash expense represents the difference, as  of
     April  1, 1996,  between the  Company's estimate of  the fair  value of the
     Common Stock issued in  the Executive Purchase  and the cash  consideration
     paid  of $250,000.  The Company based  its estimate on  the assumed initial
     public offering price of the Shares  less certain discounts to reflect,  as
     of  April 1,  1996, the  lack of  a public  market for  the securities, the
     uncertainty regarding  an initial  public offering  and the  fact that  the
     pending acquisition of Hickey Dodge had not been contemplated.
    
   
(5)  In  addition  to  the non-cash  expense  in connection  with  the Executive
     Purchase (see footnote  (4) above), during  the six months  ended June  30,
     1996, the Company recognized a compensation expense of $600,000 relating to
     the  Executive  Bonus.  Excluding  the  non-cash  expense  and compensation
     expense, actual operating income  and net income for  the six months  ended
     June  30,  1996  would have  approximated  $5.7 million  and  $2.5 million,
     respectively.
    
(6)  Historical earnings per share are not presented, as the historical  capital
     structure  of the Company prior to the  Offering is not comparable with the
     capital structure that will exist subsequent to the Offering.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                       PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for  the
year  ended December 31, 1995 and for the six months ended June 30, 1996 reflect
the historical accounts of the Company  for those periods, adjusted to give  pro
forma  effect  to  the  December 1995  acquisition  of  Performance  Dodge, Inc.
(formerly Jim  Glover Dodge,  Inc.),  the pending  acquisition of  Hickey  Dodge
(which  is contingent upon, among other things, the successful completion of the
Offering), the Reorganization  and the  Offering, as if  these transactions  had
occurred at the beginning of each period presented.
 
    The following unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of June 30, 1996
reflects the historical accounts of the Company as of that date adjusted to give
pro  forma effect to the pending acquisition of Hickey Dodge and the Offering as
if they had occurred as of June 30, 1996.
 
    The pro forma combined financial data and accompanying notes should be  read
in  conjunction with the Combined Financial  Statements and the related notes of
the Company as well as the financial statements and related notes of Jim  Glover
Dodge,  Inc.  and Hickey  Dodge, all  of  which are  included elsewhere  in this
Prospectus. The  Company believes  that the  assumptions used  in the  following
statements  provide  a  reasonable  basis  on which  to  present  the  pro forma
financial  data.  The  pro  forma  combined  financial  data  is  provided   for
informational  purposes only and should not be construed to be indicative of the
Company's financial condition or results of operations had the transactions  and
events  described  above  been consummated  on  the  dates assumed  and  are not
intended to project  the Company's  financial condition  on any  future date  or
results of operations for any future period.
 
                   PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      ACTUAL                                    PRO FORMA
                                        ACTUAL      PERFORMANCE      ACTUAL       PRO FORMA        FOR           PRO FORMA
                                      COMPANY (1)    DODGE (1)    HICKEY DODGE   ADJUSTMENTS   ACQUISITIONS   ADJUSTMENTS (2)
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------   ---------------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales.....................   $212,984       $55,498       $111,113       $(4,856)(3)   $374,739         --
  Other operating revenue...........     23,210         8,419         11,108          (533)(3)     42,204         --
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
    Total revenues..................    236,194        63,917        122,221        (5,389)       416,943         --
Cost of sales.......................    198,702        55,370        106,826        (4,713)(3)    356,185         --
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
Gross profit........................     37,492         8,547         15,395          (676)        60,758         --
Selling, general and
 administrative.....................     25,630         7,244         13,149          (510)(3)     45,513             889(4)
Depreciation and amortization.......        951            24            346           401 (3)(6      1,722       --
Management fees.....................      4,318        --             --            --              4,318          (4,318)(7)
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
Operating income....................      6,593         1,279          1,900          (567)         9,205           3,429
Interest expense, net...............     (3,088)         (367)        (1,335)         (479)( )(6)     (5,269)       2,000(4)
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
Income before income taxes..........      3,505           912            565        (1,046)         3,936           5,429
Income tax expense..................      1,310        --             --               159(8)       1,469           2,025(9)
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
Net income..........................   $  2,195       $   912       $    565       $(1,205)      $  2,467         $ 3,404
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
                                      -----------   -----------   ------------   -----------   ------------       -------
Net income per share................
Weighted average shares
 outstanding........................
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                      PRO FORMA
                                      ---------
 
<S>                                   <C>
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales.....................  $374,739
  Other operating revenue...........    42,204
                                      ---------
    Total revenues..................   416,943
Cost of sales.......................   356,185
                                      ---------
Gross profit........................    60,758
Selling, general and
 administrative.....................    46,402(5)
Depreciation and amortization.......     1,722
Management fees.....................     --
                                      ---------
Operating income....................    12,634
Interest expense, net...............    (3,269)
                                      ---------
Income before income taxes..........     9,365
Income tax expense..................     3,494
                                      ---------
Net income..........................  $  5,871
                                      ---------
                                      ---------
Net income per share................  $   0.43(10)
Weighted average shares
 outstanding........................    13,800(10)
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                   PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        ACTUAL             PRO FORMA
                                                      ACTUAL(1)     HICKEY DODGE(1)     ADJUSTMENTS(2)     PRO FORMA
                                                     -----------   -----------------   -----------------   ---------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales....................................   $125,900          $63,539             --             $189,439
  Other operating revenue..........................     15,341            7,139             --               22,480
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
      Total revenues...............................    141,241           70,678             --              211,919
Cost of sales......................................    119,921           59,838             --              179,759
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
Gross profit.......................................     21,320           10,840             --               32,160
Selling, general and administrative................     15,695            6,863                 672(4)       23,230
Depreciation and amortization......................        549              133                 160(6)          842
Management fees....................................     --              --                  --                --
Employee stock compensation(5).....................      1,099          --                  --                1,099
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
Operating income (11)..............................      3,977            3,844                (832)          6,989
Interest expense, net..............................     (1,724)            (558)              1,000(4)       (1,282 )
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
Income before income taxes.........................      2,253            3,286                 168           5,707
Income tax expense.................................      1,224          --                    1,290(9)        2,514
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
Net income (11)....................................   $  1,029          $ 3,286             $(1,122)       $  3,193
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
                                                     -----------        -------             -------        ---------
Net income per share...............................                                                        $   0.23 (10)
Weighted average shares outstanding................                                                          13,800 (10)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1)  Actual  results  of operations  reflect the  results  of operations  of the
     Company for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the six months ended  June
     30,  1996, of Performance Dodge, Inc. (formerly Jim Glover Dodge, Inc.) for
     the fiscal year ended November  30, 1995 and of  Hickey Dodge for the  year
     ended  December  31,  1995 and  the  six  months ended  June  30,  1996, as
     applicable.
   
(2)  The Company will use  the proceeds from the  Offering primarily to  acquire
     dealerships  in the  future. The pro  forma statements  of operations shown
     above assumes that  approximately $13.85  million will be  used to  acquire
     Hickey  Dodge.  Until  the remaining  proceeds  are used  to  acquire other
     dealerships, the Company intends to reduce floor plan debt by approximately
     $25.0 million and to  invest the remaining  proceeds of approximately  $3.9
     million  in the GMAC  Deposit Account, which currently  pays interest at an
     annual rate of 8.0%, and in other cash equivalents. See "Use of  Proceeds."
     The  pro forma  financial information above  does not  reflect any interest
     income related to the investment of proceeds in the GMAC Deposit Account or
     other cash equivalents.  Partially offsetting  the decrease  in floor  plan
     financing will be an increase in floor plan debt to finance the purchase of
     vehicle  inventory related to the Hickey Dodge acquisition. See Notes 2 and
     3 to the  notes to  the Pro Forma  Combined Balance  Sheet below.  Interest
     expense  associated with  such debt is  reflected in  Hickey Dodge's actual
     results of operations for each period.
    
(3)  Entry reverses  the one  month of  sales and  expenses (December  1994)  of
     Performance  Dodge, Inc.  recorded in its  statement of  operations for the
     year ended November 30, 1995.
(4)  Reflects the Company's estimate  of the net  additions to selling,  general
     and  administrative expenses and reductions in interest expense which would
     have occurred if the Offering had been effected as of the beginning of each
     period and  consists  of (a)  a  net increase  in  management  compensation
     pursuant  to new compensation arrangements to be in place subsequent to the
     Offering, (b) an increase in administrative expenses associated with public
     ownership of the Company's Common Stock and (c) a net reduction in interest
     expense reflecting estimated proceeds used to pay down floor plan debt. See
     "Use of Proceeds." The additional expenses include:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   SIX MONTHS
                                                                                                YEAR ENDED            ENDED
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1995    JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                            -------------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>                  <C>
     Management compensation..............................................................       $     189          $     322
     Legal and professional...............................................................             300                150
     Shareholder relations................................................................             250                125
     Other................................................................................             150                 75
                                                                                                     -----              -----
                                                                                                 $     889          $     672
                                                                                                     -----              -----
                                                                                                     -----              -----
</TABLE>
 
     The net reduction in  interest expense was calculated  based on an  average
     reduction  in floor plan debt of $25.0  million at the actual interest rate
     in effect during each respective period.
   
(5)  The pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended  December
     31,   1995  excludes  a   non-cash  expense  relating   to  employee  stock
     compensation that the Company recognized in  the second quarter of 1996  in
     connection  with the  Executive Purchase. This  non-cash expense represents
     the difference, as of April 1, 1996, between the Company's estimate of  the
     fair  value of the  Common Stock issued  in the Executive  Purchase and the
     cash consideration paid of $250,000. The Company based its estimate on  the
     assumed  initial public offering price of the Shares less certain discounts
     to reflect,  as of  April 1,  1996, the  lack of  a public  market for  the
     securities,  the uncertainty regarding  an initial public  offering and the
     fact  that  the  pending   acquisition  of  Hickey   Dodge  had  not   been
     contemplated.
    
 
   
                                         (FOOTNOTES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
(6)  Reflects  additional interest expense, depreciation  and amortization as if
     Performance Dodge, Inc. and Hickey Dodge had been acquired as of January 1,
     1995. Additional interest expense of  $540,000 for the year ended  December
     31,  1995 includes interest on debt used  to acquire Performance Dodge at a
     rate of 9.75%. Interest expense associated with floor plan debt has already
     been reflected  in the  actual results  of operations,  thus no  additional
     interest  for such debt has been included  in the pro forma adjustment. The
     pro forma depreciation  and amortization  for the year  ended December  31,
     1995  primarily reflects additional  amortization of approximately $527,000
     associated  with  intangible  assets,  which  assets  consist  largely   of
     goodwill,  resulting from the acquisition of Performance Dodge ($2,700,000)
     and Hickey Dodge ($12,268,000). Amortization periods range from five to  40
     years  with  the majority  of  such costs  being  amortized over  a 40-year
     period. Partially offsetting  the increased amortization  is a decrease  in
     depreciation  expense of  approximately $126,000  for certain  property and
     equipment that will not be included in the purchase of Hickey Dodge by  the
     Company.  The pro forma adjustment  for the six months  ended June 30, 1996
     reflects  increased  amortization  relating  solely  to  the  Hickey  Dodge
     acquisition,  of  approximately $200,000,  partially  offset by  $40,000 of
     decreased depreciation.
 
(7)  Reflects elimination of  the management  fees as  discussed under  "Certain
     Transactions"  and Note 17  to the Notes  to Combined Financial Statements.
     See footnote (4) above for increase in selling, general and  administrative
     expenses for executive compensation paid to these individuals.
 
(8)  Reflects  the estimated income  tax effect of  the adjustments described in
     footnotes (3) and (6) above and  Performance Dodge, Inc. and Hickey  Dodge,
     as  if they  were taxable  entities for the  year ended  December 31, 1995,
     using the Company's incremental tax rate of approximately 37%.
 
(9)  Reflects the estimated income tax  effect of the adjustments (i)  described
     in  footnotes (4) and (7) above for  the year ended December 31, 1995, (ii)
     described in footnotes (4) and (6) above and (iii) for Hickey Dodge, as  if
     it  were a taxable entity, for the six  months ended June 30, 1996, in each
     case using the Company's incremental tax rate of approximately 37%.
 
   
(10) Pro forma earnings per share are based upon the assumption that  13,800,000
     shares  of  Common  Stock  are outstanding  for  each  period.  This amount
     represents the Shares to be issued in the Offering (3,675,000), the  number
     of  shares of Common Stock owned  by the Company's stockholders immediately
     following the Reorganization (9,821,250) and  the 303,750 shares of  Common
     Stock  issued  in  connection  with the  Executive  Purchase.  See "Certain
     Transactions" and Note 15 to the Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
    
   
(11) In addition  to  the non-cash  expense  in connection  with  the  Executive
     Purchase  (see footnote  (5) above), during  the six months  ended June 30,
     1996, the Company recognized a compensation expense of $600,000 relating to
     the Executive  Bonus.  Excluding  the  non-cash  expense  and  compensation
     expense,  pro forma operating income  and pro forma net  income for the six
     months ended June 30,  1996 would have approximated  $8.7 million and  $4.7
     million, respectively.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                        PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                       -------------------------------------
                                                                                                    PRO FORMA         PRO
                                                                                        ACTUAL     ADJUSTMENTS     FORMA (1)
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
                                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>       <C>               <C>
                                                           ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents..........................................................  $  8,892   $ --                8,892
  Accounts receivable................................................................    10,664     --               10,664
  Inventories........................................................................    38,416     15,837(2)        54,253
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
      Total current assets...........................................................    57,972     15,837           73,809
Net property, plant and equipment....................................................    12,213      1,000(2)        13,213
Goodwill, net, and other assets......................................................    10,703     12,268(2)        22,971
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
    Total assets.....................................................................  $ 80,888   $ 29,105         $109,993
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
                                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Floor plan debt....................................................................  $ 36,177   $ (9,745)(2)(3)  $ 26,432
  Current maturities of long-term debt...............................................     1,543     --                1,543
  Accounts payable...................................................................     4,796     --                4,796
  Due to affiliates..................................................................     4,620     (3,931)(3)          689
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities.............................................     6,760     --                6,760
  Deferred income taxes..............................................................     2,032     --                2,032
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
      Total current liabilities......................................................    55,928    (13,676)          42,252
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
Long-term Liabilities:
  Long-term debt, excluding current maturities.......................................    11,131     --               11,131
  Deferred warranty revenue -- long-term portion.....................................     4,350     --                4,350
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
      Total long-term liabilities....................................................    15,481     --               15,481
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
Stockholders' Equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
   outstanding.......................................................................     --        --                --
  Common Stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
   outstanding, actual; 13,800,000 shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted(1).....       101         37(4)           138
  Paid-in capital....................................................................     2,312     42,744(4)        45,056
  Retained earnings..................................................................     7,066     --                7,066
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
      Total stockholders' equity.....................................................     9,479     42,781           52,260
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...................................  $ 80,888   $ 29,105         $109,993
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
                                                                                       --------  ---------------   ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
   
(1) A sale by the Selling Stockholders of the shares of Common Stock included in
    the  Underwriters'  over-allotment option  would not  increase stockholders'
    equity, the  number  of shares  issued  and  outstanding or  cash  and  cash
    equivalents.
    
 
   
(2) Reflects  the allocation  of the  Hickey Dodge  purchase price  based on the
    estimated fair value of assets acquired. The purchase price consists of  the
    following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
Estimated cash consideration................................................  $13,850,000
Less estimated fair value of assets acquired................................   1,582,000
                                                                              ----------
Excess of purchase price over fair value of tangible assets acquired........  $12,268,000
                                                                              ----------
                                                                              ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The  Company is purchasing new vehicle and parts inventory, certain property
    and equipment and the dealer agreement with Chrysler-Dodge and may  purchase
    some  or all of the used vehicle inventory. The excess of the purchase price
    over the  fair  value of  tangible  assets  acquired will  be  allocated  to
    intangible  assets, primarily the dealer  agreement and goodwill. Fair value
    of assets  acquired primarily  represents the  estimated fair  value of  the
    parts inventory and certain property and equipment. Vehicle inventory, which
    at  June 30, 1996 approximated $15,255,000, will be financed with floor plan
    debt.
    
 
   
(3) Reflects the  application of  the estimated  net proceeds  of the  Offering.
    Approximately  $25.0  million  will  be  used  to  reduce  floor  plan debt,
    approximately $13.85 million will  be utilized to  acquire Hickey Dodge  and
    the  remainder of the  estimated net proceeds  of approximately $3.9 million
    will be  invested in  the GMAC  Deposit Account  and cash  equivalents.  The
    reduction  in due to affiliates represents the remittance of funds that have
    been advanced to  the Company  to invest in  the GMAC  Deposit Account.  See
    "Certain Transactions" and "Use of Proceeds."
    
 
   
(4) Reflects  the issuance  of 3,675,000  shares of  Common Stock  at an assumed
    initial public offering price of $13.00 per share, net of estimated offering
    expenses of $5.0 million.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE  FOLLOWING  DISCUSSION  OF  THE  RESULTS  OF  OPERATIONS  AND  FINANCIAL
CONDITION  OF  THE COMPANY  SHOULD  BE READ  IN  CONJUNCTION WITH  THE COMPANY'S
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE  RELATED NOTES THERETO INCLUDED  ELSEWHERE
IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
OVERVIEW
 
    The  Company owns and operates six  franchised automobile dealerships in the
Amarillo and Oklahoma City  markets and has  grown primarily through  dealership
acquisitions  since the founders of the  Company acquired their first dealership
in 1982. Given the  relatively stable demand  for new and  used vehicles in  the
United  States  generally,  and in  the  markets  served by  its  dealerships in
particular, the Company  expects that  future growth will  be primarily  derived
from acquisitions of additional dealerships. Based on management's experience in
acquiring and integrating dealerships, the Company believes that it takes two to
three  years to integrate  an acquired dealership  into the Company's operations
and  realize  the  full  benefit  of  the  Company's  strategies  and   systems.
Significant   management  attention,  capital  investment  and  an  increase  in
operating expenses are typically required for acquisitions, particularly in  the
first  year  after the  acquisition. During  the early  part of  the integration
period the operating results of an acquired dealership may decrease from results
attained prior to the acquisition as  the Company implements its strategies  and
systems.  For the first six months of 1996, the financial performance of the two
Oklahoma City dealerships acquired in 1995 has been below their performance  for
the  first  six  months  of  1995.  The  Company  anticipates  that  general and
administrative expenses may increase in the future as the Company continues  its
expansion by acquiring other dealerships.
 
    The Company generates its revenues from sales of new and used vehicles, fees
for  repair  and  maintenance services,  sales  of replacement  parts,  sales of
extended warranties  on  vehicles,  and  fees  and  commissions  from  arranging
financing  and credit insurance in connection with vehicle sales. While sales of
new vehicles are sensitive to general economic conditions, the Company  believes
that  its used car sales and parts  and service operations are less affected and
help to  mitigate, in  part,  the effects  of  general economic  downturns.  The
Company  also believes that its  strong market share in  the Amarillo market has
contributed to  its revenues  and profitability.  The Company  is the  exclusive
Chevrolet  dealer in Amarillo and in 1995 derived approximately 71% of its gross
profit from its three  Chevrolet dealerships in Amarillo.  The Company could  be
materially   adversely  affected  if  Chevrolet  awarded  additional  dealership
franchises to  others in  the Amarillo  market, although  the Company  does  not
anticipate  such  awards  will  be  made,  or  if  other  automobile dealerships
increased their market share in the area.  The Company does not have as large  a
market share in Oklahoma City and there can be no assurance that it will be able
to obtain such a position in any other market that it may enter.
 
    New  vehicle revenues include sales of new vehicles and revenue attributable
to vehicle leases arranged  by the Company ($114.5  million in the aggregate  in
1995).  Sales or  trades of  new vehicles  to other  franchised dealers  are not
included in  Company revenues  but  result in  an  adjustment to  inventory  and
flooring  debt. Used vehicle revenues include amounts received for used vehicles
sold to retail customers,  other dealers and wholesalers  ($98.5 million in  the
aggregate in 1995). Other operating revenues include parts and service revenues,
fees  and commissions for  F&I transactions and sales  of the Company's extended
warranties for vehicles. The Company recognizes revenue attributable to sales of
its warranties over the term of the warranties for accounting purposes, although
it receives payment in full at the  time of sale. In contrast, when the  Company
sells  warranties of third party vendors, as it does in the Oklahoma City market
and may  do in  new  markets that  it enters  and  with respect  to all  of  its
dealerships  in the future,  the Company receives  and, for accounting purposes,
immediately recognizes a  commission at  the time  of sale.  In connection  with
vehicle  financing contracts, the Company receives  a fee (a "finance fee") from
the lender for originating the loan but is assessed a charge (a "chargeback") by
the  lender  if   the  contract  terminates   before  its  scheduled   maturity,
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
which  can result from early repayment  because of refinancing the loan, selling
or trading in the vehicle or default  on the loan. The amount of the  chargeback
depends  on how long the related loan  was outstanding. As a result, the Company
establishes a reserve based on its historical chargeback experience.
 
    At each of its dealerships,  the Company's management focuses on  maximizing
profitability  in  each area  of operations  rather than  on volumes  of vehicle
sales. The key factors affecting the Company's profitability are costs of  sales
and  selling,  general and  administrative expenses.  The average  gross margins
obtained by franchised  vehicle dealers  in the United  States on  sales of  new
vehicles  have declined  from over 7.0%  in 1991  to 6.5% in  1995. Although the
Company's gross margins  on new  vehicle sales declined  from 12.5%  in 1994  to
12.1%   in  1995,  the  Company's  gross  margins  on  new  vehicle  sales  have
consistently been higher than the industry average. The Company's gross  margins
on  used vehicle sales fluctuate based on  many factors, including the volume of
used vehicles sold  to other dealers  and wholesalers and  the turnover rate  of
used vehicle inventory, and were 8.9% in 1994 and 9.8% in 1995. See "Business --
Dealership  Operations -- Used Vehicle Sales."  Excluding sales to other dealers
and wholesalers (which  are frequently at  or below cost),  the Company's  gross
margin  in 1995 of  13.7% on retail  sales of used  vehicles is currently higher
than its margin on new vehicles.
 
    The Company's  cost of  sales and  profitability are  also affected  by  the
allocations  of new vehicles which its dealerships receive from automakers. When
the Company does not receive allocations of new vehicle models adequate to  meet
customer  demand,  it  purchases additional  vehicles  from other  dealers  at a
premium to the manufacturer's invoice, reducing the gross margin realized on the
sales of such vehicles. In addition, the Company follows a disciplined  approach
in selling vehicles to other dealers and wholesalers when the vehicles have been
in  the Company's inventory longer than the  guidelines set by the Company. Such
sales are  frequently at  or below  cost and,  therefore, affect  the  Company's
overall  gross margin on  vehicle sales. The  Company's salary expense, employee
benefits costs and advertising  expenses comprise the  majority of its  selling,
general  and administrative expenses. The  Company's interest expense fluctuates
based primarily  on  the  level  of  the  inventory  of  vehicles  held  at  its
dealerships, substantially all of which is financed (such financing being called
"floor plan financing" or "flooring").
 
    As  a privately  held company,  Cross-Continent historically  reimbursed the
Gilliland Group Family Partnership ("GGFP") for costs incurred by GGFP on behalf
of  the  Company,  including  the   Company's  proportionate  share  of   GGFP's
administrative,  clerical and other  corporate overhead costs.  In addition, the
Company paid GGFP a fee for management services generally based on the Company's
profits and the level of  management services rendered. The Company's  financial
statements  included  in this  Prospectus reflect  allocated costs  and expenses
attributable to administrative,  clerical and corporate  assistance provided  by
GGFP  as selling, general  and administrative expenses. That  portion of the fee
paid to  GGFP that  represented a  share  of the  overall profitability  of  the
Company has been reflected in the financial statements as management fees. As of
January  1, 1996, the  Company began providing  the administrative and corporate
oversight previously provided by  GGFP and discontinued  its practice of  paying
management fees to GGFP. See "Management."
 
    The  Company has accounted for the purchase  of each of its dealerships on a
purchase basis and, as  a result, does not  include in its financial  statements
the  results of  operations of  these dealerships  prior to  the date  they were
acquired by  the  Company. The  combined  financial statements  of  the  Company
reflect  the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of each of
the Company's dealerships. The financial information included in this Prospectus
may not necessarily reflect  the results of  operations, financial position  and
cash  flows of  the Company  in the  future or  what the  results of operations,
financial position and  cash flows would  have been had  the Reorganization  and
Offering occurred during the periods presented in the financial statements.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The  following table summarizes, for  the periods presented, the percentages
of total  revenues  represented by  certain  items reflected  in  the  Company's
statement of operations.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
                                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                   30,
                                                              -------------------------------------  ------------------------
                                                                 1993         1994        1995(1)      1995(2)       1996
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  New vehicle sales.........................................       55.0%        50.0%        48.5%        47.7%        46.8%
  Used vehicle sales........................................       35.8         40.1         41.7         42.6         42.3
  Other operating revenue (3)...............................        9.2          9.9          9.8          9.7         10.9
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
      Total revenues........................................      100.0        100.0        100.0        100.0        100.0
Cost of sales...............................................       84.5         84.4         84.1         84.1         84.9
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
Gross profit................................................       15.5         15.6         15.9         15.9         15.1
Selling, general and administrative.........................       10.4         10.2         10.9         10.6         11.1
Depreciation and amortization...............................        0.6          0.5          0.4          0.4          0.4
Management fees (4).........................................        1.5          1.8          1.8          1.9        --
Employee stock compensation (5).............................      --           --           --           --             0.8
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
Operating income............................................        3.0          3.1          2.8          3.0          2.8(6)
Interest expense, net.......................................      (1.1)        (1.1)        (1.3)        (1.4)        (1.2)
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
Income before income taxes..................................        1.9          2.0          1.5          1.6          1.6
Income tax expense..........................................        0.7          0.7          0.6          0.6          0.9
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
Net income..................................................        1.2%         1.3%         0.9%         1.0%         0.7%(6)
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
                                                                  -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
(1)  The  results for the  year ended December  31, 1995 include  the results of
     Performance Nissan, Inc. from the date of acquisition, February 2, 1995 and
     the results  of  Performance Dodge,  Inc.  from the  date  of  acquisition,
     December 4, 1995.
(2)  The  results for the six months ended  June 30, 1995 include the results of
     Performance Nissan, Inc. from the date of acquisition, February 2, 1995.
(3)  Reflects primarily parts and service sales and F&I-related revenue.
   
(4)  Management fees reflect certain payments made to GGFP prior to 1996,  which
     payments have been discontinued as of January 1, 1996.
    
   
(5)  Represents  a non-cash  expense of  approximately $1.1  million relating to
     employee stock  compensation  that the  Company  recognized in  the  second
     quarter  of 1996 in  connection with the  Executive Purchase. This non-cash
     expense represents  the  difference,  as  of April  1,  1996,  between  the
     Company's  estimate of  the fair  value of the  Common Stock  issued in the
     Executive Purchase and the cash consideration paid of $250,000. The Company
     based its estimate  on the  assumed initial  public offering  price of  the
     Shares  less certain discounts to reflect, as of April 1, 1996, the lack of
     a public market for  the securities, the  uncertainty regarding an  initial
     public  offering and the fact that  the pending acquisition of Hickey Dodge
     had not been contemplated.
    
   
(6)  In addition  to  the non-cash  expense  of approximately  $1.1  million  in
     connection with the Executive Purchase (see footnote (5) above), during the
     six  months  ended June  30, 1996,  the  Company recognized  a compensation
     expense of $600,000 relating to the Executive Bonus. Excluding the non-cash
     expense and compensation  expense, actual operating  income and net  income
     for  the six months ended June 30, 1996, as a percentage of total revenues,
     would have approximated 4.0% and 1.8%, respectively.
    
 
FIRST SIX MONTHS 1996 VERSUS FIRST SIX MONTHS 1995
 
    REVENUES
 
    Revenues grew in each of the  Company's primary revenue areas for the  first
six  months of 1996 as compared with the first six months of 1995, causing total
sales to increase 25.7% to $141.2  million. New vehicle sales revenue  increased
23.3%  in the  first six months  of 1996  to $66.1 million,  compared with $53.6
million in the first six months of 1995. Substantially all of this increase  was
attributable  to the Company's dealerships in Oklahoma City, sales of which were
included for  the full  six  months in  1996 while  only  one of  the  Company's
Oklahoma  City dealerships was included for a portion of the first six months of
1995.
 
    Used vehicle sales increased  by 25.1% in  the first six  months of 1996  to
$59.8  million, compared with $47.8 million in the first six months of 1995. The
inclusion of the Company's  Oklahoma City dealerships  in the Company's  results
for  the first  six months  of 1996  accounted for  45.3% of  this increase. The
remainder of the increase  was largely attributable to  an increase in sales  of
used vehicles to wholesalers and other dealers
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
in accordance with the Company's inventory management guidelines. An improvement
in  the mix  of used  vehicles purchased  by retail  customers also  resulted in
higher unit  prices and  contributed to  the overall  increase in  used  vehicle
sales.
 
    The  Company's other operating  revenue increased 40.4%  to $15.3 million in
the first six months of 1996 from $10.9 million in the first six months of  1995
largely because of inclusion of the parts and service sales and F&I sales by the
Company's  Oklahoma City dealerships, which accounted for 79.3% of the increase.
The remaining increase was primarily  attributable to increased F&I revenue  per
vehicle sold by the Company's Amarillo dealerships.
 
    GROSS PROFIT
 
    Gross  profit  increased 19.0%  in the  first  six months  of 1996  to $21.3
million, compared with $17.9 million for the first six months of 1995, primarily
because of the addition of sales from the Company's Oklahoma City dealerships in
the 1996 period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 15.1% in the
first six months of 1996 from 15.9% in the same period in 1995. The decrease  in
gross  profit as a percentage of sales was caused principally by reduced margins
for new and used vehicle sales at the Company's Amarillo dealerships,  partially
offset  by an increase in gross profit as  a percentage of sales on new and used
vehicle sales at the Company's Oklahoma City dealerships.
 
    The reduction in gross  margin on new vehicles  at the Amarillo  dealerships
was  primarily  attributable  to  increased  vehicle  costs  resulting  from the
Company's efforts to minimize the effect of inventory shortfalls caused by  GM's
parts plant strike in March 1996 by purchasing supplemental inventory from other
dealers.  Gross  margins  on the  sale  of  new vehicles  at  the  Oklahoma City
dealerships increased in the first  six months of 1996  from the same period  of
1995.  The Company believes that  this increase was due,  in part, to a one-time
favorable vehicle allocation  from the manufacturers  relating to the  Company's
acquisition  of these dealerships and, in  part, to the Company's implementation
of its business strategy.
 
    The reduction in gross margin on  used vehicles at the Amarillo  dealerships
was  primarily  attributable to  increased  vehicle purchase  and reconditioning
costs as well as greater volume of  sales of used vehicles to other dealers  and
wholesalers  (which sales  are frequently  at or  slightly below  cost) to avoid
carrying charges associated with used vehicle inventory. If such sales to  other
dealers  and  wholesalers continue  to increase  as a  percentage of  total used
vehicle sales,  gross  margins on  total  used  vehicle sales  may  continue  to
decline.  Used vehicle gross margins at  the Oklahoma City dealerships increased
slightly due to the Company's implementation of its "mirror the market" program.
In the  first six  months of  1996, approximately  29.6% of  the Company's  used
vehicles   sales  were  to   other  dealers  and   wholesalers  as  compared  to
approximately 22.8% in the first six months of 1995.
 
   
    Gross profit from other operating revenue, which includes parts and service,
F&I activities and other  incidental revenue, increased 31.8%  in the first  six
months  of 1996 to  $8.7 million, compared  with $6.6 million  for the first six
months of 1995, largely because of the inclusion of the Company's Oklahoma  City
dealerships,  which  accounted for  79.0%  of the  increase.  Gross profit  as a
percentage of other operating revenue declined to 56.7% in the first six  months
of  1996 as compared  to 60.5% for the  same period of 1995  due primarily to an
increase in the Company's warranty repair costs.
    
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES; MANAGEMENT FEES
 
    The Company's  selling, general  and  administrative expenses  increased  to
$15.7  million in the first six months of  1996 compared to $12.0 million in the
first six months of 1995, and increased as a percentage of revenue to 11.1% from
10.6%. The  Oklahoma  City  dealerships'  selling,  general  and  administrative
expenses  were higher as a percentage of  their total revenues compared with the
Company's Amarillo dealerships. This was due to certain expenses incurred by the
Oklahoma City  dealerships  in  integrating the  Company's  systems  into  their
operations and implementing the Company's strategies.
 
    As  of January 1, 1996,  the Company ceased paying  management fees to GGFP.
See Notes 4 and 7 to the "Pro Forma Combined Financial Data," "-- Overview"  and
Note 17 to the Combined Financial Statements.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
   
    The   Company  recorded  a  non-cash  expense  relating  to  employee  stock
compensation of approximately  $1.1 million  in the  six months  ended June  30,
1996,  representing the  difference between the  Company's estimate  of the fair
value, as of April 1, 1996, of the 303,750 shares of Common Stock issued in  the
Executive  Purchase and  the cash consideration  paid of  $250,000. See "Certain
Transactions" and Note 15 to the Notes to Combined Financial Statements.
    
 
    In July  1996,  the Company  implemented  a revised  compensation  plan  for
Messrs.  Gilliland, Hall, Rice and Mager  (the "Senior Management Group"). Under
this revised plan,  the Company's  Senior Management  Group is  to receive  base
salaries  approximating an aggregate of $1,020,000  per year, subject to cost of
living adjustments in  future years. During  the first six  months of 1996,  the
base  salaries paid to the Senior Management Group totalled $180,000. Because of
the newly implemented  plan, compensation  to this  group will  increase in  the
second  half of  1996. In conjunction  with the Reorganization,  the Company has
agreed to pay one of its executive  officers a bonus of $600,000. The  Executive
Bonus has been expensed in its entirety in the three months ended June 30, 1996.
Other than the Executive Bonus, the Senior Management Group will not receive any
bonus payments in 1996.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    The Company's interest expense increased 16.5% to $2.3 million for the first
six  months of  1996 compared  to $1.9 million  for the  corresponding period of
1995. The increase was due to interest expense associated with the  acquisitions
of  the Oklahoma City  dealerships and related  inventories, which were financed
primarily with debt. This  increase was partially offset  by a reduction in  the
Company's interest expense at its Amarillo dealerships caused by lower levels of
floor  plan financing due to  fewer vehicles held in  inventory during the first
six months of 1996 compared with the first six months of 1995.
 
    NET INCOME
 
   
    The Company's net income decreased by 6.9% to $1.0 million in the first  six
months  of 1996 compared to  $1.1 million in the first  six months of 1995. This
decrease was primarily attributable to the non-cash expense relating to employee
stock  compensation  of  approximately  $1.1  million  in  connection  with  the
Executive  Purchase and  the compensation  expense of  $600,000 relating  to the
Executive Bonus. Excluding  the non-cash expense  and compensation expense,  net
income  for the six months ended June 30, 1996 would have been $2.5 million. The
Company's effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 1996 approximated
54.3% as compared to 37.4%  for the comparable period  of 1995. The increase  in
the  effective rate relates  to certain non-deductible  expenses incurred during
the first six months of 1996.
    
 
1995 VERSUS 1994
 
    REVENUES
 
    The Company's total revenue increased 29.9%  to $236.2 million in 1995  from
$181.8  million in 1994. New vehicle sales  increased 26.1% to $114.5 million in
1995 from  $90.8 million  in  1994, primarily  because  of the  acquisitions  in
February  and December 1995,  respectively, of the  Company's Performance Nissan
and Performance Dodge dealerships in Oklahoma City. The inclusion of the results
of these two dealerships accounted for  64.7% of the Company's overall  increase
in new vehicle sales in 1995. The remainder of the increase in new vehicle sales
in  1995 was largely attributable  to a net increase in  sales volume of 9.2% at
the Company's dealerships in Amarillo, which the Company believes was  primarily
due  to changes  in inventory  mix, population growth  and, to  a lesser extent,
increases in new vehicle sales prices.
 
    Used vehicle  sales increased  35.1% to  $98.5 million  in 1995  from  $72.9
million  in 1994. The  inclusion of the  results of the  Company's Oklahoma City
dealerships accounted  for 68.8%  of this  increase in  used vehicle  sales.  In
addition,  the  Company's Quality  Nissan  dealership in  Amarillo,  which began
selling used vehicles in May 1994, accounted for 16.4% of the Company's  overall
increase  in used vehicle sales in 1995. The Company attributes the remainder of
the increase in its used vehicle sales in 1995 to increases in volume  resulting
from  improvements  in  stocking and  selling  used  vehicles in  demand  in the
Amarillo market  and an  increase of  approximately 18%  in the  average  retail
selling price per vehicle sold related in part to increases in retail prices and
in part to changes in the vehicle mix.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
    The  Company's other operating revenue increased  28.9% to $23.2 million for
1995, compared to $18.0  million for 1994  largely due to  the inclusion of  the
Company's  Oklahoma  City dealerships  in the  1995  results of  operations. The
addition of the Oklahoma City dealerships accounted for approximately 77% of the
increase in other operating revenue. The Company attributes the remainder of the
increase mainly to an increase in parts and service sales by its dealerships  in
Amarillo,  which the  Company believes  was caused  by population  growth in the
Amarillo market,  and to  an increase  in the  Amarillo dealerships'  F&I  sales
caused  by the  growth in  vehicle sales and  an increase  in the  volume of F&I
products sold by the Company, such  as extended warranties and credit  insurance
policies.
 
    GROSS PROFIT
 
    Gross  profit increased 32.5% in 1995 to $37.5 million from $28.3 million in
1994 primarily  due  to  the  Oklahoma  City  dealerships.  Gross  profit  as  a
percentage  of sales increased to 15.9% in 1995 from 15.6% in 1994. The increase
in gross margin was principally caused  by higher gross margins on used  vehicle
sales and parts and service sales, which were partially offset by a reduction in
the  gross margin on new vehicles. The increase in gross margin on used vehicles
was primarily due to the success of the Company's strategy to mirror the  market
in  Amarillo. The new vehicle margin declined because the Company purchased more
new vehicles from  other dealers in  1995, at prices  above what the  automakers
would  have charged, due to General Motors' inability to supply the Company with
its desired mix of the more popular-selling models.
 
    The  Company's  gross  margin  on  used  vehicle  sales  increased  due   to
improvements  by the Company in stocking and  selling used vehicles in demand in
its local markets and fewer used vehicle sales to other dealers and  wholesalers
(which  sales are frequently at or below  cost). In 1995, 23.0% of the Company's
used vehicle sales were to other dealers and wholesalers as compared to 31.2% in
1994.
 
    The Company's overall gross margin also improved in 1995 due to higher parts
and service margins resulting from increased labor efficiencies in its parts and
service work, including the use of a variable pricing system that reflected  the
difficulty   and   sophistication   of   different   types   of   repairs,   and
productivity-based compensation for its parts and service teams.
 
   
    The Company's gross  profit on  other operating revenue  increased 34.0%  in
1995  to  $14.1  million from  $10.5  million  in 1994  largely  because  of the
inclusion of the Company's Oklahoma City dealerships, which accounted for  69.0%
of  the  increase.  Gross profit  as  a  percentage of  other  operating revenue
increased to 60.7% in  1995 from 58.0% in  1994. This increase was  attributable
primarily  to  the implementation  of variable  rate  pricing strategies  in the
Company's parts and service department.
    
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES; MANAGEMENT FEES
 
    The Company's  selling, general  and  administrative expenses  increased  to
$25.6  million, or 10.9% of the Company's  revenues, in 1995 from $18.5 million,
or 10.2% of total revenues, in 1994. Expenses associated with the Oklahoma  City
dealerships  acquired by the Company in  1995 accounted for approximately 79% of
this increase. The Company attributes the remainder of the increase in  selling,
general  and administrative expenses primarily  to higher compensation levels in
1995 and to  an increase in  advertising expenses. Due  primarily to  transition
costs,  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  of  the  Oklahoma City
dealerships represented 15.2% of the total revenue in 1995, compared with  10.0%
for the Company's Amarillo dealerships.
 
    The  Company's management fees increased 34.4%  to $4.3 million in 1995 from
$3.2 million in  1994. This  increase was  attributable to  increased levels  of
services  provided related to the Oklahoma City dealerships and increased levels
of overall profitability of the Company.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    The Company's interest expense in 1995 increased 56.0% to $3.9 million  from
$2.5  million in 1994.  The Company attributes  38.4% of this  increase to floor
plan financing at the  Company's Oklahoma City  dealership acquired in  February
1995. The remainder of the increase primarily reflects higher levels of flooring
due  to higher vehicle inventories in 1995 as compared to 1994, interest expense
on the  debt incurred  to acquire  Performance  Nissan and  an increase  in  the
financing rate charged by GMAC during 1995.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    NET INCOME
 
   
    The  Company's net income in  1995 decreased 8.3% to  $2.2 million from $2.4
million in 1994.  This decrease was  principally caused by  an increase of  $1.1
million  in  management  fees in  1995.  Excluding management  fees,  which were
eliminated beginning in 1996, the Company's  net income would have increased  by
12.0% to $4.9 million in 1995.
    
 
1994 VERSUS 1993
 
    REVENUES
 
    Total  revenues increased  9.9% to $181.8  million in 1994  as compared with
$165.4 million in  1993. New vehicle  sales were relatively  unchanged at  $90.8
million  in 1994 compared with $91.0 million  in 1993. The slight decline in new
vehicle  sales  was  attributable  to  the  Company's  inability  to  obtain  an
appropriate  mix  of  new  Chevrolet  vehicles to  meet  customer  demand  and a
disruption  in  sales  because  of  the  relocation  of  one  of  the  Company's
dealerships  during the year.  These factors were mitigated  by increases in new
vehicle sales at two of the Company's  dealerships because of a higher level  of
truck sales and an increase in the average new vehicle retail sales price.
 
    Used  vehicle sales increased  23.1% to $72.9 million  in 1994 compared with
$59.2  million  in  1993.  This  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to  the
introduction  of used  vehicles at  one of the  Company's dealerships  and to an
increase in  the volume  of used  vehicle inventory  sold to  other dealers  and
wholesalers.
 
   
    The  Company's other operating  revenue increased 18.4%  to $18.0 million in
1994 from $15.2  million in  1993. An  increase of  19.0% in  parts and  service
revenue  was largely  due to  sales originating  from newly  renovated parts and
service facilities at one  of the Company's dealerships.  The increase in  parts
and  service revenue  also was the  result of inventory  management systems that
were implemented in 1993. The  Company's other operating revenue also  increased
in  1994 due  to a  net increase  of 8.1% in  the level  of F&I  activity at the
Company's dealerships, which was directly related  to a greater volume of  sales
of used vehicles at the Company's dealerships.
    
 
    GROSS PROFIT
 
   
    Gross  profit increased 10.1% to $28.3 million in 1994 from $25.7 million in
1993 primarily  because of  increased profits  in parts  and service  sales  and
higher profits on new vehicle sales primarily due to an increase in truck sales,
which  typically carry  a higher  margin than new  car sales.  Gross profit from
other operating  revenue increased  19.3% in  1994 to  $10.5 million  from  $8.8
million  in 1993.  This increase  was largely  due to  an increase  in parts and
service activity and a greater volume of sales of used vehicles at the Company's
dealerships, which resulted in a greater amount of F&I activity. Gross profit as
a percentage of  other operating  revenue remained relatively  constant at  58%.
Overall  gross profit as  a percentage of  sales remained unchanged  at 15.6% in
1994 and 1993.
    
 
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES; MANAGEMENT FEES
 
    The Company's  selling, general  and  administrative expenses  increased  to
$18.5  million in 1994,  which represented a slight  decline in selling, general
and administrative expenses as a percentage  of sales to 10.2% in 1994  compared
to  10.4% in  1993. This percentage  decrease was primarily  attributable to the
higher volume of sales in 1994.
 
   
    Management fees increased  25.5% to $3.2  million in 1994  compared to  $2.5
million in 1993. This increase was primarily due to increased profitability.
    
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    The  Company's interest expense increased 19.0% to $2.5 million in 1994 from
$2.1 million in 1993. This increase  was attributable to higher levels of  floor
plan  financing  caused  by  increased levels  of  inventory,  interest  on debt
incurred in connection with the relocation  of one of the Company's  dealerships
and a general increase in interest rates.
 
    NET INCOME
 
    As  a result of the factors noted  above, the Company's net income increased
20.0% to $2.4 million in 1994 from $2.0 million in 1993.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
SELECTED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following tables set forth the Company's results of operations data  for
the quarterly periods presented. This presentation should be read in conjunction
with  the audited  and unaudited financial  statements of  the Company appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. Because of the seasonal nature of its business and
based on  past experience,  the Company  expects its  operating income  for  the
fourth  quarter  to  be  lower  than that  of  the  second  and  third quarters.
Historically, the Company's first quarter  results of operations are also  lower
than those of the second and third quarters. The Company's results of operations
for  the  first and  second quarters  of  1996 did  not reflect  this historical
seasonality. This was largely  attributable to the  particularly high volume  of
sales  in the  first quarter of  1996, the effects  of the drought  in the Texas
Panhandle and in Oklahoma that adversely affected the second quarter results,  a
less  favorable allocation of new vehicles from General Motors that was directly
related to strikes at two GM parts plants in March 1996 and a greater volume  of
sales  of  used  vehicles to  other  dealers  and wholesalers  (which  sales are
frequently at or below cost) in the  first six months of 1996. See "--First  Six
Months 1996 versus First Six Months 1995."
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               QUARTER ENDED
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            MARCH 31,      JUNE 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,     MARCH 31,      JUNE 30,
                            1995 (1)         1995           1995         1995 (2)         1996           1996
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                       <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenues:
  New vehicle sales.....    $  23,840      $  29,789      $  31,521      $  29,344      $  34,649      $  31,493
  Used vehicle sales....       21,237         26,598         26,016         24,639         29,360         30,398
  Other operating
   revenue..............        4,990          5,891          6,281          6,049          7,220          8,121
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
    Total revenues......       50,067         62,278         63,818         60,032         71,229         70,012
Cost of sales...........       42,449         52,022         53,374         50,857         59,896         60,025
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Gross profit............        7,618         10,256         10,444          9,175         11,333          9,987
Selling, general and
 administrative.........        5,377          6,580          6,685          6,987          7,537          8,158
Depreciation and
 amortization...........          224            248            240            240            270            279
Management fees (3).....          798          1,357          1,393            770         --             --
Employee stock
 compensation (4).......       --             --             --             --             --              1,099
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Operating income........        1,219          2,071          2,126          1,178          3,526            451(5)
Interest expense, net...         (704)          (823)          (749)          (813)          (975)          (749)
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes...........          515          1,248          1,377            365          2,551           (298)
Income tax expense......          193            466            515            136            952            272
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net income (loss).......    $     322      $     782      $     862      $     229      $   1,599      $    (570)(5)
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                          -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1)  Includes  results of operations for  Performance Nissan, Inc. from February
     2, 1995.
(2)  Includes results of operations for Performance Dodge, Inc. from December 4,
     1995.
(3)  Discontinued as of January 1, 1996.
   
(4)  Represents a non-cash expense relating to employee stock compensation  that
     the Company recognized in the second quarter of 1996 in connection with the
     Executive  Purchase. This non-cash expense represents the difference, as of
     April 1, 1996,  between the  Company's estimate of  the fair  value of  the
     Common  Stock issued in  the Executive Purchase  and the cash consideration
     paid of $250,000.  The Company based  its estimate on  the assumed  initial
     public  offering price of the Shares  less certain discounts to reflect, as
     of April 1,  1996, the  lack of  a public  market for  the securities,  the
     uncertainty  regarding an  initial public  offering and  the fact  that the
     pending acquisition of Hickey Dodge had not been contemplated.
    
 
   
                                         (FOOTNOTES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
(5)  In addition  to  the non-cash  expense  in connection  with  the  Executive
     Purchase  (see footnote (4) above), during  the three months ended June 30,
     1996, the Company recognized a compensation expense of $600,000 relating to
     the Executive  Bonus.  Excluding  the  non-cash  expense  and  compensation
     expense,  actual operating income and net income for the three months ended
     June 30,  1996 would  have  approximated $2.15  million and  $0.9  million,
     respectively.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     QUARTER ENDED
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             MARCH 31,        JUNE 30,       SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,       MARCH 31,        JUNE 30,
                             1995 (1)           1995             1995           1995 (2)           1996             1996
                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Revenues:
  New vehicle sales.....         47.6%            47.8%            49.4%            48.9%            48.6%            45.0%
  Used vehicle sales....         42.4             42.7             40.8             41.0             41.2             43.4
  Other operating
   revenue..............         10.0              9.5              9.8             10.1             10.2             11.6
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
    Total revenues......        100.0            100.0            100.0            100.0            100.0            100.0
Cost of sales...........         84.8             83.5             83.6             84.7             84.1             85.7
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
Gross profit............         15.2             16.5             16.4             15.3             15.9             14.3
Selling, general and
 administrative.........         10.7             10.6             10.5             11.6             10.6             11.7
Depreciation and
 amortization...........          0.5              0.4              0.4              0.4              0.4              0.4
Management fees (3).....          1.6              2.2              2.2              1.3            --               --
Employee stock
 compensation (4).......        --               --               --               --               --                 1.6
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
Operating income (5)....          2.4              3.3              3.3              2.0              4.9              0.6
Interest expense, net...         (1.4)            (1.3)            (1.2)            (1.4)            (1.3)            (1.0)
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
Income (loss) before
 income taxes...........          1.0              2.0              2.1              0.6              3.6             (0.4)
Income tax expense......          0.4              0.7              0.8              0.2              1.3              0.4
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
Net income (loss) (5)...          0.6%             1.3%             1.3%             0.4%             2.3%            (0.8)%
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
                                -----            -----            -----            -----            -----            -----
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1)  Includes  results of operations for  Performance Nissan, Inc. from February
     2, 1995.
(2)
     Includes results of operations for Performance Dodge, Inc. from December 4,
     1995.
(3)  Discontinued as of January 1, 1996.
   
(4)  Represents a non-cash  expense of  approximately $1.1  million relating  to
     employee  stock  compensation that  the  Company recognized  in  the second
     quarter of 1996 in  connection with the  Executive Purchase. This  non-cash
     expense  represents  the  difference,  as of  April  1,  1996,  between the
     Company's estimate of  the fair  value of the  Common Stock  issued in  the
     Executive Purchase and the cash consideration paid of $250,000. The Company
     based  its estimate  on the  assumed initial  public offering  price of the
     Shares less certain discounts to reflect, as of April 1, 1996, the lack  of
     a  public market for  the securities, the  uncertainty regarding an initial
     public offering and the fact that  the pending acquisition of Hickey  Dodge
     had not been contemplated.
    
   
(5)  In  addition  to  the non-cash  expense  of approximately  $1.1  million in
     connection with the Executive Purchase (see footnote (4) above), during the
     three months ended  June 30,  1996, the Company  recognized a  compensation
     expense of $600,000 relating to the Executive Bonus. Excluding the non-cash
     expense  and compensation expense,  actual operating income  and net income
     for the  three  months  ended June  30,  1996,  as a  percentage  of  total
     revenues, would have approximated 3.1% and 1.3%, respectively.
    
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The  Company requires cash primarily for  financing its inventory of new and
used vehicles  and replacement  parts, acquisitions  of additional  dealerships,
capital   expenditures   and  transition   expenses   in  connection   with  its
acquisitions. Historically,  the Company  has met  these liquidity  requirements
primarily  through  cash flow  generated from  operating activities,  floor plan
financing and borrowings under credit agreements with GMAC and commercial banks.
Floor plan financing from  GMAC represents the primary  source of financing  for
vehicle inventories.
 
    The  Company finances its purchases of  new vehicle inventory (including its
Dodge and  Nissan vehicles)  with GMAC.  The Company  also maintains  a line  of
credit  with GMAC  for the  financing of used  vehicles, pursuant  to which GMAC
provides financing for up to 80% of the cost of used vehicles that are less than
five
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
   
years old and that  have been driven  fewer than 70,000  miles. GMAC receives  a
security  interest  in  all inventory  it  finances. The  Company  makes monthly
interest payments on  the amount financed  by GMAC. The  Company must repay  the
principal  amount of indebtedness with respect to any vehicle within two days of
the sale of such vehicle by  the Company. The Company periodically  renegotiates
the  terms of its financing with GMAC, including the interest rate. In 1995, the
average annual interest rate paid by the  Company under the GMAC floor plan  was
8.6%.  As of June 30, 1996, the Company had outstanding floor plan debt of $36.2
million  and  paid  an  average  annual  interest  rate  of  8.0%.  The  Company
anticipates  that its floor plan debt will  decrease following the Offering as a
result of the  Company's repayment of  approximately $25 million  in GMAC  floor
plan  debt. This $25 million decrease will  be partially offset by the Company's
assumption of approximately $15 million of floor plan debt of Hickey Dodge.
    
 
    From time to time the  Company also finances its  purchases of new and  used
vehicles,  replacement parts and short-term  receivables through borrowings from
commercial banks  at  various  rates.  At  June 30,  1996,  there  was  no  such
indebtedness outstanding.
 
    During  the first six months of 1996, the Company generated net cash of $5.8
million from operating activities.  Net cash used  for operating activities  was
$6.4  million  in 1995  and was  primarily  attributable to  increased inventory
levels and accounts receivable, partially  offset by increased sales of  Company
warranties  and increased accounts payable. The  increase in inventory levels in
1995 reflects an increase  in the volume  of sales and  the timing of  shipments
from  the manufacturer. Increased receivables  reflect increased sales near year
end primarily attributable to  the Oklahoma City  dealerships acquired in  1995.
The  Company generated net cash from operations of $5.0 million and $2.4 million
in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
   
    Cash used for investing activities was approximately $565,000 for the  first
six  months  of  1996 and  related  primarily  to acquisitions  of  property and
equipment. Cash used for investing activities was $1.8 million, $1.8 million and
$1.7 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, including $1.5 million,  $1.8
million  and $0.7 million  of capital expenditures  during such periods. Capital
expenditures in 1995 were primarily attributable to expenditures for renovations
at the Amarillo dealerships and  expenditures related to the Company's  Oklahoma
City dealerships. Capital expenditures in 1994 consisted of $1.8 million of cash
expended  for  capital  improvements  at  the  Company's  Amarillo  dealerships,
including expenditures in connection with the relocation of Quality Nissan, Inc.
    
 
   
    The Company's capital expenditures for the second half of 1996 are  expected
to  approximate  $800,000  relating  primarily to  capital  improvements  to the
service department at one of the Company's dealerships. The Company  anticipates
that  cash  from  operations will  be  sufficient  to fund  its  planned capital
expenditures for  the  remainder  of  1996. The  Company  has  entered  into  an
agreement  to purchase Hickey Dodge for approximately $13.85 million in cash. In
addition, the Company has agreed to purchase the new vehicle inventory of Hickey
Dodge at the  seller's cost and  may purchase some  or all of  the used  vehicle
inventory  at  a price  to  be agreed.  See  "Recent Developments."  The Company
currently anticipates that it  will finance this acquisition  with a portion  of
the   proceeds  of  the  Offering.  The  Company  anticipates  that  any  future
acquisitions will be financed with proceeds from the Offering, issuance of stock
or debt or a combination of cash, stock and debt. There can be no assurance that
such financial resources will be available or be available on favorable terms.
    
 
    Cash used by financing activities amounted to $4.7 million for the first six
months of 1996 and was primarily attributable to the Company's reduced levels of
inventory in the first six months of  1996. In 1995, cash provided by  financing
activities  reflected the increase  in inventories, resulting  in a $9.4 million
increase in  floor  plan  debt.  At  June 30,  1996,  the  Company's  long  term
indebtedness totaled $11.1 million, primarily attributable to the Company's real
estate  holdings,  with  the  remainder  consisting  primarily  of  indebtedness
incurred in  connection  with prior  acquisitions.  Cash provided  by  financing
activities  totaled approximately $11.6  million in 1995 compared  with a use of
cash of $0.7  million in  1994. This  fluctuation is  primarily attributable  to
increases in inventory levels financed with floor plan debt.
 
   
    The  Company believes that its existing capital resources, including the net
proceeds of the Offering, will generate sufficient funds to finance the  pending
acquisition of Hickey Dodge, run the Company's operations in the ordinary course
and fund its debt service requirements. The Company estimates that it will incur
a tax
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
liability  of approximately $4 million in connection  with the change in its tax
basis of accounting for inventory from  LIFO to FIFO. The Company believes  that
it  will  be  required  to pay  this  liability  in three  to  six  equal annual
installments, beginning in March 1997, and believes that it will be able to  pay
such obligation with cash provided by operations.
 
SEASONALITY
 
    The  Company generally experiences  a higher volume of  new and used vehicle
sales in the second  and third quarters  of each year.  If the Company  acquires
dealerships  in other markets, it may be  affected by other seasonal or consumer
buying trends. See "-- Selected Quarterly Results of Operations."
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
    The Company owns and operates  six franchised automobile dealerships in  the
Amarillo,  Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma markets. Through these dealerships,
the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks, arranges related financing
and insurance,  sells replacement  parts and  provides vehicle  maintenance  and
repair services.
 
    The  Company's founder and  Chief Executive Officer,  Bill A. Gilliland, has
managed automobile  dealerships  since 1966  and  acquired the  Company's  first
dealership, Quality Nissan, Inc. in Amarillo, in 1982. The Company continued its
growth  in the  Amarillo area by  acquiring three Chevrolet  dealerships, two of
which have been in continuous operation (under various owners) since the  1920s.
The  Company  is the  exclusive  Chevrolet and  Nissan  dealer in  Amarillo. The
Company led the Amarillo  market in vehicle unit  sales in 1995, accounting  for
approximately  36% of new vehicle unit sales and 25% of used vehicle unit sales.
In 1995, the Company entered the Oklahoma City market through the acquisition of
a Nissan dealership  in February  and a Dodge  dealership in  December. In  June
1996,  the Company entered into  an agreement to acquire  Hickey Dodge, which is
one  of  the  largest  Dodge  dealerships  in  the  United  States.  With   this
acquisition,  the Company  believes that, based  on pro forma  revenue, it would
have been one of  the 50 largest  dealer groups out of  more than 15,000  dealer
groups nationwide in 1995.
 
   
    As a result of the Company's business strategy, including the acquisition of
new  dealerships, the Company's sales have  increased from $74.9 million in 1991
to $236.2 million  in 1995.  Including the full  year effect  of the  dealership
acquired  in December 1995, the Company's 1995 sales were $294.7 million. Giving
effect to the pending  acquisition of Hickey Dodge  and including the full  year
effect of the dealership acquired in December 1995, the Company's pro forma 1995
sales  would have  been $416.9 million.  The Company believes  that its business
strategy and operations have also enabled it to achieve a level of profitability
superior to the  industry average. In  1995, the Company's  actual gross  profit
margin  was  15.9%, compared  to the  industry average  of 12.9%.  The Company's
operating strategy includes:
    
 
    EFFECTIVELY  SERVING  ITS   TARGET  CUSTOMERS.     The  Company's   existing
dealerships,  which together offer  the complete lines  of Chevrolet, Nissan and
Dodge vehicles,  focus  primarily  on middle-income  buyers  seeking  moderately
priced  vehicles  that  can  be  financed  with  relatively  affordable  monthly
payments. The  Company  believes that  working  closely with  its  customers  to
identify  appropriate  vehicles  and  offering  suitable  financing  and  credit
insurance products enhances  the Company's overall  profitability by  increasing
the  percentage of  vehicle purchases  financed through  its dealerships  and by
reducing the subsequent default rate on  such financing contracts. In 1995,  the
Company  arranged financing for  approximately 76% of its  sales of new vehicles
and 83% of its sales of used vehicles, as compared to 42% and 51%, respectively,
for the average automobile dealership in the U.S.
 
    OPERATING MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS IN SELECTED  MARKETS.  By operating  multiple
dealerships  within individual  markets, the Company  seeks to  become a leading
automotive dealer  in each  market that  it serves.  This strategy  enables  the
Company  to  achieve economies  of scale  in advertising,  inventory management,
management information systems and corporate overhead. In 1995, the Company  was
the  market share leader in the  Amarillo vicinity, accounting for approximately
28% of the new car market and 46% of the new truck market. In Oklahoma City, the
combined market  shares  in  1995  for  the  Company's  existing  Oklahoma  City
dealerships were 2% and 7% of new car and truck sales, respectively. The Company
estimates  that, including Hickey Dodge, the Company's combined market shares in
Oklahoma City would have been 4% of the new car market and 15% of the new  truck
market in 1995, or 8% of total new vehicle sales.
 
    MAINTAINING  DISCIPLINED INVENTORY  MANAGEMENT.   The Company  believes that
maintaining a vehicle mix that matches  market demand is critical to  dealership
profitability.  The  Company's policy  is  to maintain  a  60-day supply  of new
vehicles and a  39-day supply  of used  vehicles. If  a new  vehicle remains  in
inventory  for 120 days,  or a used  vehicle for 60  days, the Company typically
disposes of  the vehicle  by selling  it to  another dealer  or wholesaler.  The
Company believes that this policy enhances profitability by increasing inventory
turnover  and reducing carrying costs. If the Company cannot obtain a sufficient
supply of popular models
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
from the manufacturers, it purchases  the needed vehicles from other  franchised
dealers  throughout the United States. For example, because Chevrolet trucks are
popular in  Amarillo, the  Company purchases  trucks from  Chevrolet dealers  in
other  cities to supplement its allocation of trucks from Chevrolet. In managing
its used  vehicle  inventory, the  Company  attempts  to mirror  the  market  by
tracking  new  and  used vehicle  sales  within  its region  and  maintaining an
inventory mix that matches consumer demand.
 
    EMPLOYING  PROFIT-BASED  MANAGEMENT  COMPENSATION.    The  Company  uses   a
management compensation system that differentiates it from most other automobile
dealerships.  The Company believes that at many other auto dealerships the heads
of each sales department (new vehicles,  used vehicles and F&I) are  compensated
based  on  the profitability  or sales  volumes of  their own  departments. This
method of compensation does not encourage cooperation among departments and  can
affect  overall  profitability  of  the  dealership.  At  Cross-Continent,  each
dealership's general manager and sales managers are trained in F&I analysis  and
receive  bonuses based on the profitability of overall vehicle sales and related
F&I income. The Company believes that this compensation system promotes teamwork
and encourages each management team to maximize overall profitability.
 
    UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY THROUGHOUT  OPERATIONS.  The  Company believes that  it
has   achieved   a  competitive   advantage  in   its  markets   by  integrating
computer-based systems  into all  aspects of  its operations.  The Company  uses
computer-based  technology to monitor each dealership's gross profit, permitting
senior management  to gauge  each dealership's  daily and  monthly gross  margin
"pace"  and to quickly identify areas requiring additional focus. Sales managers
also utilize  a  computer system  to  design  for each  customer  an  affordable
financing  and insurance  package that maximizes  the Company's  total profit on
each transaction. Computer technology is also an integral part of the  inventory
management system for new and used vehicles and vehicle parts.
 
    ACHIEVING HIGH LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.  Customer satisfaction and a
dealer's reputation for fairness are key competitive factors and are crucial for
establishing long-term customer loyalty. The Company's sales process is intended
to  satisfy  customers by  providing  high-quality vehicles  that  customers can
afford. A customer's experience  with the parts and  service departments at  the
Company's  dealerships can  also positively influence  overall satisfaction. The
Company  strives  to  train  its  service  managers  as  professionals,  employs
state-of-the-art  service equipment,  maintains a  computer-managed inventory of
replacement parts,  and provides  clean  service and  waiting areas  to  enhance
customers' post-sale experience.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY -- ACQUISITIONS
 
    The   Company  intends  to  expand  its  business  by  acquiring  additional
dealerships and seeks to improve  their profitability through implementation  of
the Company's business strategies. The Company believes that its management team
has  considerable experience in evaluating  potential acquisition candidates and
determining whether a particular dealership can be successfully integrated  into
the   Company's  existing  operations.  Based  on  trends  affecting  automobile
dealerships, the Company also believes that an increasing number of  acquisition
opportunities will become available to the Company. See "Industry Overview."
 
   
    In   June  1996,  the   Company  entered  into   an  agreement  to  purchase
substantially all of the operating assets and the dealership franchise of Hickey
Dodge, one of the  largest Dodge dealerships in  the United States. The  Company
estimates  that, including the sales of  Hickey Dodge, its combined market share
of total  new vehicle  unit sales  in Oklahoma  City would  have increased  from
approximately  4.5%  to  approximately 8.8%  overall  for 1995.  In  addition to
providing a means  of increasing its  local market share,  the Company  believes
that  the  acquisition  of  Hickey  Dodge  will  provide  the  Company  with the
opportunity to benefit from  the economies of scale  that it seeks in  expanding
its  local presence in targeted markets. Although there can be no assurance that
the closing will occur, the Company anticipates completing the acquisition on or
about October  1,  1996.  Under  its Dealer  Agreements  with  Chrysler's  Dodge
division  that the Company anticipates will be  in effect upon completion of the
Offering, the Company will acknowledge that  Chrysler will have "good cause"  to
withhold its consent to any proposed acquisition by the Company of an additional
Chrysler  dealership (other than Hickey Dodge)  in the Oklahoma City market. The
Company does not believe  that it will be  materially adversely affected by  any
failure  by Chrysler to approve its acquisition of other Chrysler dealerships in
the Oklahoma City  market or  that this  provision will  affect its  acquisition
strategy.
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    The Company intends to continue to focus its acquisition search primarily on
markets  that have fewer dealerships relative to the size of the population than
the national average. The Company believes that the most attractive markets  for
acquisitions  currently exist  in selected  cities in  the Western  and Southern
regions of the  United States.  As part  of its  strategy to  acquire a  leading
market share in any targeted market, the Company intends to focus its efforts on
dealer  groups that  own multiple  franchises in  a single  city, as  well as on
large, single-dealer  franchises  possessing  significant  market  share.  Other
criteria  for evaluating potential  acquisitions will include  the dealership or
dealer group's current profitability,  the quality of  its management team,  its
local reputation with customers, and its location along an interstate highway or
principal  thoroughfare. The Company plans to evaluate acquisition candidates on
a case-by-case basis, and there can be no assurance that future acquisitions  by
the   Company  will  have  all  or  any  of  these  characteristics.  See  "Risk
Factors --  Availability  of  Acquisition Candidates;  Need  for  Financing  and
Possible Dilution through Issuance of Stock."
 
    Upon  completion of  each acquisition,  the Company  plans to  implement its
sales  methods  and   philosophy,  computer-supported   management  system   and
profit-based compensation plan in an effort to enhance the acquired dealership's
overall  profitability.  Cross-Continent  intends  to  focus  initially  on  any
underperforming departments within the acquired entity that the Company believes
may yield the most rapid marginal improvements in operating results. The Company
anticipates that  it will  take two  to  three years  to integrate  an  acquired
dealership  into the  Company's operations and  realize the full  benefit of the
Company's strategies and systems. There can  be no assurance, however, that  the
profitability of any acquired dealership will equal that achieved to date by the
Company's  existing dealerships. During the early part of the integration period
the operating results of an acquired dealership may decrease from results  prior
to  the acquisition  as the Company  implements its strategies  and systems. See
"Risk Factors -- Risks Associated with Expansion."
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
    In 1995, franchised automobile dealers in  the United States sold over  $290
billion  in new cars and  light trucks and $180  billion in used vehicles. After
growing at an average rate of 7.1% each year from 1991 through 1994, new vehicle
unit sales declined 2.0%  in 1995. However,  total franchised dealership  dollar
sales  increased 7.0% during 1995, primarily  due to increased used vehicle unit
sales, increased parts and service revenues and inflation. Automobile sales  are
affected by many factors, including rates of employment, income growth, interest
rates,  weather  patterns  and  other national  and  local  economic conditions,
automotive innovations  and general  consumer sentiment.  See "Risk  Factors  --
Mature Industry; Cyclical and Local Nature of Automobile Sales."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      UNITED STATES FRANCHISED DEALERS' VEHICLE SALES
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                     1991       1992       1993       1994       1995
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         (UNITS IN MILLIONS; DOLLARS IN BILLIONS)
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
New vehicle unit sales...........................................       12.3       12.9       13.9       15.1       14.8
New vehicle sales................................................  $   182.9  $   191.7  $   225.1  $   261.8  $   293.3
Used vehicle unit sales*.........................................       14.6       14.6       14.8       15.1       15.7
Used vehicle sales*..............................................  $   114.1  $   130.0  $   146.0  $   167.8  $   181.7
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
*Reflects  franchised dealerships  sales at  retail and  wholesale. In addition,
 sales by  independent retail  used car  and truck  dealers were  $77.2,  $81.0,
 $100.3,  $134.1 and  $129.7 billion, respectively,  for each of  the five years
 ended December 31, 1995.
 
Sources: NADA; CNW Market Research.
 
    In the  early  years  of the  automobile  industry,  automakers  established
franchised  dealership networks  for the  distribution of  their vehicles. Under
these franchise  arrangements, automakers  agreed to  distribute their  vehicles
exclusively   through  their  dealer  network.  In  return,  under  these  early
arrangements automakers sought to prevent dealers from selling other automakers'
vehicles, limited  the transferability  of ownership  interests in  dealerships,
forced  dealerships to accept vehicle inventory,  defined the territory in which
dealers could market their  vehicles and retained the  right to franchise  other
dealerships  in  those geographic  areas.  Most dealer  agreements  currently in
effect continue to require manufacturer approval for
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
the transfer of ownership of a dealership. Typically, however, these  agreements
require  automakers to reasonably consider  any acquisition request, taking into
account the  acquiring  dealer's  capital  resources,  industry  experience  and
general reputation.
 
    Pressure  from  dealers  and  state  legislative  developments  have  caused
automakers to ease a number of these restrictions during the last 50 years.  For
example,  dealers may not  have their franchises  terminated without good cause,
may designate family  members as  successors to their  business and  may not  be
forced  to  accept unordered  inventory.  In addition,  although  a dealership's
agreement with the automaker  does not provide for  exclusivity with respect  to
the  brand  of  cars and  trucks  sold  by the  dealership  within  a particular
geographic area, many states now have licensing and procedural requirements that
may impede the ability of another dealership  selling the same brand to enter  a
geographic market already served by a dealership.
 
    Until  the  1960s,  dealerships typically  were  owned and  operated  by one
individual who  controlled one  franchise.  Competitive and  economic  pressures
during  the  1970s and  1980s,  particularly the  oil  embargo of  1973  and the
subsequent loss  of  market share  experienced  by U.S.  auto  manufacturers  to
imported   vehicles,  forced   many  dealerships  to   close  or   sell  out  to
better-capitalized  dealer  groups.  Continued  economic  pressure  on  dealers,
combined with the easing of restrictions against multiple dealer ownership, have
led to further consolidation in the industry.
 
    According  to  AUTOMOTIVE NEWS,  the  number of  franchised  dealerships has
declined from 36,336 dealerships in 1960  to 22,288 in 1996. This  consolidation
has  resulted  in fewer  and larger  dealer groups.  AUTOMOTIVE NEWS'  data also
reflect that each of the  largest 100 dealer groups  (ranked by unit sales)  had
more  than approximately $150 million in  revenues in 1995. Although significant
consolidation has taken place among dealerships since 1960, the industry remains
highly fragmented.  The Company  estimates that  the largest  100 dealer  groups
generated  less than 10%  of total revenues, and  controlled approximately 5% of
all franchise dealerships, in the retail vehicle market in 1995.
 
   
    The Company believes  that further  consolidation of  automobile dealers  is
likely  due to the increased capital  requirements of dealerships, the fact that
many dealerships are owned by individuals nearing retirement age and the  desire
of  certain automakers to strengthen their brand identity by consolidating their
franchised dealerships.  The Company  believes that  an opportunity  exists  for
dealership  groups  with significant  equity capital  and experience  in running
dealerships to purchase additional franchises either for cash, stock, debt or  a
combination  and  that being  able to  offer prospective  sellers tax-advantaged
transactions  through  the  use  of  publicly  traded  stock  will,  in  certain
circumstances,  make  the  Company  a more  attractive  acquiror  to prospective
sellers. Although the  Company's ability  to issue additional  shares of  Common
Stock  to complete  acquisitions could be  limited under  Dealer Agreements with
Nissan that the  Company anticipates will  be in effect  upon completion of  the
Offering,  the Company does not anticipate that these agreements will materially
adversely affect its ability to  acquire other dealerships. See "Risk  Factors--
Availability of Acquisition Candidates; Need for Financing and Possible Dilution
through Issuance of Stock."
    
 
    As with retailers generally, auto dealership profitability varies widely and
depends  in part  on the effective  management of  inventory, marketing, quality
control  and  responsiveness  to   customers.  Since  1991,  retail   automobile
dealerships  in the United States have earned on average between 12.9% and 14.1%
total gross margin on sales. New  vehicle sales were the smallest  proportionate
contributors to dealers' gross profits during this period, most recently earning
an  average gross margin  of 6.5% in  1995. Used vehicles  provided higher gross
margins than new vehicles during this period, with an average used vehicle gross
margin of 11.5% in 1995.  Dealerships also offer a  range of other services  and
products,  including  repair  and  warranty  work,  replacement  parts, extended
warranty  coverage,  financing  and  credit  insurance.  In  1995,  the  average
dealership's revenue from parts and service was about 12.4% of its total sales.
 
DEALERSHIP OPERATIONS
 
    Four of the Company's six dealerships are in or within 10 miles of Amarillo,
Texas  and two  are in  suburban areas of  Oklahoma City,  Oklahoma. The Company
derived  approximately  71%  of  its  gross  profit  from  its  three  Chevrolet
dealerships in the Amarillo area in 1995. The Company's retail unit sales of new
and
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
used  vehicles in  1995 totalled more  than 11,500, compared  with the Company's
estimate of under 1,000 for the average franchised dealer in the United  States.
The  Company's revenues by market area  on a pro forma basis  for 1995 and on an
actual basis for the first six months of 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 COMPANY DEALERSHIPS
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------
                                                                       AMARILLO     OKLAHOMA CITY
                                                                        MARKET        MARKET (1)        TOTAL
                                                                    --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>
1995 REVENUES
New vehicle sales.................................................   $     99,164    $     42,612    $    141,776
Used vehicle sales................................................         80,901          40,949         121,850
Other operating revenue (2).......................................         19,224          11,872          31,096
 
FIRST SIX MONTHS 1996 REVENUES
New vehicle sales.................................................         48,109          18,033          66,142
Used vehicle sales................................................         45,900          13,858          59,758
Other operating revenue (2).......................................         10,036           5,305          15,341
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1)  Figures shown for 1995 are  11-month sales figures for Performance  Nissan,
     which  the Company acquired  February 2, 1995,  and full-year sales figures
     for Performance Dodge,  which the  Company acquired December  4, 1995.  The
     sales  figures do  not include  sales figures  for Hickey  Dodge, which the
     Company anticipates acquiring by the end of September 1996.
(2)  Primarily includes sales of parts and service (including at wholesale)  and
     F&I income.
 
    Each  of the Company's dealerships has a general manager who oversees all of
the operations of that dealership.  In addition, each dealership's new  vehicle,
used vehicle, parts and service, and F&I departments have managers who supervise
the  employees  in their  departments and  report  to that  dealership's general
manager. All general  managers report to  the Company's senior  management on  a
daily  basis.  The  Company's  senior  management  tracks  the  daily  sales and
inventory turnover of each dealership. In addition to reporting directly to  the
general  manager, the department managers of  each dealership also work with the
Company's central management staff, which  includes specialists in new and  used
vehicle  inventory  management and  control,  parts and  service  operations and
finance and insurance.
 
    NEW VEHICLE  SALES.   The Company's  dealerships sell  the complete  product
lines  of new  cars and light  trucks manufactured by  General Motors' Chevrolet
division, the Nissan division of Nissan Motors Corp. U.S.A. and Chrysler's Dodge
division. Approximately 67%  of new vehicles  sold by the  Company in 1995  were
light trucks, as compared to 41.5% of all U.S. new vehicles sold, as reported by
AUTOMOTIVE  NEWS.  The  Company  believes  that its  new  vehicle  sales  mix is
influenced by regional preferences as well as the Company's inventory management
policies. The Company  believes that its  mix of  light trucks, as  well as  its
personalized  sales approach, permit  it to achieve higher  gross margins on new
vehicle sales than the  industry average. The Company  earned gross margins  for
new vehicle sales of 12.1% in 1995, as compared to the industry average for 1995
of 6.5%.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  COMPANY'S NEW VEHICLE SALES
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1991         1992         1993         1994        1995(1)
                                                -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Unit sales....................................      2,674        4,173        4,978        4,468         5,547
Sales revenue.................................  $  41,812    $  72,659    $  91,012    $  90,804    $  114,494
Gross margin..................................        9.0%        10.6%        11.8%        12.5%         12.1%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1)  Figures  shown reflect  actual 1995 new  vehicle sales activity  and do not
     include the full year effect of the acquisitions completed in 1995.
 
    The Company  also  arranges traditional  retail  lease transactions  in  the
Oklahoma  City market  and lease-type  transactions (such  as GMAC's "smart-buy"
program) in  the  Amarillo  market.  The Company  does  not  believe  that  such
leasing-related  activities  have significantly  affected  its business  or will
affect its business to a substantially greater degree in the future. In addition
to its Chevrolet, Nissan and Dodge  dealerships, the Company has operated a  Kia
franchise  at the  Company's Westgate facility  in Amarillo, which  had sales of
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
less than 1.0% of  the Company's total  revenue in 1995. The  Company is in  the
process  of transferring this franchise  back to Kia at  no material cost to the
Company. The sales  data shown above  reflect all of  the Company's new  vehicle
sales  and leasing-type transactions. See  "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
    USED VEHICLE  SALES.    Used  vehicle  sales  have  become  an  increasingly
important part of the Company's overall profitability. The Company's retail used
car  and truck sales have grown from 2,029 units in 1991 to 6,170 units in 1995.
The Company attributes this growth, in part, to attractive product availability.
The quality  and selection  of  used vehicles  available  in the  industry  have
improved in the last several years primarily due to an increase in the number of
popular cars coming off short term leases. See "Risk Factors -- Competition." In
addition, increases in new vehicle prices have prompted a growing segment of the
vehicle-buying  population to  purchase used cars  and trucks.  The Company also
sells used vehicles  through its  wholly owned subsidiary  Working Man's  Credit
Plan,  Inc. ("Working Man's Credit"). Working Man's Credit sells primarily older
used vehicles and finances those purchases  for customers who, due to their  low
income  levels or past credit problems, may not be able to obtain credit for the
vehicles more  typically  sold  by  the  Company's  dealerships.  Working  Man's
Credit's sales accounted for less than 1.0% of the Company's total sales in each
of 1994 and 1995.
 
    The  Company believes that it  has enhanced its used  car and truck sales by
monitoring its  used  vehicle  inventory  on  a  daily  basis  and  distributing
inventory  to  the dealership  most  likely to  sell  a particular  vehicle. For
example, a Nissan  vehicle traded  in at any  one of  the Company's  dealerships
typically will be placed in one of the Company's Nissan dealerships. The Company
sells  used vehicles to retail  customers and, particularly in  the case of used
vehicles held  in  inventory  more  than  60  days,  to  other  dealers  and  to
wholesalers.  See "-- Inventory Management." As  the table below reflects, sales
to other dealers and wholesalers are  frequently at or below cost and  therefore
affect  the  Company's overall  gross margin  on  used vehicle  sales. Excluding
inter-dealer and  wholesale transactions,  the Company's  gross margin  on  used
vehicle sales was 13.7% in 1995, as compared to the industry average for 1995 of
11.5%.  The following table  reflects all used vehicle  sale transactions of the
Company from 1991  through 1995.  See "Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  COMPANY'S USED VEHICLE SALES
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1991         1992         1993         1994        1995(1)
                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Retail unit sales..............................      2,029        3,009        4,532        4,816        6,170
Retail sales revenue...........................  $  17,130    $  28,059    $  44,655    $  50,019    $  75,677
Retail gross margin............................       11.9%        13.5%        16.5%        15.7%        13.7%
 
Wholesale unit sales...........................      2,163        3,396        4,983        5,201        5,372
Wholesale sales revenue........................  $   7,347    $  12,354    $  14,538    $  22,897    $  22,813
Wholesale gross margin.........................       -2.9%        -3.6%        -8.2%        -6.0%        -3.4%
 
Total unit sales...............................      4,192        6,405        9,515       10,017       11,542
Total sales revenue............................  $  24,477    $  40,413    $  59,193    $  72,916    $  98,490
Total gross margin.............................        7.4%         8.3%        10.4%         8.9%         9.8%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1)  Figures  shown reflect actual  1995 used vehicle sales  activity and do not
     include the full year effect of the acquisitions completed in 1995.
 
     PARTS AND SERVICE.  Historically,  the automotive repair industry has  been
highly  fragmented.  However, the  Company believes  that  the increased  use of
electronics and  computers in  vehicles has  made it  difficult for  independent
repair  shops to  retain the  expertise to  perform major  or technical repairs.
Given the increasing  technological complexity  of motor  vehicles and  extended
warranty  periods  for new  vehicles, the  Company  believes that  an increasing
percentage of  repair  work  will  take  place  at  dealerships  that  have  the
sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel necessary to perform such repairs.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    The  Company's parts and service business has grown along with the Company's
growth in sales of new and used vehicles. The Company provides parts and service
primarily for the vehicle makes sold by its dealerships but also services  other
makes  of vehicles. In 1995, the Company's parts and service operation generated
gross margins of 52.4%, including the sale of parts at wholesale to  independent
repair  shops. Excluding  the sale  of parts  at wholesale,  the Company's gross
margin for parts and service  would have been 63.3%  in 1995, which the  Company
believes compares favorably to the industry average.
 
    The  Company  attributes  its  profitability in  parts  and  service  to its
comprehensive management system, including  the use of  a variable rate  pricing
structure,  the  adoption  of  a  team concept  in  servicing  vehicles  and the
cultivation of strong customer relationships  through an emphasis on  preventive
maintenance.  Also  critical to  the profitability  of  the Company's  parts and
service business  is  the  efficient  management of  parts  inventory.  See  "--
Inventory Management -- Parts."
 
    In  charging  for its  mechanics' labor,  the Company  uses a  variable rate
structure designed to  reflect the  difficulty and  sophistication of  different
types of repairs. The percentage mark-ups on parts are similarly varied based on
market  conditions for different parts. The  Company believes that variable rate
pricing helps the Company to achieve overall profit margins in parts and service
superior to  those of  certain competitors  who rely  on fixed  labor rates  and
percentage markups.
 
    The  Company also believes  that the profitability of  its parts and service
business is significantly enhanced  by its use of  teams in servicing  vehicles.
Each  vehicle that is brought into one  of the Company's dealerships for service
typically is assigned to  a team of service  professionals, ranging from  master
technicians   with  multiple   skills  to  less   experienced  apprentices.  The
experienced technicians  perform  more complicated  repairs,  while  apprentices
assist  technicians, track down needed parts  and perform simple functions, such
as oil changes. Each  team is responsible for  servicing multiple vehicles  each
day,  depending upon the complexity of the services required. When possible, the
team performs  multiple  service  functions simultaneously  and,  as  a  result,
enhances  productivity and completes repairs  more quickly. Team members receive
supplemental compensation based on the  overall productivity of their team.  The
Company  believes this  team system  increases the  productivity of  its service
personnel and results in reduced training costs and higher quality repairs.
 
    The Company  also  makes extensive  efforts  to notify  owners  of  vehicles
purchased  at the dealerships when their  vehicles are due for periodic service,
thereby encouraging preventive maintenance rather than repairing cars only after
breakdowns. The Company regards its parts and service activities as an  integral
part  of its overall  approach to customer service,  providing an opportunity to
strengthen relationships  with  the  Company's  customers  and  deepen  customer
loyalty.
 
    Since  March  1996,  the  Company  has operated  a  body  shop,  Allied 2000
Collision Center, Inc., adjacent to its Plains Chevrolet dealership in Amarillo,
Texas. The Company intends to perform all body work for the vehicles it services
in Amarillo  at this  location. Previously,  the Company  contracted with  third
parties  for body repair  work. The Company  believes that by  operating its own
body shop  it can  enhance its  profitability on  vehicle repairs  and  maintain
quality  control. Currently, the  Company contracts with  third parties for body
repair work in the Oklahoma City market. However, upon completion of the pending
acquisition of Hickey Dodge, it will acquire a body shop and intends to  perform
all  body work for  vehicles it services  in the Oklahoma  City market at Hickey
Dodge.
 
    FINANCE AND  INSURANCE.    The  Company  also  arranges  financing  for  its
customers'  vehicle purchases,  sells vehicle  warranties and  arranges selected
types of credit insurance in connection with the financing of vehicle sales. The
Company places heavy emphasis on F&I  and trains its general and sales  managers
in F&I. This emphasis resulted in the Company's arranging of financing for 76.3%
of  its  new vehicle  sales and  82.8% of  its  used vehicle  sales in  1995, as
compared to 42% and 51%, respectively, for the average U.S. dealership in  1995.
Typically,  the  Company's  dealerships  review  the  credit  history  of  their
customers and  forward  proposed  financing  contracts  to  automakers'  captive
finance  companies, selected  commercial banks  or other  financing parties. The
Company receives a finance fee from  the lender for arranging the financing  and
is  typically assessed a chargeback against a  portion of the finance fee if the
contract is terminated prior to its  scheduled maturity for any reason, such  as
early   repayment  or   default.  As  a   result,  it  is   important  that  the
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
Company arrange financing for a customer that is competitive (I.E., the customer
is more likely to accept the financing terms  and the loan is less likely to  be
refinanced) and affordable (I.E., the loan is more likely to be repaid).
 
    The  Company's  subsidiary, Working  Man's Credit,  sells used  vehicles and
provides financing to customers with low income levels or past credit  problems.
Typically,  the Company  requires these  customers to  make weekly  payments. If
these payments are  not made, the  Company may repossess  the vehicle. In  1995,
less  than 1% of the Company's used vehicle sales were financed by Working Man's
Credit.
 
    As the number of dealerships operated by the Company increases, the  Company
may  decide to create a  finance subsidiary to offer  financing to the Company's
customers and further enhance its F&I activities. The Company believes that such
a subsidiary could provide a source of additional profits. There is no assurance
that the  Company  will  create  such  a subsidiary  or  that  it  will  enhance
profitability.
 
    At the time of a new vehicle sale, the Company offers extended warranties to
supplement  warranties offered  by automakers.  Additionally, the  Company sells
primary warranties for used vehicles. Currently, the Company primarily sells its
own warranties  and recognizes  the  associated revenue  over  the life  of  the
warranty. The Company also sells warranties of third-party vendors, for which it
recognizes  a commission  upon the  sale of the  warranty, in  the Oklahoma City
market and is likely to sell  such third-party warranties in other markets  that
the  Company may enter. In 1995, the Company sold warranties on 59.1% and 74.7%,
respectively, of its  new and used  vehicle sales, which  penetration rates  the
Company believes exceed industry averages.
 
    The  Company also offers certain types  of credit insurance to customers who
finance their vehicle purchases  through the Company.  The Company sells  credit
life insurance policies to these customers, which policies provide for repayment
of  the vehicle  loan if  the obligor  dies while  the loan  is outstanding. The
Company also sells accident and health insurance policies, which provide payment
of the  monthly loan  obligations during  any  period in  which the  obligor  is
disabled.  These policies are underwritten by Enterprise Life Insurance Company,
which pays the Company a commission upon the sale of a policy and a bonus  based
on  whether payments are made  under the policy. In  1995, the Company sold such
insurance on  22.3%  and  32.2%,  respectively, of  the  new  and  used  vehicle
purchases for which it arranged financing.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    To  promote customer satisfaction,  minimize problem loans  on vehicles sold
and enhance profitability, the Company seeks to "match" its customers'  economic
situation  to  appropriate vehicles.  The  Company assesses  (i)  the customer's
equity position in the vehicle being traded  in (I.E., the value of the  vehicle
relative  to  the  amount still  owed  on  the vehicle),  (ii)  the  ability and
willingness of the customer to make a down payment, (iii) the customer's  credit
profile  and (iv)  the cost  of the  desired vehicle  and the  likely automobile
insurance premium the customer  will be required to  pay. After reviewing  these
facts  using a computer-based system, if it  appears that a customer will not be
able to finance the vehicle purchase or prudently service the vehicle loan,  the
Company  may suggest a lower  priced vehicle, a vehicle  with fewer options or a
larger down payment to  reduce the monthly payments.  The Company believes  that
most  dealerships  generally  perform  this financial  analysis  only  after the
customer has agreed  to purchase the  vehicle at a  particular price, which  can
lead  to customer  dissatisfaction. The  Company believes  that its "counseling"
approach during the sales process increases the likelihood that a customer  will
be  satisfied with the vehicle purchase over a longer time period. Additionally,
the Company believes this  approach enables it to  sell more vehicles at  higher
gross margins.
 
    The salespeople employed by the Company's dealerships are compensated with a
salary  plus bonus. The bonus  is based on the profit  to the dealership of each
vehicle sold by  that salesperson,  excluding F&I income.  Salespeople also  may
receive additional bonuses based on the total number of vehicles they sell.
 
    The   Company's  marketing   and  advertising  activities   vary  among  its
dealerships and among its markets.  Generally, the Company advertises  primarily
through  newspapers and does not conduct special promotions. The Company intends
to continue tailoring its marketing efforts, such as using radio or  television,
to  the relevant marketplace  in order to reach  the Company's targeted customer
base. Under arrangements with the
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
automakers, the Company receives a subsidy for its advertising expenses incurred
in connection with  that automaker's  vehicles. The Company  expects to  realize
cost  savings on its advertising expenses as it acquires multiple dealerships in
particular markets, due to volume discounts and other concessions from media.
 
VEHICLE AND PARTS SUPPLIERS
 
    NEW VEHICLES AND PARTS.   The Company depends  primarily on General  Motors'
Chevrolet  division,  Nissan and  Chrysler's Dodge  unit for  its supply  of new
vehicles and  replacement parts.  Currently, the  Company's total  sales of  new
vehicles  may be adversely affected by an automaker's inability or unwillingness
to furnish one or more dealerships with an adequate supply of models popular  in
the  Company's markets. A dealership that  lacks sufficient inventory to satisfy
demand for  a  particular model  may  purchase additional  vehicles  from  other
franchised  dealers throughout the  United States. Although  the Company's gross
profit margin on sales of new vehicles purchased from other dealers is typically
lower than on vehicles supplied by the manufacturers, such sales generate  gross
profit and additional income from financing, insurance, warranties and parts and
service transactions.
 
    USED  VEHICLES.    The  majority  of  the  Company's  dealerships'  used car
inventory is derived from trade-ins. Substantially  all of the remainder of  the
Company's  used  car inventory  is obtained  by purchases  at auctions  and from
wholesalers. The Company monitors the sales  of used vehicles by all  franchised
and  independent dealers within its geographic  regions and attempts to maintain
used vehicle inventories at each dealership which mirror the market. The Company
strives to maintain a broad selection  of used vehicles that generally are  less
than  five years  old and that  automakers' captive finance  companies and other
commercial lenders are likely to finance for customers.
 
   
    RELATIONSHIPS WITH AUTOMAKERS.  Each  of the Company's dealerships  operates
under  a separate Dealer Agreement with the relevant automaker. These agreements
establish a framework of reciprocal obligations between the dealerships and each
automaker. In  general, each  Dealer  Agreement specifies  the location  of  the
dealership  for the sale of vehicles and for the performance of certain approved
services in  a specified  market area.  The designation  of such  areas and  the
allocation of new vehicles among dealerships are determined at the discretion of
each  automaker,  which  generally  does  not  guarantee  exclusivity  within  a
specified territory.  A Dealer  Agreement generally  imposes requirements  on  a
dealer  concerning such matters  as showrooms, the  facilities and equipment for
servicing vehicles, the maintenance of  inventories, the maintenance of  minimum
net  working capital  and the training  of personnel. The  Dealer Agreement with
each dealership also gives each automaker the right to approve the  dealership's
general  manager and  any material change  in ownership of  the dealership. Each
automaker also may  terminate a  Dealer Agreement  under certain  circumstances,
such  as a change in  control of the dealership  without automaker approval, the
impairment of the reputation or financial standing of the dealership, the death,
removal or withdrawal of the dealership's general manager, the conviction of the
dealership or the  dealership's owner or  general manager of  certain crimes,  a
failure  to adequately  operate the  dealership or  maintain wholesale financing
arrangements, insolvency or bankruptcy of the dealership or a material breach of
other provisions of the Dealer Agreement.  In anticipation of the Offering,  the
Company  renegotiated these  agreements to  remove restrictions  that would have
prevented the  Company  from  selling  its  Common  Stock  to  the  public.  See
"Description  of Capital Stock  -- Anti-Takeover Effect  of Provisions in Dealer
Agreements."
    
 
    Under the  terms  of its  Dealer  Agreements  with GM,  as  renegotiated  in
anticipation  of  the Offering,  the Company  is  subject to  several additional
obligations. Following the  Offering, if any  person or entity  acquires 20%  or
more  of  the Company's  issued  and outstanding  shares  with the  intention of
acquiring additional  shares or  effecting a  material change  in the  Company's
business   or  corporate   structure,  retention  of   the  Company's  Chevrolet
dealerships could be at  risk. If GM reasonably  determines that such person  or
entity  has interests  incompatible with GM's  or is  not qualified to  own a GM
dealership, the Company must either (i) transfer the assets of the Company's  GM
dealerships  to  a third  party reasonably  acceptable  to GM,  (ii) voluntarily
terminate its Dealer  Agreements with  GM divisions, or  (iii) demonstrate  that
such person or entity in fact owns less than 20% of the Company.
 
    Under  its agreements with GM,  the Company also agreed  to comply with GM's
Network 2000 Channel Strategy ("Project 2000"). Project 2000 includes a plan  to
eliminate 1,500 GM dealerships by the year 2000,
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
primarily  through dealership  buybacks and  approval by  GM of inter-dealership
acquisitions, and encourages  dealers to align  GM divisions' brands  as may  be
requested  by General Motors. The agreements require that the Company must bring
any GM dealership acquired after the  Offering into compliance with the  Project
2000 plan within one year of the acquisition. Failure to achieve such compliance
will  result in termination of the Dealer Agreement and a buyback of the related
dealership assets at net book value by GM. The Company believes that this aspect
of the agreements does not present a significant risk to its business or  future
operating  results. The Company  believes that all  of its Chevrolet dealerships
currently comply with GM's guidelines.
 
    The Company  has also  agreed  that its  dealerships offering  new  vehicles
manufactured  by GM will not  attempt to sell new  vehicles of other automakers.
The Company believes that this requirement of exclusive representation at its GM
dealerships will not adversely affect the Company's overall profitability.
 
   
    In connection with  the Offering,  the Company  has been  informed that  its
current  Dealer Agreements with Nissan will be replaced with agreements imposing
several additional terms. The continuation of each of these Dealer Agreements by
Nissan may be contingent upon, among other things, the Company's achievement  of
stated goals for market share penetration in the market served by the applicable
dealership.  Failure to  meet the  market share  goals set  forth in  any Nissan
Dealer Agreement  could result  in the  imposition of  additional conditions  in
subsequent  Dealer Agreements or termination of such Dealer Agreement by Nissan.
In addition,  the Company  anticipates that  these Dealer  Agreements will  give
Nissan  the  right  to terminate  the  Company's Nissan  franchises  if, without
Nissan's prior approval, Mr. Gilliland's  ownership of Common Stock falls  below
20%  of  the total  number of  shares  of Common  Stock issued  and outstanding.
Although the  Company does  not anticipate  that this  provision in  the  Nissan
Dealer  Agreements will materially adversely affect its ability to acquire other
dealerships, it could limit the Company's ability to issue additional shares  of
Common  Stock  to complete  acquisitions. If  the Company  were unable  to issue
shares of Common Stock to acquire other dealerships, it would be required to use
cash or incur  debt or issue  preferred stock to  complete future  acquisitions.
Nissan also will have the right to terminate the Company's Dealer Agreements if,
without  Nissan's prior approval, Mr. Gilliland ceases to be the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company or  if any person or entity  acquires 20% or more of  the
Company's  issued  and  outstanding  shares  and  Nissan  determines  that  such
ownership is adverse to the automaker.
    
 
   
    Under  its  Dealer  Agreement  with  the  Dodge  division  of  Chrysler,  as
renegotiated  in anticipation  of the Offering,  the Company will  be subject to
several additional  obligations.  Chrysler will  be  entitled to  terminate  the
Company's  Dodge  franchise  if  there  is any  change  in  the  ownership  of a
controlling number  of  shares in  the  Company  not approved  by  Chrysler.  In
addition,  the  Company  will  agree  not  to  acquire  any  additional Chrysler
dealership  in  the  Oklahoma  City  market  without  Chrysler's  approval   and
acknowledge  that Chrysler will have "good cause" to withhold its consent to any
such acquisition (other than the acquisition of Hickey Dodge). The Company  does
not  believe that its acquisition strategy will be materially adversely affected
by any  failure  by  Chrysler  to approve  its  acquisition  of  other  Chrysler
dealerships in the Oklahoma City market.
    
 
   
    Texas and Oklahoma laws, and the laws of many other states, attempt to limit
automakers'  control over dealerships. See  "-- Industry Overview." For example,
under Texas law, despite the terms of contracts between automakers and  dealers,
automakers  may not prevent  the sale of  a dealership unless  it would harm the
public or the reputation of the automaker. In addition, under Texas law and  the
laws  of other states, franchised dealerships may challenge automakers' attempts
to establish  new  franchises in  the  franchised dealers'  markets,  and  state
regulators  may deny applications  to establish new dealerships  for a number of
reasons, including a determination that the automaker is adequately  represented
in the region. Other laws in Texas and elsewhere limit the ability of automakers
to  terminate  or fail  to  renew franchises,  withhold  their approval  for the
relocation of a  franchise or  require that disputes  be arbitrated.  Similarly,
under  Oklahoma law,  automakers must have  "good cause" for  any termination or
failure to  renew their  franchises, and  an automaker's  license to  distribute
vehicles  in Oklahoma may be  revoked if, among other  things, the automaker has
forced or attempted to  force an automobile dealer  to accept delivery of  motor
vehicles not ordered by that dealer.
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
   
    The  state statutes generally provide  that it is a  violation of law for an
automaker to terminate or  fail to renew a  franchise without good cause.  These
statutes  also  provide  that  the  automaker  is  prohibited  from unreasonably
withholding approval  for a  proposed  change in  ownership of  the  dealership.
Acceptable  grounds  for disapproval  include material  reasons relating  to the
character, financial ability or business experience of the proposed  transferee.
Accordingly,  certain provisions of dealer agreements relating to an automaker's
right to  terminate or  fail to  renew a  franchise have  been held  invalid  by
certain state courts and administrative agencies.
    
 
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
 
    VEHICLES.    The  Company  makes extensive  efforts  to  tailor  its vehicle
inventory to meet changes in local consumer demand for different vehicle  models
and  types and  may acquire vehicles  from other  dealers if it  cannot obtain a
sufficient supply from the automakers. The Company is not required by the  terms
of  its  Dealer  Agreements  to  take  particular  vehicle  inventory  from  the
automakers. New  and used  vehicle  inventory at  the Company's  dealerships  is
continually  monitored using an integrated computer inventory system that allows
the Company to track the age and size of its entire inventory and to  coordinate
vehicle  transfers  between its  dealerships  in response  to  specific customer
demand. This  computerized  system also  links  the Company's  dealerships  with
secondary-market  wholesalers,  auctions  and other  dealers.  In  addition, the
Company assembles data from on-site surveys of customers at its dealerships  and
draws  upon automakers'  online reports  analyzing local,  regional and national
vehicle purchasing trends.
 
    The Company  generally  maintains  a  60-day  supply  of  new  vehicles.  If
Cross-Continent  has not sold a new vehicle  to a customer within 120 days after
receiving the vehicle  into inventory, it  attempts to transfer  the vehicle  to
other  franchised dealers. Such a transfer does not impact new vehicle sales, as
compared with sales of used vehicles to other dealers and wholesalers, which are
reflected in total used vehicle sales. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of  Operations." The Company's policy on  its
used  vehicle inventory  is to maintain  a 39-day  supply and to  offer to other
dealers and wholesalers used  vehicles remaining unsold for  more than 60  days.
The  Company  estimates  that  sales  of  used  vehicles  to  other  dealers and
wholesalers constituted approximately 23% of its total used vehicle dollar sales
in 1995.
 
    The Company's  vice president  in charge  of dealer  operations  establishes
guidelines  for,  and  coordinates  the  purchases  of,  vehicles  to  ensure an
efficient allocation of inventory among the dealerships generally. In  addition,
each  of  the  Company's  dealerships employs  new  and  used  vehicle inventory
managers who  supervise  the  size  and  composition  of  inventories  at  their
individual dealerships. Inventory managers are encouraged to act as "brokers" on
behalf  of  their dealerships,  using computerized  systems, surveys  and market
information to anticipate customer preferences and buy and sell to other Company
dealerships and in secondary markets. The Company believes that its  coordinated
system  of  inventory management  is unusual  in the  industry and  enhances its
overall profitability.
 
    Although there can  be no  assurance either that  the Company's  acquisition
strategy  will be successful  or that it will  produce the anticipated benefits,
the Company believes that the acquisition of additional dealerships would expand
its internal  market  for  transfers  of vehicles  among  its  dealerships  and,
therefore, reduce the need to acquire vehicles from other dealers or wholesalers
or  sell vehicles  in the  wholesale market,  which frequently  results in lower
gross margins. The acquisition  of additional dealerships  may reduce the  total
amount  of transportation and  other fees paid to  other franchised dealers. The
Company believes that its acquisition of additional dealerships also may  reduce
its  reliance on  any particular automaker  so that  it may be  less affected by
changes in  buying  trends or  the  automaker's inability  to  supply  requested
inventory.  The  Company  also  believes  that  its  acquisition  of  additional
dealerships may produce  economies of scale  in its purchasing  of used  vehicle
inventory.
 
    PARTS.   Each of the Company's  dealerships sells factory-approved parts for
vehicle makes and models sold by that dealership. These parts are either used in
repairs made by the dealership or sold at wholesale to independent repair shops.
While a majority of the Company's dealerships sell parts primarily through their
own service departments, two of the dealerships sell predominantly at  wholesale
to other dealers, body shops and repair businesses.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
    Currently,  each of the Company's dealerships  employs its own parts manager
and independently controls its parts inventory and sales. Dealerships that  sell
the  same new vehicle makes have access to each other's computerized inventories
and frequently obtain unstocked parts from the Company's other dealerships.  The
Company  uses a computerized tracking system  to manage the inventory of vehicle
parts at its dealerships. This system allows each dealership to monitor customer
requests for parts not in stock and the length of time each part has remained in
inventory.
 
    The  Company  intends  to  further   centralize  its  inventory  system   by
establishing   uniform  standards  for  inventory  control  and  increasing  the
efficiency of cross-dealership  exchanges. In addition,  the Company intends  to
expand the volume of its wholesale parts business.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The  retail  automotive industry  is  highly competitive.  Depending  on the
geographic market,  the Company  competes with  both dealers  offering the  same
product line as the Company and dealers offering other automakers' vehicles. The
Company also competes for vehicle sales with auto brokers and leasing companies.
Cross-Continent   competes  with   small,  local  dealerships   and  with  large
multi-franchise auto dealerships. Some of the Company's larger competitors  have
greater  financial  resources and  are more  widely known  than the  Company. In
addition, the used  vehicle market  is facing additional  competition from  non-
traditional  outlets  such  as used-car  "superstores,"  which  have inventories
significantly larger and more varied than the Company and other more traditional
dealerships. While these superstores have not  yet entered the markets in  which
the  Company currently does  business, the Company may  face this competition in
new markets it  may enter. Some  of the Company's  competitors also may  utilize
marketing  techniques,  such as  Internet visibility  or "no  negotiation" sales
methods, not currently used by the Company.
 
    In the  Amarillo  market,  the  Company competes  with  over  10  franchised
dealerships  and numerous  other independent dealers  of used  vehicles, most of
which sell vehicles suited to the same customer group that the Company  targets.
The  Company is the exclusive  Chevrolet dealer in Amarillo  and in 1995 derived
approximately 71% of its  gross profit from its  three Chevrolet dealerships  in
Amarillo.  The  Company  could  be materially  adversely  affected  if Chevrolet
awarded additional  dealerships franchises  to others  in the  Amarillo  market,
although  the Company does not anticipate such  awards will be made, or if other
automobile dealerships increased their market share in the area. In the Oklahoma
City market, the Company  estimates that there are  at least 13  multi-franchise
dealer  groups,  many  of  which have  significantly  greater  market  share and
experience than the Company has in the Oklahoma City area.
 
    The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in vehicle sales
are the marketing campaigns conducted by automakers, the ability of  dealerships
to  offer  a  wide selection  of  the  most popular  vehicles,  the  location of
dealerships and  the  quality of  customer  service. Other  competitive  factors
include  customer  preference  for  makes  of  automobiles,  pricing  (including
manufacturer rebates  and  other special  offers)  and warranties.  The  Company
believes that its dealerships are competitive in all of these areas.
 
    In addition to competition for vehicle sales, the Company also competes with
other  auto  dealers,  service  stores,  auto  parts  retailers  and independent
mechanics in  providing  parts  and  service.  The  Company  believes  that  the
principal  competitive factors in parts and service  sales are price, the use of
factory-approved replacement parts,  the familiarity with  a dealer's makes  and
models  and the quality  of customer service.  A number of  regional or national
chains offer selected parts  and service at  prices that may  be lower than  the
Company's prices.
 
    In  arranging or providing  financing for its  customers' vehicle purchases,
the Company competes with a broad  range of financial institutions. The  Company
believes  that  the  principal  competitive factors  in  offering  financing are
convenience, interest rates and contract terms.
 
    In addition to being affected by national competitive trends, the  Company's
success  depends, in  part, on regional  auto-buying trends,  local and regional
economic factors  and  other  regional  competitive  pressures.  Currently,  the
Company sells its vehicles in the Amarillo and Oklahoma City markets. Conditions
and
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
competitive  pressures affecting these markets, such as price-cutting by dealers
in these areas, or in any new markets the Company enters, could adversely affect
the Company, although  the retail automobile  industry as a  whole might not  be
affected.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS
 
    A number of regulations affect the Company's business of marketing, selling,
financing  and servicing  automobiles. The Company  also is subject  to laws and
regulations relating to business corporations generally.
 
    Under Texas and Oklahoma law, the Company must obtain a license in order  to
establish,  operate or  relocate a  dealership or  operate an  automotive repair
service. See "-- Vehicle and Parts Suppliers -- Relationships with  Automakers."
These  laws  also  regulate the  Company's  conduct of  business,  including its
advertising and sales practices. Other states may have similar requirements.
 
    The Company's financing activities with its customers are subject to federal
truth in lending, consumer leasing  and equal credit opportunity regulations  as
well  as state and  local motor vehicle finance  laws, installment finance laws,
usury laws and other installment sales  laws. Some states regulate finance  fees
that  may be paid as a result  of vehicle sales. State and federal environmental
regulations, including  regulations  governing air  and  water quality  and  the
storage  and disposal of  gasoline, oil and  other materials, also  apply to the
Company.
 
    The Company believes that it complies substantially with all laws  affecting
its  business. Possible  penalties for  violation of  any of  these laws include
revocation of the Company's licenses and fines. In addition, many laws may  give
customers a private cause of action.
 
PROPERTY
 
    The  Company's principal executive offices are  located at 1201 South Taylor
Street, Amarillo, Texas 79101, and its  telephone number is (806) 374-8653.  The
Company  has four  dealerships at other  locations in the  Amarillo vicinity. In
addition, the Company is  in the process of  transferring back to the  automaker
its  Kia dealership, which it has operated at its Westgate facility in Amarillo.
The Company also has two dealerships at adjacent locations in the Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma market. The Company's facilities  occupy an aggregate of  approximately
270,000 square feet and are situated on approximately 45 acres of land.
 
    All  of the Company's dealerships are located along interstate highways. One
of the principal factors considered by the Company in evaluating an  acquisition
candidate  is its location.  The Company prefers  to acquire dealerships located
along major thoroughfares,  primarily interstate highways  with ease of  access,
which can be easily visited by prospective customers.
 
    The  Company  owns all  of  the real  estate  on which  its  dealerships are
located, except for its  Performance Nissan facility, a  portion of its  Quality
Nissan  facility  in  Amarillo and  a  small  portion of  its  Performance Dodge
facility near  Oklahoma  City.  The Company  subleases  its  Performance  Nissan
facility  from GGFP, which sublease extends until February 2002 and provides the
Company with an option to extend the sublease for an additional seven years  and
an option to purchase the property in 2002 for $2.2 million. The Company's lease
for  a portion of its Quality Nissan  facility runs through 1998, with an option
to purchase the property for  $400,000 or extend the  lease for five years.  The
Company  also leases its principal corporate offices  from GGFP for a lease term
ending 2001.  The Company  believes that  its facilities  are adequate  for  its
current  needs. In connection with its acquisition strategy, the Company intends
to evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, the relative benefit of owning or  leasing
the real estate associated with a particular dealership.
 
    Under  the  terms of  its Dealer  Agreements, the  Company must  maintain an
appropriate appearance and  design of its  facilities and is  restricted in  its
ability  to relocate  its dealerships.  See "--  Vehicle and  Parts Suppliers --
Relationship with Automakers."
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of August 1, 1996 the Company employed 536 people, of whom  approximately
88  were employed in  managerial positions, 229  were employed in non-managerial
sales positions, 93 were employed in non-managerial parts and service  positions
and 126 were employed in administrative support positions.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
    The Company believes that many dealerships in the retail automobile industry
have  difficulty  attracting  and  retaining  qualified  personnel  for  several
reasons, including the historical inability of dealerships to provide  employees
with  a marketable equity interest in  the profitability of the dealerships. The
Company intends, upon completion of  the Offering, to provide certain  executive
officers, managers and other employees with options to purchase Common Stock and
believes  this equity incentive  will be attractive  to existing and prospective
employees of the Company. See "Management -- Stock Option Plan."
 
    The Company believes that its relationship with its employees is good.  None
of  the Company's  employees is  represented by  a labor  union. Because  of its
dependence on the  automakers, however,  the Company  may be  affected by  labor
strikes,   work  slowdowns   and  walkouts  at   the  automakers'  manufacturing
facilities. See "Risk Factors  -- Dependence on Automakers."  The Company has  a
policy   of  requiring  prospective  employees  to  undergo  tests  for  illegal
substances prior to being  hired and of requiring  employees to consent to  drug
tests at the Company's discretion during their employment with the Company.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND INSURANCE
 
    From  time to time, the Company is named in claims involving the manufacture
of automobiles, contractual disputes and  other matters arising in the  ordinary
course  of the Company's  business. Currently, no  legal proceedings are pending
against or involve  the Company  that, in the  opinion of  management, could  be
expected  to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition
or results of operations of the Company.
 
    Because of their vehicle inventory and nature of business, automobile retail
dealerships generally require significant levels  of insurance covering a  broad
variety of risks. The Company's insurance includes an umbrella policy as well as
insurance   on  its  real  property,  comprehensive  coverage  for  its  vehicle
inventory, general liability insurance, employee dishonesty coverage and  errors
and  omissions  insurance in  connection with  its  vehicle sales  and financing
activities.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The  executive officers and directors  of the Company, and  their ages as of
August 1, 1996, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NAME                                    AGE                            POSITION
- -------------------------------------------      ---      -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>
Bill A. Gilliland..........................          58   Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Robert W. Hall.............................          39   Senior Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Director
Ezra P. Mager..............................          54   Vice Chairman and Director
Emmett M. Rice, Jr.........................          38   Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                                           Director
Charles D. Winton..........................          34   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Thomas A. Corchado.........................          38   Vice President -- Fixed Operations
John W. Gaines.............................          36   Vice President -- Systems
Jerry L. Pullen............................          50   Vice President -- City Manager
Benjamin J. Quattrone......................          32   Vice President -- Dealer Operations
</TABLE>
 
    Bill A. Gilliland has  been the Chairman and  Chief Executive Officer and  a
Director  of the Company since its formation. Since 1987, Mr. Gilliland has been
the Managing Partner of GGFP, which prior to the Reorganization owned a majority
interest in the  Company's dealerships.  Mr. Gilliland currently  is, and  since
their  acquisition by GGFP has been, a director and the president of each of the
Company's dealerships.  Mr.  Gilliland  has  worked  in  the  retail  automobile
industry  for  over  30 years.  He  is a  member  of the  National  Auto Dealers
Association and a former board member of the Texas Auto Dealers Association. Mr.
Gilliland's initial term as a director of the Company will expire at the  annual
meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held in 1999.
 
    Robert  W. Hall has been the Senior  Vice Chairman, Treasurer and a Director
of the  Company  since its  formation.  Mr. Hall  currently  is, and  since  the
acquisition  of the Company's dealerships  by GGFP has been,  a director and the
treasurer of each of the dealerships. Since 1988, Mr. Hall has been a partner of
GGFP. Mr. Hall is the son-in-law of Mr. Gilliland. Mr. Hall's initial term as  a
director of the Company will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders of the
Company to be held in 1997.
 
   
    Ezra P. Mager has been the Vice Chairman and a Director of the Company since
its formation. From 1990 to January 1996, Mr. Mager was in charge of acquisition
activity  for United Auto Group,  Inc. and its predecessors,  one of the largest
automobile dealership groups in the United  States, and served as its  Executive
Vice  Chairman from 1995 to  January 1996. Prior to that  time, Mr. Mager was an
executive vice president  and director of  Furman Selz, Mager,  Dietz &  Birney,
Incorporated.  Mr. Mager's initial term as a director of the Company will expire
at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held in 1998.
    
 
    Emmett M. Rice,  Jr. has  been the  Senior Vice  President, Chief  Operating
Officer  and a Director of  the Company since its  formation. Mr. Rice currently
is, and  since their  acquisition by  GGFP has  been, a  director and  the  vice
president  of each  of the  Company's dealerships.  Mr. Rice  has worked  in and
managed certain of the Company's dealerships for  over 13 years. He is a  member
of the National Auto Dealers Association and the Texas Auto Dealers Association.
Mr.  Rice's initial term as a director of  the Company will expire at the annual
meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held in 1999.
 
    Charles D. Winton has been a Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer and
the Secretary of the Company since  its formation. Mr. Winton currently is,  and
since   June  1995  has  been,  the   secretary  of  the  Company's  Texas-based
dealerships. Prior to that time, Mr. Winton was Vice President of Accounting and
Taxes for Sims-Plummer Financial Services. From  1990 to 1993, Mr. Winton was  a
supervisor with George B. Jones & Company, an accounting firm serving franchised
auto dealers.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
    Thomas  A.  Corchado has  been  Vice President  --  Fixed Operations  of the
Company since the Reorganization. From June 1993 to that time, Mr. Corchado  was
employed  by GGFP, where he  supervised the parts and  service operations of the
Company's dealerships. From  June 1990 to  May 1993, Mr.  Corchado was a  senior
consultant at Automotive Service Consultants.
 
    John  W. Gaines has been the Vice  President -- Systems of the Company since
the Reorganization. From February 1992 to that time, Mr. Gaines was employed  by
GGFP  as the coordinator of projects  and systems for the Company's dealerships.
Mr. Gaines was the Controller for the Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas,
from 1983 to 1992.
 
   
    Jerry L. Pullen  has been the  Vice President--City Manager  of the  Company
since  July 1996,  with responsibility for  the Amarillo  area dealerships. From
January 1988 to  July 1996,  Mr. Pullen  served as  the General  Manager of  the
Company's  Midway Chevrolet,  Inc. dealership. Mr.  Pullen has over  28 years of
related experience in the automotive industry. He is currently the President  of
High Country Chevrolet Dealers.
    
 
    Benjamin  J. Quattrone has  been the Vice President  -- Dealer Operations of
the Company since  the Reorganization.  In addition,  since July  15, 1996,  Mr.
Quattrone has served as the General Manager of Westgate Chevrolet, Inc. Prior to
the Reorganization, Mr. Quattrone was employed as the Management/ Dealer Trainee
of  the Quality Nissan Dealership from June 1995. Mr. Quattrone was the District
Sales Manager with the  Chevrolet Motor Division of  General Motors from  August
1989 to February 1995.
 
   
    The  Company  intends  to select  a  manager  to oversee  its  Oklahoma City
dealerships. This  manager may  be selected  from among  the Company's  existing
employees or hired specifically for that role. Until such a manager is selected,
certain  officers  of  the  Company,  including  the  Company's  Chief Operating
Officer, are  assisting in  overseeing  and coordinating  the operation  of  the
Company's Oklahoma City dealerships.
    
 
    As  soon as practicable after the Offering,  the Company intends to name two
individuals not employed by or affiliated with the Company to  Cross-Continent's
Board  of Directors.  Upon completion  of the  Offering, the  Company's Board of
Directors will not consist  of a majority of  independent directors and may  not
consist  of  such  a  majority in  the  future.  See "Risk  Factors  --  Lack of
Independent Directors."
 
    The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes, each of
which, after a transitional period, will  serve for three years, with one  class
being  elected each year.  Under the Company's  Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws, individuals who  are employed  by the Company  at the  time they  become
directors  of Cross-Continent  are entitled to  serve as directors  only if they
remain so employed. The executive officers are elected annually by, and serve at
the discretion of, the Company's  Board of Directors. Following the  appointment
of at least two outside directors, the Company intends to establish and maintain
an  Audit  Committee,  the  members  of which  will  consist  solely  of outside
directors, and a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee of its  Board
of Directors. The Company has not previously had any of these committees.
 
    The Company may compensate the members of the Board of Directors who are not
full-time  employees of the  Company on an  annual and per  meeting basis, in an
amount and on a basis as may be  determined in the future. The Company also  may
decide  to compensate members of  committees of the Board  of Directors for each
meeting attended.  Directors  of  the Company  receive  reimbursement  of  their
reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  their board
activities. The Company intends to  purchase directors' and officers'  insurance
for  its  executive  officers and  directors,  assuming that  such  insurance is
available on commercially reasonable terms.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The Company  anticipates  that  during  1996  its  most  highly  compensated
executive  officers  with  annualized  salaries  exceeding  $100,000,  and their
annualized base salaries for 1996, will be: Mr. Gilliland -- $300,000; Mr.  Hall
- -- $240,000; Mr. Mager -- $240,000; Mr. Rice -- $240,000; and Messrs. Pullen and
Winton -- each at $120,000 (collectively, the "Named Executives"). See Note 5 to
the "Pro Forma Combined Financial Data." In conjunction with the Reorganization,
the Company has agreed to pay Mr.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
   
Rice  the Executive Bonus. This $600,000 bonus has been expensed in its entirety
in the three months ended  June 30, 1996. See Note  17 to the Notes to  Combined
Financial  Statements. In his current position as  a City Manager, Mr. Pullen is
entitled to receive an annual  bonus equal to 5.0%  of the pre-tax profits  over
$5.0  million (if  any) of the  Company's Amarillo area  dealerships, payable in
cash, incentive stock or stock options, as may be determined in the future.  The
Company  anticipates  entering into  written  agreements with  Messrs.  Rice and
Pullen  to   evidence  these   compensation  arrangements.   The  Company   also
historically  has paid, and in the future  may pay, discretionary bonuses to its
other executive officers, based on the performance of the Company or the  nature
of  services provided  by the  executives during the  year. The  amounts of such
future bonuses, the conditions  for any such  awards and the  forms of any  such
bonuses  (such  as  cash,  incentive  stock  or  stock  options)  have  not been
determined. The Company does not intend to grant any such discretionary  bonuses
to any of the Senior Management Group for 1996.
    
 
    The  table below  sets forth  the compensation  paid to  the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and  each of  its most highly  compensated executive  officers
with  annual compensation  exceeding $100,000 for  the year  ending December 31,
1995.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995 ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                                                                            -------------------------------------
                                 NAME AND                                                           TOTAL ANNUAL
                            PRINCIPAL POSITION                                SALARY      BONUS     COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------
<S>                                                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Bill A. Gilliland
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer....................................  $  114,000      --       $   114,000
Emmett M. Rice, Jr.
  Senior Vice President and Chief
  Operating Officer.......................................................     120,000  $  524,836       644,836
Jerry L. Pullen
  Vice President -- City Manager..........................................      72,000     568,091       640,091
Thomas A. Corchado
  Vice President -- Fixed Operations......................................      64,538      78,865       143,403
</TABLE>
    
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    Because the  Company was  formed in  1996, it  did not  have a  Compensation
Committee  for a prior  fiscal year. Following  the appointment of  at least two
outside directors  to  the  Company's  Board, the  Company  intends  to  form  a
Compensation Committee and anticipates naming its two outside directors to serve
on the committee.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
    The  Company expects to have in place its 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock
Option Plan")  immediately prior  to  completion of  the Offering.  The  Company
anticipates  granting, under  the Stock Option  Plan, options  to purchase 7,692
shares of  Common  Stock to  Mr.  Mager  immediately before  completion  of  the
Offering.  Such  options will  have an  exercise  price equal  to the  per share
initial public offering price of the Common Stock and be exercisable starting 90
days from the date  of grant. The  per share exercise  price of incentive  stock
options ("ISOs") granted under the Stock Option Plan must equal at least 100% of
the  Fair Market Value (as defined  in the Stock Option Plan)  of a share of the
Common Stock on  the date  of grant  (or 110%  in the  case of  ISOs granted  to
employees owning more than 10% of the Common Stock).
    
 
   
    The  purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to provide key employees (including
officers) and directors of the Company with additional incentives by  increasing
their equity ownership in the Company. The Company intends to reserve a total of
1,380,000  authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock for issuance under the
Stock Option Plan.  These reserved shares  will represent 10%  of the shares  of
Common Stock outstanding after the Offering.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    Options  granted under the Stock Option Plan are intended to qualify as ISOs
under Section  422 of  the Internal  Revenue Code  of 1986,  as amended,  or  be
non-qualified.  Holders of ISOs are not taxed until they sell the stock received
upon the exercise of an ISO. The entire spread between the sale proceeds and the
ISO exercise price is a long-term capital gain. Holders of non-qualified options
receive ordinary income upon exercise  of the option in  an amount equal to  the
spread  between the value  of the purchased  stock on exercise  and the exercise
price.
 
    The Stock Option Plan is intended to satisfy the conditions of Section 16 of
the Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934, as  amended,  pursuant  to  Rule  16b-3
promulgated  thereunder,  which  rule  exempts  certain  short-swing  gains from
recapture by the  Company. The  Stock Option Plan  will be  administered by  the
Company's  Board of Directors, or a committee of the Board comprised exclusively
of two  or more  "non-employee  directors" within  the  meaning of  Rule  16b-3.
Subject  to the terms of  the Stock Option Plan,  the administrator of the Stock
Option Plan  will have  the  sole authority  and  discretion to  grant  options,
construe  the terms of the  plan and make all  other determinations and take all
other action with respect to the Stock Option Plan.
 
   
    Options will be exercisable during the period specified by the administrator
of  the  Stock  Option  Plan,  except  that  options  will  become   immediately
exercisable  upon a Change in  Control (as defined in  the Stock Option Plan) of
the  Company.  See  "Risk   Factors  --  Concentration   of  Voting  Power   and
Anti-Takeover  Provisions." Option holders  may not exercise  their options more
than 10 years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of ISOs  granted
to holders of more than 10% of the Common Stock) or, unless otherwise determined
by  the administrator of the Stock Option  Plan, after their employment with the
Company terminates (other than by  reason of death). Unless otherwise  permitted
by  the administrator  of the  Stock Option  Plan, options  are nontransferable,
except by will or the  laws of intestate succession  or pursuant to a  qualified
domestic  relations order. Shares underlying  options that terminate unexercised
are available for reissuance under the Stock Option Plan.
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
    The following table describes the  beneficial ownership of the Common  Stock
as  of August  1, 1996  (and after giving  effect to  the Offering)  by (i) each
person who has granted the Underwriters  an option to purchase shares of  Common
Stock  held  by  such  person  if  the  Underwriters'  over-allotment  option is
exercised (a "Selling Stockholder"),  (ii) each person  (or group of  affiliated
persons)  who is known  by the Company to  own beneficially more  than 5% of the
Common Stock, (iii) each of the  Company's directors and executive officers  and
(iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            SHARES       PERCENT       PERCENT      NUMBER OF SHARES   PERCENT IF OVER-
                                         BENEFICIALLY    BEFORE         AFTER       SUBJECT TO OVER-   ALLOTMENT OPTION
BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)                      OWNED (2)     OFFERING     OFFERING (3)   ALLOTMENT OPTION     EXERCISED (4)
- ---------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  --------------  ----------------  -------------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>               <C>
Bill A. Gilliland (5)..................     6,925,500       68.4%         50.2%           388,631              47.4
Robert W. Hall (6).....................     1,731,375       17.1          12.5             97,020              11.8
Emmett M. Rice, Jr. (7)................     1,012,500       10.0           7.3             56,779               6.9
Ezra P. Mager (8)......................       303,750        3.0           2.2             --                   2.2
Jerry L. Pullen (9)....................       151,875        1.5           1.1              8,820               1.0
Charles D. Winton......................       --           --             --               --                 --
Thomas A. Corchado.....................       --           --             --               --                 --
John W. Gaines.........................       --           --             --               --                 --
Benjamin J. Quattrone..................       --           --             --               --                 --
All executive officers and directors as
 a group (9 persons) (8)...............    10,125,000      100.0          73.3            551,250              69.3
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
(1) The  address for  each beneficial owner  is in care  of Cross-Continent Auto
    Retailers, Inc., 1201 South  Taylor Street, Amarillo,  Texas 79101. Each  of
    the individuals listed is an officer of the Company.
(2) Except  as indicated in the footnotes to this table, to the knowledge of the
    Company, the persons  named in  the table  have sole  voting and  investment
    power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned
    by  them,  except  to  the  extent  authority  is  shared  by  spouses under
    applicable state law.
(3) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option.
   
(4) Assumes that the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full.
    
(5) Of these  shares, 1,731,375  are owned  of record  by Xaris,  Ltd., a  Texas
    limited  partnership.  Pursuant  to  the terms  of  an  agreement  among Mr.
    Gilliland, Lori D'Atri (Mr. Gilliland's daughter) and Mr. Hall and his wife,
    Robin W.  Hall, Mr.  Gilliland controls  Xaris Management  Co., the  general
    partner of Xaris, Ltd. Mr. Gilliland disclaims beneficial ownership of these
    shares.
(6) Mr.  and Mrs.  Hall hold  a controlling interest  in the  general partner of
    Twenty-Two Ten, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership, which is the record owner
    of these shares.
(7) Mr. Rice and his  wife, Nancy J.  Rice, hold a  controlling interest in  the
    general  partner of  Benji Investments,  Ltd., a  Texas limited partnership,
    which is the record owner of these shares.
   
(8) Does not include 138,000 shares of  Common Stock issuable upon the  exercise
    of  options to be granted immediately prior to the Offering with an exercise
    price equal to the initial public offering price.
    
   
(9) Jerry L. Pullen and his wife, Kaye J. Pullen, hold a controlling interest in
    the general partner of KAPL, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership, which is the
    record owner of these shares.
    
 
   
    Pursuant to  the Underwriting  Agreement, the  Underwriters have  agreed  to
purchase  shares of Common  Stock from the  Selling Stockholders, if  and to the
extent the Underwriters'  over-allotment option is  exercised, in proportion  to
the Selling Stockholders' respective ownership interests in the Company.
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
   
    Prior  to  the  Reorganization,  Bill  A.  Gilliland  and  his  wife, Sandra
Gilliland, Robert  W.  Hall  and  his  wife, Robin  W.  Hall,  and  Lori  D'Atri
(collectively, the "GGFP Partners") held a controlling equity interest in Midway
Chevrolet,  Inc.,  Plains  Chevrolet, Inc.,  Westgate  Chevrolet,  Inc., Quality
Nissan, Inc. and Working  Man's Credit Plan, Inc.  The GGFP Partners held  their
interests  in  these dealerships  through GGFP,  of which  Mr. Gilliland  is the
managing general partner. Midway, Plains and Westgate acquired the common  stock
of  Performance Nissan, Inc.  and Performance Dodge,  Inc. in 1995  at a cost of
$1.4 million and $5.9  million, respectively, and  Midway, Plains, Westgate  and
Quality  Nissan acquired Allied 2000 Collision Center, Inc. in 1996 at a cost of
$26,000. The Company was formed in May  1996 and, in June 1996, acquired all  of
the  common stock  of the  dealerships owned  directly by  GGFP in  exchange for
Common Stock of the Company. The  shares of common stock of Performance  Nissan,
Performance Dodge and Allied 2000 were then distributed to the Company.
    
 
   
    GGFP  and other stockholders of Midway, Plains, Westgate, Quality Nissan and
Working Man's Credit exchanged their shares of stock in those dealerships for an
aggregate of 1,012,500, 6,744,600, 1,240,000, 822,055 and 2,000 shares of Common
Stock, respectively, in the Reorganization. The exchange ratios of Common  Stock
for  the stock in the dealerships acquired  by the Company in the Reorganization
were established through  negotiation among the  parties to the  Reorganization,
and  were  based  largely  on  the value  of  the  dealerships  and  the capital
contributions by the owners of the  dealerships. Although Mr. Gilliland and  Mr.
Hall  took  an active  role  in these  negotiations, all  of  the owners  of the
dealerships, including  Mr. Rice,  the Company's  Chief Operating  Officer  (who
beneficially  owned shares  in Plains Chevrolet,  Inc. and  Working Man's Credit
Plan, Inc. prior  to the  Reorganization), and  Mr. Pullen,  the Company's  Vice
President-City  Manager (who beneficially owned shares in Midway Chevrolet, Inc.
prior to the Reorganization), approved the allocation of shares of Common Stock.
    
 
    In connection with its business travel,  the Company from time to time  uses
an  airplane that is owned  by Plains Air, Inc.  Messrs. Gilliland and Hall, the
Chairman and Senior Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Company, own Plains Air,
Inc. Currently, the Company pays Plains Air,  Inc. $13,050 per month plus a  fee
of  approximately $488 per  hour for use  of the airplane.  In 1995, the Company
paid an aggregate of $199,000 for the use of the airplane. The Company  believes
that  these fees are no less favorable to  the Company than could be obtained in
an arm's-length transaction between  unrelated parties. The Company  anticipates
that  as it  pursues its  acquisition strategy,  its use  of this  airplane will
increase and its costs associated with the plane will correspondingly increase.
 
    As a privately held  company, Cross-Continent historically reimbursed  GGFP,
which is a Texas partnership controlled by Mr. Gilliland, the Company's Chairman
and  Chief  Executive Officer,  for  costs incurred  by  GGFP on  behalf  of the
Company, including the Company's  proportionate share of GGFP's  administrative,
clerical  and other corporate overhead costs. In addition, the Company paid GGFP
a fee for management services generally  based on the Company's profits and  the
level  of management services rendered. Messrs.  Gilliland and Hall hold 60% and
20%, respectively, of the  partnership interests of GGFP.  Payments to GGFP  for
1993,  1994  and  1995  were  $3.0  million,  $3.7  million  and  $5.4  million,
respectively. A portion of these fees  have been classified as selling,  general
and  administrative expenses in  the Company's financial  statements included in
this Prospectus.  The  management  fees shown  separately  on  the  accompanying
financial  statements  have  been  discontinued  as  of  January  1,  1996.  See
"Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results  of
Operations."
 
    In  1994, GGFP loaned  $1.05 million to  the Company in  connection with the
relocation of  the Company's  Quality Nissan  dealership. Interest  on the  loan
accrues  at  8.0% per  annum and  is  payable monthly.  Principal is  payable in
quarterly installments, and the Company expects to repay the loan in full out of
funds from  operations  by  the end  of  1996.  At June  30,  1996,  the  amount
outstanding under the loan was $467,000.
 
    As  with other  franchised dealerships, the  Company is  entitled to deposit
funds in the  GMAC Deposit  Account in  an amount  up to  75% of  the amount  of
inventory  financed by GMAC.  These funds so  deposited earn interest  at a rate
equal to the rate charged under  the GMAC floor plan. Historically, the  Company
has
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
permitted   its  employees  (including  its  principal  stockholders  and  Named
Executives) to advance funds to the Company for the purpose of investing in  the
GMAC  Deposit Account.  The Company  has acted only  as an  intermediary in this
process. At December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, funds advanced and  outstanding
from  the Company's principal stockholders  and Named Executives aggregated $2.9
million and $4.2  million, respectively. Following  completion of the  Offering,
the  Company intends  to deposit  its funds in  the GMAC  Deposit Account before
permitting  its  employees,  including  its  principal  stockholders  and  Named
Executives, to make deposits into the account.
 
    During 1995, GGFP advanced funds aggregating $2.6 million to the Company for
working  capital  purposes relating  primarily  to acquisitions.  These advances
accrued interest at an annual rate of  8.0% and were repaid in full in  February
1996.
 
    GGFP  was the contracting  agent for the  construction of certain facilities
for the  Company during  1995. The  total cost  of the  facilities  approximated
$570,000,   which  included  approximately  $52,000   as  payment  to  GGFP  for
architectural and construction management fees.
 
    GGFP leases the Company its corporate offices for an annual rent of  $64,800
under  a five-year lease extending through June 2001. GGFP also subleases to the
Company the real estate on which the Company's Performance Nissan dealership  is
located.  Annual rent under the  sublease is $228,000, which  is the same amount
payable by GGFP under the principal lease for the property.
 
   
    In June 1996, the Company issued 303,750 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Mager
in connection  with the  Executive  Purchase. The  Company recorded  a  non-cash
expense relating to employee stock compensation of approximately $1.1 million in
the  six months  ended June  30, 1996,  representing the  difference between the
Company's estimate of the fair value, as of April 1, 1996, of the 303,750 shares
of Common Stock issued in the Executive Purchase and the cash consideration paid
of $250,000.  The Company  based  its estimate  on  the assumed  initial  public
offering  price of the Shares less certain  discounts to reflect, as of April 1,
1996, the lack of a public market for the securities, the uncertainty  regarding
an  initial public offering and the fact  that the pending acquisition of Hickey
Dodge had not been contemplated.
    
 
   
    It is anticipated that, in addition  to options to purchase 7,692 shares  of
Common Stock that will be granted to him under the Stock Option Plan immediately
before  completion of the Offering, Mr. Mager will receive from the Company upon
completion of the Offering an option to purchase an aggregate of 130,308  shares
of  Common Stock at the initial public offering price. All of these options will
be exercisable at any time  or from time to time  after the 90th day after,  and
before  the tenth anniversary of, the completion of the Offering, so long as Mr.
Mager is an employee or serves as  a consultant or in another advisory  capacity
to  the Company at the  time the option is exercised.  Mr. Mager has agreed with
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, on behalf of the Underwriters, not to sell or
otherwise transfer or  dispose of  any shares of  Common Stock  issued upon  the
exercise  of these  options for  a period  of 180  days after  the date  of this
Prospectus. See "Underwriters."
    
 
    Mr. Gilliland has unconditionally guaranteed substantially all, and Mr. Rice
has  unconditionally   guaranteed  a   portion,  of   the  Company's   debt   to
non-affiliates.  At June 30, 1996,  the aggregate amount of  such debt was $48.9
million. To the extent  proceeds of the  Offering are applied  to reduce any  of
this  debt, these guarantee obligations will be reduced. Following the Offering,
the Company intends to seek the release of Messrs. Gilliland and Rice from these
guarantees.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The Company's authorized  capital stock  consists of  100,000,000 shares  of
Common  Stock,  par value  $.01 per  share, and  10,000,000 shares  of Preferred
Stock, $.01 par value per share.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
    As of  August  1,  1996,  there  were  10,125,000  shares  of  Common  Stock
outstanding  that were held of record by six stockholders. Immediately following
the Offering, 13,800,000 shares of Common Stock will be outstanding.
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
    Holders of Common Stock have one vote per share on matters to be voted  upon
by  the stockholders of the Company. They  do not have cumulative voting rights.
As a result, the holders of more than 50% of the shares of the Common Stock will
have the ability to elect all of  the Company's directors. See "Risk Factors  --
Concentration  of Voting Power and  Anti-Takeover Provisions." Holders of Common
Stock may receive dividends when, as and  if declared by the Board of  Directors
from  any assets legally available therefor and  may share ratably in the assets
of the Company  legally available for  distribution to its  stockholders in  the
event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, in each case
subject  to the rights of  the holders of Preferred  Stock. The Company does not
intend to pay cash dividends on the Common Stock for the foreseeable future. See
"Dividend Policy." Holders  of Common  Stock have  no preemptive,  subscription,
redemption  or conversion rights and are subject to the rights of the holders of
any Preferred Stock that the Company may issue. Holders of Common Stock are  not
subject to calls or assessments by the Company. All outstanding shares of Common
Stock  are, and the shares of Common Stock being issued and sold hereby will be,
when issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, privileges,  preferences
and  priorities  of holders  of  the Common  Stock are  subject  to, and  may be
adversely affected by,  the rights of  the holders  of shares of  any series  of
Preferred Stock that the Company may designate and issue in the future.
 
    Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock.
The  Common Stock has been  approved for listing on  the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "XC", subject to official notice of issuance.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
    The Board of Directors of the  Company may, subject to applicable law,  from
time  to time issue up to an  aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.
The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series with such  designations,
rights,  preferences, privileges and restrictions as  the Board of Directors may
determine, in each case without further vote or action by the stockholders. Such
rights may include  dividend rights, dividend  rates, conversion rights,  voting
rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation preferences, sinking
fund  provisions  and  the  number  of shares  constituting  any  series  or the
designation of such  series. Because  of the broad  discretion of  the Board  of
Directors  with respect to the creation  and issuance of Preferred Stock without
stockholder approval,  the  issuance of  Preferred  Stock may  delay,  defer  or
prevent  a change in control of the  Company and may adversely affect the rights
of the holders of Common Stock. The  issuance of Preferred Stock with voting  or
conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of Common
Stock.  In addition, because the  terms of such Preferred  Stock may be fixed by
the Board of Directors without  stockholder approval, the Preferred Stock  could
be  designated  and  issued  quickly  in the  event  that  the  Company requires
additional equity  capital. Under  certain circumstances,  this could  have  the
effect  of decreasing the market  price of the Common  Stock. In connection with
its Rights Agreement,  the Company  has designated 250,000  shares of  Preferred
Stock   as   its   Series   A   Junior   Participating   Preferred   Stock.  See
"-- Stockholders' Rights Plan."  As of the date  hereof, the Board of  Directors
has  not provided for the  issuance of any other  series of Preferred Stock, and
except as described  below under "--  Stockholders' Rights Plan,"  there are  no
agreements or understandings providing for the issuance of Preferred Stock.
    
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS
AND DELAWARE LAW
 
    CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
    The  Company has included provisions in its Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws to help assure fair and equitable treatment of the Company's stockholders
if a person  or group  should seek  to gain  control of  Cross-Continent in  the
future.  Such provisions, which are discussed below, may make a takeover attempt
more difficult,  whether by  tender  offer, proxy  contest or  otherwise.  These
provisions  may diminish the  likelihood that a potential  acquiror will make an
offer for the  Company's Common  Stock, impede  a transaction  favorable to  the
interests  of  the  stockholders, or  increase  the difficulty  of  removing the
incumbent Board of Directors and management, even if such removal would  benefit
the stockholders.
 
    The  Company's Board  of Directors  is divided  into three  classes, each of
which, after a transitional period, will  serve for three years, with one  class
being   elected  each  year.   Under  the  Delaware   General  Corporation  Law,
stockholders of a corporation with a classified board may remove a director only
for cause.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
Under the Company's  Certificate of  Incorporation, an affirmative  vote of  the
holders  of at least two-thirds of the shares is required to amend or repeal the
provisions related to the classified board. In addition, all stockholder  action
must  be taken at  a duly called  meeting and not  by a consent  in writing. The
Company's Bylaws do not permit stockholders of Cross-Continent to call a special
meeting of stockholders. See "Risk Factors -- Concentration of Voting Power  and
Anti-Takeover Provisions."
 
    DELAWARE TAKEOVER STATUTE
 
    The  Company is  subject to  the provisions of  Section 203  of the Delaware
General Corporation  Law. In  general,  the statute  prohibits a  publicly  held
Delaware   corporation  from  engaging  in  a  "business  combination"  with  an
"interested stockholder"  for a  period of  three years  after the  date of  the
transaction  in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless, prior
to the date the stockholder became an interested stockholder, the board approved
either the  business  combination  or  the  transaction  that  resulted  in  the
stockholder  becoming  an  interested  stockholder  or  unless  one  of  the two
exceptions to  the  prohibitions is  satisfied:  (i) upon  consummation  of  the
transaction that resulted in such person becoming an interested stockholder, the
interested  stockholder owned  at least  85% of  the corporation's  voting stock
outstanding at the time  the transaction commenced  (excluding, for purposes  of
determining  the number of shares outstanding, shares owned by certain directors
or certain employee stock plans)  or (ii) on or  after the date the  stockholder
became  an interested stockholder,  the business combination  is approved by the
board of directors and  authorized by the affirmative  vote (and not by  written
consent)  of at least two-thirds of  the outstanding voting stock excluding that
stock owned by the interested  stockholder. A "business combination" includes  a
merger,  asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the
interested stockholder. An "interested stockholder" is a person who (other  than
the  corporation and  any direct  or indirect  majority-owned subsidiary  of the
corporation), together with affiliates and associates, owns (or, as an affiliate
or  associate,  within  three  years  prior,  did  own)  15%  or  more  of   the
corporation's outstanding voting stock. It is possible that these provisions may
have  the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of the
Company.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF PROVISIONS IN DEALER AGREEMENTS
 
    Under the Company's Dealer Agreements with the Chevrolet division of General
Motors, if any  person or  entity acquires  more than  20% of  the Common  Stock
issued  and outstanding at  any time and the  Chevrolet division determines that
such person  or entity  does not  have interests  compatible with  those of  the
Chevrolet  division, or is otherwise not qualified to have an ownership interest
in a Chevrolet dealership (an "Adverse  Person"), the Company must transfer  its
Chevrolet  dealerships to a third party  acceptable to the Chevrolet division or
terminate its  Dealer Agreements  with Chevrolet  unless, within  90 days  after
Chevrolet's  determination,  the  Adverse  Person's  ownership  interest  in the
Company is  reduced to  less than  20%. See  "Risk Factors  -- Concentration  of
Voting  Power and Anti-Takeover  Provisions" and "Business  -- Vehicle and Parts
Suppliers -- Relationships with Automakers."
 
    Under the Dealer Agreements with Nissan that the Company anticipates will be
in effect upon completion  of the Offering, as  renegotiated in anticipation  of
the  Offering,  Nissan will  have the  right to  terminate the  Company's Nissan
franchises if, without  Nissan's prior  approval, Mr.  Gilliland's ownership  of
Common  Stock falls  below 20%  of the  total number  of shares  of Common Stock
issued and outstanding or Mr. Gilliland ceases to be the Chief Executive Officer
of the  Company. Nissan  also will  have the  right to  terminate the  Company's
Dealer  Agreements if any person or entity acquires 20% or more of the Company's
issued and  outstanding shares  and  Nissan determines  that such  ownership  is
adverse to Nissan.
 
    Under  the Company's Dealer  Agreement with the  Dodge division of Chrysler,
following the Offering,  Chrysler will  be entitled to  terminate the  Company's
Dodge  franchise if there is any change in the ownership of a controlling number
of shares  in  the Company  not  approved by  Chrysler.  The change  of  control
provisions in the Company's Dealer Agreements with GM, Nissan and Chrysler could
discourage  a third  party from acquiring  a significant equity  position in the
Company or from seeking control of the Company.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS PLAN
 
    Immediately prior  to  completion  of the  Offering,  the  Company's  Rights
Agreement  (the "Rights Plan") will take effect.  The purpose of the Rights Plan
is to  promote negotiations  between a  prospective acquiror  and the  Company's
Board  of Directors in order to ensure  that the stockholders' interests will be
best served.
 
    Under the  Rights  Plan, each  stockholder  of the  Company  (including  the
Company's  existing stockholders) will be issued one right (a "Right") with each
share of Common Stock issued prior to the Distribution Date (as defined  below).
The Rights are not exercisable, will not be represented by separate certificates
and  are transferable only with  a transfer of the  Common Stock until the tenth
day after (i)  such time as  a person  or entity, together  with affiliates  and
associates, acquires beneficial ownership of 19.9% of the Common Stock or (ii) a
person  or  entity announces  its intention  to make  such an  acquisition (such
person  or  entity  being  the  "Acquiring  Person"  and  such  date  being  the
"Distribution  Date"). Until a Right is  exercised, the holder thereof, as such,
will have  no  rights  as  a stockholder  of  the  Company,  including,  without
limitation, the right to vote or receive dividends.
 
    Each  Right is exercisable after the Distribution Date for one one-hundredth
of a share  of Junior Preferred  Stock at a  purchase price of  $100 per  share,
subject to adjustment. However, once the Rights are triggered, holders of Common
Stock  (other than the  Acquiring Person) have  the right, in  lieu of acquiring
Junior Preferred Stock, to  purchase Common Stock having  a market value, as  of
the  time that the Acquiring Person crossed  the 19.9% threshold, equal to twice
the Right's exercise price. The  factors considered in determining the  exercise
price of the Rights include pricing and dilution characteristics of other rights
plans with respect to similar securities registered under the Securities Act and
the estimated initial public offering price of the Common Stock.
 
    The  Company may, at  the discretion of  the Board of  Directors, lower this
threshold to as low  as 10% of  the Common Stock  then outstanding. The  Company
also  has the  right, after the  Acquiring Person  has crossed the  19.9% or 10%
threshold, as the case may be, but before the Acquiring Person has acquired  50%
of  the Common Stock, to  exchange one new share of  Common Stock for each Right
(other than Rights held by the Acquiring Person).
 
    Under the Rights Plan, once the Rights become exercisable, if the Company is
merged or combined with any  person or if the Company  sells 50% or more of  its
assets  to any person, each  holder of a Right  (other than an Acquiring Person)
has the right, in lieu of acquiring Junior Preferred Shares, to purchase  shares
of  common stock of such person having a  market value at that time of two times
the exercise price of the Rights.
 
    If the Company is unable  to issue a sufficient  number of shares of  Common
Stock  to permit the  exercise in full of  the Rights for  Common Stock, it will
issue shares of Junior Preferred Stock  upon exercise of the Rights. The  Junior
Preferred Stock is non-redeemable and junior to any other preferred stock of the
Company.  The provisions of  the Junior Preferred Stock  are designed to provide
that each one one-hundredth of a  share of Junior Preferred Stock issuable  upon
exercise  of a Right approximates  the value of one  share of Common Stock. Each
whole share of Junior Preferred Stock will accrue a quarterly dividend of $1 and
a dividend  equal to  100 times  any dividend  paid on  the Common  Stock.  Upon
liquidation of the Company, each whole share of Junior Preferred Stock will have
a  liquidation preference of $100  plus an amount equal  to 100 times the amount
paid on any share  of Common Stock.  Each share of  Junior Preferred Stock  will
entitle  its  holder  to  100  votes  on  matters  submitted  to  the  Company's
stockholders, which votes will be cast with  the votes of the holders of  Common
Stock.  If  the  Company were  merged,  consolidated  or involved  in  a similar
transaction, each share of  Junior Preferred Stock would  entitle its holder  to
receive  100 times the amount received by  holders of Common Stock in the merger
or similar transaction.
 
    Any exercise of  the Rights  would have a  dilutive effect  on an  Acquiring
Person  both  economically  and in  terms  of  its percentage  ownership  of the
Company's Common Stock. Therefore, the existence of the Rights may discourage  a
third  party from  attempting to  acquire control  of the  Company. In  order to
ensure that the Rights will  not interfere with negotiated transactions  between
the Company and a potential acquiror, which
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
   
are  approved by the  Company's Board of  Directors, the Company  may redeem the
Rights at a price of $.01 per Right at any time prior to the acquisition by  any
person or entity of beneficial ownership of 19.9% or more of the Common Stock.
    
 
    Reference  is hereby made to the Rights Agreement to be entered into between
the Company and The Bank of New  York, as rights agent, specifying the terms  of
the  Rights,  which  agreement  includes  as  an  exhibit  the  form  of  Rights
Certificate, and this description is qualified  in its entirety by reference  to
the  terms and  conditions thereof.  The Rights Agreement  is an  exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
 
    The Company's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  Bylaws  contain  certain
provisions  permitted under the Delaware General  Corporation Law that limit the
liability  of  directors.  These  provisions  eliminate  a  director's  personal
liability for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, except
in  certain circumstances involving certain wrongful acts, such as the breach of
a director's  duty  of  loyalty,  acts or  omissions  that  involve  intentional
misconduct  or  a knowing  violation of  law,  or any  transaction from  which a
director derived an improper personal benefit. These provisions do not limit  or
eliminate  the rights  of the  Company or  any stockholder  to seek non-monetary
relief, such as  an injunction  or rescission,  in the event  of a  breach of  a
director's  fiduciary  duty.  These  provisions  will  not  alter  a  director's
liability  under  federal   securities  laws.  The   Company's  Certificate   of
Incorporation  and Bylaws also contain provisions indemnifying the directors and
officers of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware  General
Corporation  Law. The Company  believes that these provisions  will assist it in
attracting and retaining qualified individuals to serve as directors.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
    The Company has appointed  The Bank of  New York as  the transfer agent  and
registrar for the Common Stock, as well as rights agent under the Rights Plan.
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
    Upon  completion  of  this  Offering, the  Company  will  have approximately
13,800,000 shares of Common Stock  issued and outstanding, assuming no  exercise
of  options outstanding. Of the Common Stock outstanding upon completion of this
Offering, the 3,675,000  shares of Common  Stock sold in  this Offering will  be
freely  transferable  by  the  holders thereof  without  restriction  or further
registration under  the Securities  Act  of 1933,  as amended  (the  "Securities
Act"),  except for any shares held by  "affiliates" of the Company, as that term
is defined under the Securities  Act and the regulations promulgated  thereunder
(an "affiliate"), or persons who have been affiliates within the preceding three
months.  Holders of the remaining 10,125,000 shares  of Common Stock will not be
able to sell their shares in reliance on Rule 144 under the Securities Act prior
to June 1998.
    
 
    In general, under  Rule 144  as currently in  effect, a  holder (or  holders
whose  shares are aggregated) of  "restricted securities," including persons who
may be deemed affiliated with the Company, whose shares meet a two-year  holding
period requirement are entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number
of  these shares that does not exceed the  greater of 1% of the then outstanding
shares of Common  Stock or  the average weekly  reported trading  volume in  the
Common  Stock during the four calendar weeks  preceding the date on which notice
of the sale is  given, provided certain manner  of sale and notice  requirements
and  requirements as to the availability of current public information about the
Company are satisfied. Under  Rule 144(k), a  holder of "restricted  securities"
who  is deemed  not to have  been an affiliate  of the Company  during the three
months preceding  a sale  by him,  and whose  shares meet  a three-year  holding
period  requirement, is entitled  to sell those shares,  without regard to these
restrictions and  requirements.  In addition,  affiliates  of the  Company  must
comply  with  the restrictions  and  requirements of  Rule  144, other  than the
two-year holding period  requirement, in order  to sell shares  of Common  Stock
which  are not "restricted securities" (such as shares acquired by affiliates in
the Offering).
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
    The Securities  and  Exchange  Commission (the  "Commission")  has  recently
proposed  amendments to Rule  144 and Rule  144(k) that would  permit resales of
restricted securities under Rule 144 after  a one-year, rather than a  two-year,
holding period, subject to compliance with the other provisions of Rule 144, and
would permit resale of restricted securities by non-affiliates under Rule 144(k)
after  a two-year,  rather than a  three-year, holding period.  Adoption of such
amendments could result in resales of restricted securities sooner than would be
the case under Rule 144 and Rule 144(k) as currently in effect.
 
   
    The Company has reserved 1,380,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under
the Stock  Option  Plan.  See  "Management --  Stock  Option  Plan."  After  the
Offering,  the Company may file registration statements under the Securities Act
to register the Common Stock to be  issued under this plan. After the  effective
date  of such registration statement, shares  issued under the Stock Option Plan
will be freely tradeable without  restriction or further registration under  the
Securities  Act, unless acquired  by affiliates of the  Company. In addition, as
part of any acquisition  it may complete  in the future,  the Company may  issue
additional  shares  of  Common  Stock  subject  to  concentration  of  ownership
provisions in the Company's Dealer Agreements. See "Business -- Growth  Strategy
- -- Acquisitions."
    
 
    Prior  to the Offering,  there has been  no market for  the Common Stock. No
prediction can be made regarding the effect, if any, that public sales of shares
of the Common  Stock or the  availability of shares  for sale will  have on  the
market  price  of the  Common  Stock after  the  Offering. Sales  of substantial
amounts of the Common Stock in the public market following the Offering, or  the
perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of
the  Common Stock and could  impair the ability of  the Company to raise capital
through sales of its equity securities.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITERS
 
    Under the terms and subject to the conditions in the Underwriting  Agreement
dated  the date  hereof (the  "Underwriting Agreement"),  the Underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters") have  severally agreed to  purchase, and the  Company
has agreed to sell to them, severally, the respective number of shares of Common
Stock set forth opposite their respective names below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                                                   NUMBER OF SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated....................................................
Furman Selz LLC......................................................................
Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc.........................................................
 
                                                                                       -----------------
    Total............................................................................       3,675,000
                                                                                       -----------------
                                                                                       -----------------
</TABLE>
    
 
    The  Underwriting  Agreement provides  that the  obligations of  the several
Underwriters to  pay for  and accept  delivery  of the  shares of  Common  Stock
offered  hereby are subject  to the approval  of certain legal  matters by their
counsel and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are committed to  take
and  pay for all of the shares of  Common Stock offered hereby (other than those
covered by the Underwriters' over-allotment option described below) if any  such
shares are taken.
 
    The  Underwriters  propose  to offer  part  of  the shares  of  Common Stock
directly to the public at the Price to Public set forth on the cover page hereof
and part to  certain dealers  at a  price that  represents a  concession not  in
excess  of $     per share  under the public offering price. Any Underwriter may
allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $   per share
to other Underwriters or to certain  dealers. After the initial offering of  the
shares of Common Stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time
to  time be  varied by Morgan  Stanley &  Co. Incorporated, Furman  Selz LLC and
Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. (the "Representatives").
 
    The Common  Stock  has been  approved  for listing  on  the New  York  Stock
Exchange under the symbol "XC", subject to official notice of issuance.
 
   
    The  Company and, if  the Underwriters' over-allotment  option is exercised,
the Selling  Stockholders  have agreed  to  indemnify the  several  Underwriters
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
    
 
   
    Pursuant  to  the  Underwriting  Agreement,  the  Selling  Stockholders have
granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date  of
this  Prospectus, to purchase up to 551,250 additional shares of Common Stock at
the Price  to Public  set forth  on  the cover  page hereof,  less  underwriting
discounts  and  commissions. The  Selling Stockholders  will participate  in the
Offering only if and to the extent the Underwriters exercise the  over-allotment
option.  The  Company will  pay  the expenses  related  to the  exercise  of the
over-allotment option (other than stock transfer  taxes and counsel fees of  the
Selling  Stockholders, if any). The Underwriters may exercise such option solely
for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the
Offering. To the extent such option  is exercised, each Underwriter will  become
obligated,  subject to  certain conditions,  to purchase  approximately the same
percentage of such  additional shares of  Common Stock as  the number set  forth
next to such Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total number
of  shares of  Common Stock offered  by the Underwriters  hereby. See "Principal
Stockholders."
    
 
    The  Company,  its  directors  and  executive  officers  and  all   existing
stockholders  have  agreed that,  without the  prior  written consent  of Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated on  behalf of the Underwriters,  they will not for  a
period  of 180 days after  the date of this  Prospectus (i) offer, pledge, sell,
contract to sell, grant any option or contract to purchase, purchase any  option
or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise
transfer  or dispose of, directly  or indirectly, any shares  of Common Stock or
any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common  Stock
or (ii) enter into any swap or
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
   
other  agreement that  transfers to  another, in  whole or  in part,  any of the
economic consequences  of  ownership  of  the Common  Stock,  whether  any  such
transaction  described  in clause  (i) or  (ii) above  is to  be settled  by the
delivery of Common Stock or such  other securities, in cash or otherwise,  other
than  (a) the shares of Common Stock  offered hereby, (b) any options or similar
securities issued pursuant to the Stock Option  Plan, as such plan is in  effect
on  the date hereof,  and (c) any shares  of Common Stock  issued by the Company
upon the exercise of any option outstanding  on the date hereof as disclosed  in
this Prospectus.
    
 
    The  Underwriters have informed the Company that they do not expect sales to
discretionary accounts to  exceed 5%  of the total  number of  shares of  Common
Stock offered by them.
 
   
    At  the request of the Company, the Underwriters have reserved approximately
183,750 shares of Common Stock, representing 5.0% of the shares of Common  Stock
to  be sold in  the Offering, for sale  to certain of  its employees and certain
other persons at the public offering price  set forth on the cover page  hereof.
If such shares are not so sold to employees of the Company, they will be sold to
the public.
    
 
PRICING OF THE OFFERING
 
    Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock.
The  initial public  offering price  of the Common  Stock will  be determined by
negotiations between the Company and the Representatives. Among the factors that
will be  considered in  determining the  initial public  offering price  of  the
Common  Stock are the sales, earnings and  certain other pro forma financial and
operating information of the Company in recent periods, the future prospects  of
the Company and its industry in general, and certain ratios, the market price of
securities  and certain financial and operating information of companies engaged
in activities similar to those of the Company. Since the Company will be one  of
the  first public companies in the auto dealership business, the Company and the
Representatives will not be able to use the market prices of other companies  in
the same industry as a benchmark in setting the initial public offering price.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The  validity of the  shares of Common  Stock offered hereby  will be passed
upon for the Company by Howard, Darby & Levin, New York, New York. Certain legal
matters will be  passed upon for  the Underwriters by  Shearman & Sterling,  New
York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The combined financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1994 and
1995  and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, the
financial statements of Jim Glover Dodge, Inc. as of November 30, 1994 and  1995
and  for each of  the two years  in the period  ended November 30,  1995 and the
financial statements of Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and 1995
and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1995 included  in
this  Prospectus  have been  so  included in  reliance  on the  report  of Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm  as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The  Company has filed with the  Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 under the Securities Act for the  Shares. This Prospectus, filed as part  of
the   Registration  Statement,  omits  certain   information  contained  in  the
Registration  Statement  and  the  exhibits  and  schedules  thereto,  to  which
reference  is hereby made. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions
of any  documents  filed as  exhibits  to  the Registration  Statement  are  not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
document.  Each such statement  is qualified in its  entirety by such reference.
The Registration Statement,  including exhibits and  schedules filed  therewith,
may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission  at Room 1024,  Judiciary Plaza, 450  Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 and  at the regional  offices of  the Commission located  at 7  World
Trade  Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street,
Room 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials may be obtained  at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Room 1024,
Judiciary  Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and its public
reference facilities in New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. The Commission
also maintains a Website (http://www.sec.gov)  that contains reports, proxy  and
information  statements and  other information  regarding registrants  that file
electronically with the Commission.
 
    The  Company  intends  to  furnish  its  stockholders  with  annual  reports
containing  audited  financial statements  and quarterly  reports for  the first
three quarters  of  each  fiscal year  containing  unaudited  summary  financial
information.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
                    INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
    Report of Independent Accountants......................................................................        F-2
 
    Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the six
     months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).......................................................        F-3
 
    Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and June 30, 1996 (unaudited).................        F-4
 
    Combined Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the three years ended December 31, 1995 and
     for the six months ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited)....................................................        F-5
 
    Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the six
     months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).......................................................        F-6
 
    Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................................................................        F-7
 
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
    Report of Independent Accountants......................................................................       F-21
 
    Statements of Operations for the years ended November 30, 1994 and 1995................................       F-22
 
    Balance Sheets as of November 30, 1994 and 1995 .......................................................       F-23
 
    Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the two years ended November 30, 1995.................       F-24
 
    Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended November 30, 1994 and 1995................................       F-25
 
    Notes to Financial Statements..........................................................................       F-26
 
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
    Report of Independent Accountants......................................................................       F-30
 
    Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and for the six months ended
     June 30, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited)....................................................................       F-31
 
    Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and June 30, 1996 (unaudited)..........................       F-32
 
    Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the two years ended December 31, 1995 and for the six
     months ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited)................................................................       F-33
 
    Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and for the six months ended
     June 30, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited)....................................................................       F-34
 
    Notes to Financial Statements..........................................................................       F-35
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
 
In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying combined  balance  sheets  and  the related
combined statements of  operations, of  changes in stockholders'  equity and  of
cash  flows present fairly, in all  material respects, the financial position of
Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. and  its subsidiaries at December 31,  1994
and  1995 and the results  of their operations and their  cash flows for each of
the three  years in  the period  ended  December 31,  1995, in  conformity  with
generally  accepted accounting  principles. These  financial statements  are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express  an
opinion  on these  financial statements  based on  our audits.  We conducted our
audits of  these  statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards  which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance  about  whether  the  financial   statements  are  free  of   material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements,  assessing   the
accounting  principles used  and significant  estimates made  by management, and
evaluating the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that  our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Fort Worth, Texas
June 21, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                            -------------------------------  --------------------
                                              1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                 (unaudited)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales                             $ 150,205  $ 163,721  $ 212,984  $ 101,464  $ 125,900
  Other operating revenue                      15,159     18,047     23,210     10,880     15,341
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total revenues                            165,364    181,768    236,194    112,344    141,241
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of sales                               139,626    153,446    198,702     94,470    119,921
  Selling, general and administrative          17,194     18,522     25,630     11,958     15,695
  Depreciation and amortization                   992        934        951        471        549
  Management fees paid to related party         2,536      3,183      4,318      2,155      -
  Employee stock compensation                   -          -          -          -          1,099
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                              160,348    176,085    229,601    109,054    137,264
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                5,016      5,683      6,593      3,290      3,977
Other income (expense):
  Interest income                                 265        576        830        406        527
  Interest expense                             (2,113)    (2,526)    (3,918)    (1,932)    (2,251)
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Income before income taxes                    3,168      3,733      3,505      1,764      2,253
  Income tax provision                          1,173      1,351      1,310        659      1,224
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net income                              $   1,995  $   2,382  $   2,195  $   1,105  $   1,029
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                           --------------------
                                                             1994       1995
                                                           ---------  ---------  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                $   5,001  $   8,362    $   8,892
  Accounts receivable                                          4,523      9,383       10,664
  Inventories                                                 23,243     43,731       38,416
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total current assets                                      32,767     61,476       57,972
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
 depreciation                                                  9,283     12,107       12,213
Goodwill, net                                                  3,523      7,385        7,296
Other assets                                                   2,006      2,439        3,407
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total assets                                           $  47,579  $  83,407    $  80,888
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
 
                             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Floor plan notes payable                                 $  18,964  $  39,088    $  36,177
  Current maturities of long-term debt                           655      1,525        1,543
  Accounts payable                                             1,571      4,846        4,796
  Due to affiliates                                            2,225      5,954        4,620
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities                       6,966      7,495        6,760
  Deferred income taxes                                        2,336      2,032        2,032
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total current liabilities                                 32,717     60,940       55,928
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
Long-term debt                                                 7,150     11,859       11,131
Deferred warranty revenue - long-term portion                  2,671      3,507        4,350
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total long-term liabilities                                9,821     15,366       15,481
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares
   authorized, none issued                                     -          -            -
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares
   authorized, 10,125,000 issued and outstanding at June
   30, 1996                                                    -          -              101
  Paid-in capital                                              1,064      1,064        2,312
  Retained earnings                                            3,977      6,037        7,066
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total stockholders' equity                                 5,041      7,101        9,479
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 15, 18 and 19)
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity             $  47,579  $  83,407    $  80,888
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
             COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PREFERRED STOCK           COMMON STOCK
                                                     -----------------------  ----------------------    PAID-IN     RETAINED
                                                       SHARES       AMOUNT     SHARES      AMOUNT       CAPITAL     EARNINGS
                                                     -----------  ----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992                              -       $   -           -       $   -        $     764    $    (234)
Contributions by Control Group                                                                               300
Dividends paid                                                                                                            (86)
Net income                                                                                                              1,995
                                                          -----   ----------  ---------       -----   -----------  -----------
Balance at December 31, 1993                              -           -           -           -            1,064        1,675
Net income                                                                                                              2,382
Dividends paid                                                                                                            (80)
                                                          -----   ----------  ---------       -----   -----------  -----------
Balance at December 31, 1994                              -           -           -           -            1,064        3,977
Net income                                                                                                              2,195
Dividends paid                                                                                                           (135)
                                                          -----   ----------  ---------       -----   -----------  -----------
Balance at December 31, 1995                              -           -           -           -            1,064        6,037
Issuance of common stock pursuant to reorganization
 (unaudited)                                                                      9,821          98          (98)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employment
 agreement (unaudited)                                                              304           3        1,346
Net income (unaudited)                                                                                                  1,029
                                                          -----   ----------  ---------       -----   -----------  -----------
Balance at June 30, 1996 (unaudited)                      -       $   -          10,125   $     101    $   2,312    $   7,066
                                                          -----   ----------  ---------       -----   -----------  -----------
                                                          -----   ----------  ---------       -----   -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                       TOTAL
                                                     ---------
<S>                                                  <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992                         $     530
Contributions by Control Group                             300
Dividends paid                                             (86)
Net income                                               1,995
                                                     ---------
Balance at December 31, 1993                             2,739
Net income                                               2,382
Dividends paid                                             (80)
                                                     ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994                             5,041
Net income                                               2,195
Dividends paid                                            (135)
                                                     ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995                             7,101
Issuance of common stock pursuant to reorganization
 (unaudited)                                             -
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employment
 agreement (unaudited)                                   1,349
Net income (unaudited)                                   1,029
                                                     ---------
Balance at June 30, 1996 (unaudited)                 $   9,479
                                                     ---------
                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                                  -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                    1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                       (unaudited)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                      $   1,995  $   2,382  $   2,195  $   1,105  $   1,029
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash provided (used) by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                       992        934        951        471        549
    Proceeds from extended warranty sales             2,667      2,614      3,345      1,497      2,447
    Amortization of deferred warranty revenue        (1,089)    (1,648)    (2,136)      (956)    (1,396)
    Employee stock compensation                       -          -          -          -          1,099
    Deferred taxes and other                            367     (1,121)      (836)       282       (968)
  (Increase) decrease in:
    Accounts receivable                              (2,383)       (74)    (4,860)    (2,369)    (1,281)
    Inventory                                        (1,697)     1,052     (8,285)    (4,211)     5,315
  Increase (decrease) in:
    Accounts payable - trade                            458       (604)     3,275      2,558        (50)
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities            1,041      1,452        (68)        63       (944)
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided (used) by operating
         activities                                   2,351      4,987     (6,419)    (1,560)     5,800
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of property and equipment                (739)    (1,813)    (1,485)       (37)      (565)
  Acquisition of minority interest                   (1,000)     -          -          -          -
  Acquisition of dealerships                          -          -           (302)     -          -
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash used by investing activities        (1,739)    (1,813)    (1,787)       (37)      (565)
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Change in floor plan notes payable                    800       (937)     9,381      3,467     (2,911)
  Due to affiliates                                     473      1,640      3,729      1,647     (1,334)
  Long-term debt repayments                            (584)    (1,277)    (1,408)      (404)      (710)
  Paid-in capital                                       300      -          -          -          -
  Proceeds from common stock issuance                 -          -          -          -            250
  Dividends paid                                        (86)       (80)      (135)     -          -
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided (used) by financing
         activities                                     903       (654)    11,567      4,710     (4,705)
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents      1,515      2,520      3,361      3,113        530
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period        966      2,481      5,001      5,001      8,362
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period        $   2,481  $   5,001  $   8,362  $   8,114  $   8,892
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
   
The  accompanying financial statements reflect the combined operations of Plains
Chevrolet, Inc.,  Midway  Chevrolet,  Inc., Westgate  Chevrolet,  Inc.,  Quality
Nissan,  Inc.,  Performance Nissan,  Inc., Performance  Dodge, Inc.  and Working
Man's Credit Plan,  Inc. During June  1996, the shareholders  of these  entities
exchanged  their  shares of  stock in  these companies  for 9,821,155  shares of
common stock  in  a newly  created  Delaware corporation,  Cross-Continent  Auto
Retailers, Inc., representing all of such corporation's outstanding common stock
prior  to  the  Offering. The  shareholders'  ownership interests  in  the newly
created company subsequent to the reorganization  and prior to the Offering  are
as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Gilliland Group Family Partnership ("GGFP")                        88.2%
Emmett M. Rice, Jr.                                                10.3%
Other                                                               1.5%
</TABLE>
    
 
All  of  the GGFP  partnership interests  are  owned and  controlled by  Bill A.
Gilliland, Chairman and CEO, Robert W. Hall, Senior Vice Chairman and son-in-law
to Bill Gilliland, and  Lori D'Atri, daughter of  Bill Gilliland. The  ownership
group described above is hereinafter referred to as the Control Group.
 
Prior  to the  exchange of stock,  Cross-Continent Auto Retailers,  Inc. did not
conduct business or have any assets and liabilities and, thus, has not  operated
as  a stand-alone company.  The term "Company,"  when used hereinafter, includes
Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., its subsidiaries and its predecessors.
 
   
The Company plans to sell 3,675,000 shares of common stock in an initial  public
offering   (the  "Offering").  The  Control  Group  will  remain  the  principal
stockholders of the Company immediately following the Offering.
    
 
The Company operates in one business segment - the retail sales of new and  used
automobiles   and  the  service   thereof.  The  Company   has  three  Chevrolet
dealerships, two Nissan dealerships and a Dodge dealership. The three  Chevrolet
dealerships  and  one  Nissan  dealership are  located  in  the  Amarillo, Texas
vicinity and the Dodge and other  Nissan dealership are located in the  Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma vicinity.
 
The  accompanying combined financial statements are  presented as if the Company
had existed as a corporation separate from the Control Group during the  periods
presented  and include the historical assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
that are directly related to the Company's operations. All material intercompany
transactions have been eliminated. For  the periods presented, certain  expenses
reflected  in the financial  statements include allocations  of certain expenses
from GGFP. These allocations include expenses for general management, use of  an
airplane, treasury, legal and benefits administration, insurance, tax compliance
and other miscellaneous services. The allocation of expenses was generally based
upon  actual costs incurred  and such costs  were apportioned to  the Company on
various methods such as volume of sales, number of employees, profit and  actual
expense or time incurred as it related to the Company's business.
 
Financing  associated with working capital needs  and mortgage financing used to
purchase property  for  the dealership  operations  and their  related  interest
expense  have been historically recorded  on the Company's financial statements.
No other interest expense or income has  been allocated to the Company in  these
financial statements.
 
Management  believes that  the foregoing allocations  were made  on a reasonable
basis; however,  the  allocations  of  costs and  expenses  do  not  necessarily
indicate   the   costs  that   would   have  been   or   will  be   incurred  by
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
the Company on a stand-alone basis. Also, the financial information included  in
the  financial statements  may not  necessarily reflect  the financial position,
results of operations and cash  flows of the Company in  the future or what  the
financial  position, results of operations and cash flows would have been if the
Company had been a separate,  stand-alone company during the periods  presented.
It  is  expected that  after  the Offering,  the  Company will  incur additional
corporate expenses as  a result of  being a  public company and  will no  longer
remit  management  fees  to the  Control  Group  (see Note  17).  The  pro forma
adjustments described in  the unaudited  Notes to Combined  Pro Forma  Financial
Data  reflect  the  elimination  of  the  management  fee  to  GGFP  as  well as
management's estimate of the  additional costs the  Company would have  incurred
for  the year ended  December 31, 1995  and the six-month  period ended June 30,
1996 as if  the Offering  and reorganization had  occurred at  the beginning  of
those periods.
 
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
UNAUDITED  INTERIM PERIODS - The following notes, insofar as they are applicable
to June 30, 1996  and the six-month  periods ended June 30,  1995 and 1996,  are
unaudited. These interim combined financial statements have been prepared on the
same  basis as the annual financial statements included herewith. In the opinion
of management, all adjustments, consisting  only of ordinary recurring  accruals
considered  necessary to fairly  state the unaudited  financial position at June
30, 1996 and  the unaudited results  of operations  and cash flows  for the  six
months  ended June  30, 1995 and  1996 have  been included. Results  for the six
months ended June 30,  1995 and 1996 are  not necessarily indicative of  results
which may be expected for any other interim period or for any year as a whole.
 
CASH  AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Cash and  cash equivalents include cash on hand and
all highly  liquid investments  with maturities  of three  months or  less  when
purchased.
 
REVENUES - Revenues from vehicle and parts sales and from service operations are
recognized  at the time the  vehicle is delivered to  the customer or service is
completed.
 
FINANCE FEES AND INSURANCE COMMISSIONS  - Finance fees represent revenue  earned
by  the Company for notes placed  with financial institutions in connection with
customer  vehicle  financing.  Finance  fees  are  recognized  in  income   upon
acceptance  of  the  credit  by  the  financial  institution.  Insurance  income
represents commissions earned on credit life, accident and disability  insurance
sold  in  connection  with  the  vehicle  on  behalf  of  third-party  insurance
companies.  Insurance  commissions  are  recognized  in  income  upon   customer
acceptance of the insurance terms as evidenced by contract execution.
 
The  Company is charged back for a  portion of these fees and commissions should
the customer terminate the finance contract prior to its scheduled maturity. The
estimated allowance for these chargebacks ("chargeback allowance") is based upon
the Company's historical experience for  prepayments or defaults on the  finance
contracts.  Finance  fees and  insurance  commissions, net  of  chargebacks, are
classified as other operating revenue in the accompanying combined statement  of
operations.  See  Note  7  for  an  analysis  of  the  allowance  for  estimated
chargebacks.
 
INVENTORIES - Vehicles are  stated at the  lower of cost  or market, cost  being
determined  on a specific identification basis. Parts are stated at the lower of
cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
POSTRETIREMENT  BENEFITS  -  The  Company  has  no  material  postretirement  or
postemployment  benefits as defined  in SFAS No.  106, EMPLOYERS' ACCOUNTING FOR
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS  OTHER  THAN  PENSIONS,  or  SFAS  No.  112,  EMPLOYERS'
ACCOUNTING FOR POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation
is  computed using  the straight-line  method over  the respective  lives of the
assets. The ranges of estimated useful lives are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
Buildings                                                   30 years
Furniture and equipment                                 3 to 7 years
                                                             7 to 15
Leasehold improvements                                         years
</TABLE>
 
When depreciable assets are  sold or retired, the  related cost and  accumulated
depreciation  are removed from the accounts. Any gains or losses are included in
selling, general and  administrative expenses. Major  additions and  betterments
are  capitalized. Maintenance  and repairs  which do  not materially  improve or
extend the lives of the respective  assets are charged to operating expenses  as
incurred.
 
GOODWILL  AND OTHER  ASSETS - The  values assigned to  noncompete agreements are
being amortized on a  straight-line basis over their  contractual lives of  five
years.   Values  assigned   to  noncompete  agreements   arising  from  business
combinations are included as other  assets in the accompanying combined  balance
sheet. At December 31, 1994 and 1995, the unamortized portion of such noncompete
agreements  approximated $192,000 and $92,000,  respectively, net of accumulated
amortization of  $608,000 and  $708,000, respectively.  Goodwill represents  the
excess  of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets of
acquired businesses and is being amortized over a 40-year period. The cumulative
amount of  goodwill amortization  at  December 31,  1994 and  1995  approximated
$309,000 and $447,000, respectively.
 
IMPAIRMENT  OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS -  In March 1995, the  FASB issued FAS No. 121,
ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS  TO
BE  DISPOSED OF ("FAS 121"), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1995.  Effective December  31, 1995,  the Company  adopted FAS  121
which  requires that long-lived assets (i.e.,  property, plant and equipment and
goodwill) held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever  events
or  changes in circumstances indicate  that the net book  value of the asset may
not be recoverable.  An impairment loss  will be  recognized if the  sum of  the
expected  future cash flows  (undiscounted and before interest)  from the use of
the asset is less than the net book value of the asset. Generally, the amount of
the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value  of
the  assets and the estimated fair value  of the related assets. The adoption of
this statement at December 31,  1995 had no impact  on the Company's results  of
operations or its financial position.
 
ADVERTISING  AND  PROMOTIONAL  COSTS  - Advertising  and  promotional  costs are
expensed as incurred  and are  included in selling,  general and  administrative
expense  in the accompanying combined statement of operations. Total advertising
and promotional expenses approximated  $1,433,000, $1,636,000 and $2,638,000  in
1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
EXTENDED  WARRANTY CONTRACTS - The Company's dealerships offer extended warranty
contracts on  new and  used  vehicles sold.  These contracts  generally  provide
extended  coverage for periods  of one year or  12,000 miles up  to six years or
100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The  Company accounts for the sale of  its
extended warranty contracts in accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 90-1,
ACCOUNTING  FOR  SEPARATELY  PRICED EXTENDED  WARRANTY  AND  PRODUCT MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTS,  which  requires  that  revenues  from  sales  of  extended  warranty
contracts  be recognized ratably over the lives of the contracts. Costs directly
related to
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
sales of  extended  warranty  contracts  are deferred  and  charged  to  expense
proportionately as the revenues are recognized. A loss is recognized on extended
warranty  contracts if the sum of the expected costs of providing services under
the contracts exceeds related unearned revenue. The Company also sells  extended
service  contracts on behalf of unrelated  third parties. Commission revenue for
the unrelated third-party extended service  contracts is recognized at the  time
of  sale. Revenue and commissions recognized  from the sale of extended warranty
contracts are classified  as other operating  revenue and the  related costs  of
parts  and service associated therewith  are classified as cost  of sales in the
accompanying combined statement of operations.
 
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - In  October 1995, the FASB issued  FAS
No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ("FAS 123"), which is effective
for  fiscal years beginning after December  15, 1995. Effective January 1, 1996,
the Company  will  adopt FAS  123  which establishes  financial  accounting  and
reporting   standards   for   stock-based  employee   compensation   plans.  The
pronouncement defines a fair  value based method of  accounting for an  employee
stock  option or similar equity instrument  and encourages all entities to adopt
that method of accounting  for all of their  employee stock option  compensation
plans.  However, it  also allows an  entity to continue  to measure compensation
cost for those  plans using the  intrinsic value based  method of accounting  as
prescribed  by Accounting Principles Board Opinion  No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK
ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES ("APB 25"). Entities electing to remain with the  accounting
in  APB 25 must make pro forma disclosures  of net income and earnings per share
as if the  fair value based  method of accounting  defined in FAS  123 had  been
applied.  The Company will  account for stock-based  employee compensation plans
under the intrinsic method pursuant to APB  25 and will make the disclosures  in
its footnotes as required by FAS 123.
 
INCOME  TAXES  - Deferred  taxes are  provided on  the liability  method whereby
deferred tax  assets are  recognized for  deductible temporary  differences  and
operating  loss carryforwards  and deferred  tax liabilities  are recognized for
taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax
assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of  management,
it  is more likely than not that some  portion or all of the deferred tax assets
will not be realized. Deferred tax  assets and liabilities are adjusted for  the
effects  of  changes  in  tax laws  and  rates  on the  date  of  enactment. The
operations of  each of  the  dealerships have  historically filed  separate  tax
returns from the Control Group.
 
FAIR  VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The fair value of financial statements is
determined by reference to various  market data and other valuation  techniques,
as  appropriate.  Unless  otherwise  disclosed,  the  fair  value  of  financial
instruments approximates their recorded values  due primarily to the  short-term
nature of their maturities.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Earnings per share data is not presented, as the historical
capital  structure  prior  to the  Offering  is  not comparable  to  the capital
structure that will exist after the Offering.
 
OTHER OPERATING REVENUE - Other operating revenue primarily consists of  finance
fees,  insurance commissions, sales for parts and service and revenue recognized
from the sale of extended warranty contracts.
 
PERVASIVENESS  OF  ESTIMATES  -  The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in
conformity  with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets  and
liabilities,  and related revenues and expenses, and disclosure of gain and loss
contingencies at  the date  of the  financial statements.  Actual results  could
differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS
Effective  February  2,  1995,  the Company  acquired  Performance  Nissan, Inc.
(formerly Jim Glover Nissan, Inc.). Performance Nissan is engaged in the  retail
sales  of new and used  vehicles and in the  retail and wholesale of replacement
parts and  vehicle servicing.  The total  purchase price  of approximately  $1.4
million  was funded originally by bank debt and was subsequently refinanced with
GMAC. The acquisition has been accounted for  as a purchase, and the results  of
Performance Nissan have been included in the accompanying combined statements of
operations  since the date of acquisition. The  cost of the acquisition has been
allocated on the basis of the estimated fair market value of the assets acquired
and the liabilities assumed.
 
A summary of the purchase price  allocation for Performance Nissan is  presented
below (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Net working capital                                           $      76
Equipment                                                            61
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired             1,300
                                                              ---------
    Total                                                     $   1,437
                                                              ---------
                                                              ---------
</TABLE>
 
Effective  December  4,  1995,  the  Company  acquired  Performance  Dodge, Inc.
(formerly Jim Glover Dodge,  Inc.). Performance Dodge is  engaged in the  retail
sales of new and used automobiles and in the retail and wholesale of replacement
parts  and vehicle  servicing. The  total purchase  price of  approximately $5.9
million was financed with debt proceeds of $3.7 million and a mortgage of  $1.85
million,  both  of which  were provided  by GMAC.  The remaining  purchase price
approximating  $302,000  was   provided  with  available   cash  from   existing
dealerships.  The  acquisition has  been accounted  for as  a purchase,  and the
results of Performance  Dodge have  been included in  the accompanying  combined
statements  of operations  since the  date of the  acquisition. The  cost of the
acquisition has been allocated on the  basis of the estimated fair market  value
of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
 
A  summary of the  purchase price allocation for  Performance Dodge is presented
below (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Net working capital                                           $   1,160
Property and equipment                                            1,992
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired             2,700
                                                              ---------
    Total                                                     $   5,852
                                                              ---------
                                                              ---------
</TABLE>
 
The unaudited combined statement of operations data is presented below on a  pro
forma basis as though Performance Nissan and Performance Dodge had been acquired
as of the beginning of 1994 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1994        1995
                                                           ----------  ----------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>
Sales and operating revenues                               $  287,849  $  298,312
                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                           ----------  ----------
Net income                                                 $    2,884  $    2,600
                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                           ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
The pro forma results of operations information is not necessarily indicative of
the  operating  results  that  would have  occurred  had  the  acquisitions been
consummated as of the beginning of each period, nor is it necessarily indicative
of future operations.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
In March  1993, the  Company acquired  the remaining  40% minority  interest  in
Westgate  Chevrolet, Inc. for $1.0 million,  resulting in additional goodwill of
$773,000 which is being amortized over  40 years. Minority interest for the  two
months ended February 28, 1993 approximated $30,000.
 
NOTE 4 - MAJOR SUPPLIERS AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS
The  Company owns  and operates  three GM, two  Nissan and  one Dodge automobile
dealerships. The Company enters into  agreements ("Dealer Agreements") with  the
automakers  that supply new vehicles and parts to its dealerships. The Company's
overall sales could be impacted by  the automakers' ability or unwillingness  to
supply  the dealerships with an adequate supply of popular models. The Company's
existing GM Dealer Agreements have remaining terms of approximately five  years,
expiring  in 2000.  The Nissan  and Dodge  Dealership Agreements  have no stated
expiration date. Management currently believes that it will be able to renew all
the GM Dealer  Agreements upon expiration;  however, there can  be no  assurance
that the GM Dealer Agreements will be renewed.
 
The  Dealer  Agreements  generally  limit locations  of  dealerships  and retain
automaker approval rights  over changes in  dealership management and  ownership
greater  than 20%. The  Dealer Agreement with Dodge  stipulates that the Company
could lose its Dodge  dealership upon any change  in ownership of a  controlling
number  of shares in the  Company. Each automaker also  is entitled to terminate
the dealership agreement if the dealership  is in material breach of the  terms.
In  addition, under the June 1996 agreements  with GM, the Company has agreed to
comply with GM's Network  2000 Channel Strategy  ("Project 2000"). Project  2000
includes  a plan to eliminate  1,500 GM dealerships by  the year 2000, primarily
through dealership buybacks and approval by GM of interdealership  acquisitions,
and  encourages dealers to align GM divisions' brands as may be requested by GM.
The June  1996 agreements  require  that the  Company  bring any  GM  dealership
acquired  after the Offering  into compliance with the  Project 2000 plan within
one year of the acquisition. Failure  to achieve such compliance will result  in
termination  of the  Dealer Agreement  and a  buyback of  the related dealership
assets by GM. The Company believes that this aspect of the June 1996  agreements
does not present a significant risk to its business or future operating results.
Additionally,  Nissan has the right to terminate the Company's Nissan franchises
if, without Nissan's prior approval,  Mr. Gilliland's ownership of common  stock
decreases  below 20% of  the total number  of shares of  common stock issued and
outstanding or Mr.  Gilliland ceases to  be the Chief  Executive Officer of  the
Company.
 
The  Company's ability to  expand operations depends, in  part, on obtaining the
consent of  the automakers  to the  acquisition or  establishment of  additional
dealerships.
 
NOTE 5 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Contracts  in transit  and vehicle  receivables primarily  represent receivables
from financial  institutions  such as  GMAC,  Chrysler Credit  Corporation,  and
regional  banks  which provide  funding  for customer  vehicle  financing. These
receivables are normally  collected in  less than  30 days  of the  sale of  the
vehicle.  Trade receivables primarily relate to  the sale of parts to commercial
customers and finance fees representing amounts due from financial  institutions
earned  from arranging financing with the  Company's customers. Amounts due from
automakers represent  receivables  for  parts  and  service  work  performed  on
vehicles  pursuant  to  the  automakers'  warranty  coverage.  Receivables  from
automakers also  include amounts  due  from automakers  in connection  with  the
purchase  of vehicles  ("holdback") pursuant  to the  dealership agreement; such
amounts are generally remitted to the Company on a quarterly basis.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
The accounts receivable balances at December 31, 1994 and 1995 are comprised  of
the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1994       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Contracts in transit and vehicle receivables                              $   2,099  $   4,837
Trade                                                                         1,345      2,596
Due from automakers                                                           1,085      1,923
Other                                                                           129        162
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                              4,658      9,518
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts                                          (135)      (135)
                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total accounts receivable                                             $   4,523  $   9,383
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6 - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of
credit  risk,  consist principally  of cash  and  cash equivalents  and accounts
receivable. The Company invests  a substantial portion of  its excess cash  with
GMAC  and, to  a lesser extent,  with financial institutions  with strong credit
ratings. Cash invested with GMAC can be  withdrawn at any time. At December  31,
1995,   amounts  invested  approximated  $7,705,000,   with  the  interest  rate
approximating 8.5%. At times, amounts  invested with financial institutions  may
be  in excess of FDIC insurance limits. As of December 31, 1995, the Company has
not experienced any losses on its cash equivalents.
 
Concentrations of credit risk with  respect to customer receivables are  limited
primarily  to automakers  and financial institutions  such as  GMAC and regional
banks. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal
due to the  large number of  customers comprising the  Company's customer  base.
However,  they are concentrated in  the Company's two market  areas in the Texas
Panhandle and central Oklahoma.
 
NOTE 7 - PROVISION FOR FINANCE FEES AND INSURANCE COMMISSION CHARGEBACKS
Presented below is the  change in the allowance  for estimated finance fees  and
insurance commission chargebacks for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
1995 (in thousands):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1993       1994       1995
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance at January 1                                        $   1,131  $   1,523  $   1,595
Provision                                                       1,292      1,252      1,917
Actual chargebacks                                               (900)    (1,180)    (1,456)
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
Ending allowance balance at December 31                     $   1,523  $   1,595  $   2,056
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAX MATTERS
Components of income tax expense consist of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------------
                                                                1993       1994       1995
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Paid or payable on currently taxable income:
  Federal                                                     $     941  $   1,160  $   1,910
  State                                                             135        178        265
Net increase (decrease) due to deferred income taxes                 97         13       (865)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total income tax expense                                  $   1,173  $   1,351  $   1,310
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
Income  tax expense  for the  years ended  December 31,  1993, 1994  and 1995 is
different than the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax  rate
to  income before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows
(in thousands except percentages):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1993       1994       1995
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Income before income taxes                                    $   3,168  $   3,733  $   3,505
Statutory tax rate                                                  34%        34%        34%
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
Federal income tax at statutory rate                              1,077      1,269      1,192
State income tax, net of federal benefit                             91        103         97
Other                                                                 5        (21)        21
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
Total income tax expense                                      $   1,173  $   1,351  $   1,310
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
Effective tax rate                                                37.0%      36.2%      37.4%
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
Net deferred tax liabilities consist of the following components as of  December
31, 1994 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1994       1995
                                                                        ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Goodwill amortization                                                 $    (514) $    (500)
  Inventory                                                                (3,723)    (3,990)
  Other                                                                    --            (37)
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                           (4,237)    (4,527)
                                                                        ---------  ---------
Deferred tax assets:
  Accrued compensation                                                     --            401
  Deferred warranty revenue                                                 1,624      2,069
  Chargeback allowance                                                        588        761
  Net operating loss carryforward                                             141        244
  Other                                                                        63         96
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                            2,416      3,571
                                                                        ---------  ---------
    Net deferred tax liability                                          $  (1,821) $    (956)
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
As  of  December 31,  1995,  the Company  has  net operating  loss carryforwards
totaling $677,000, which expire in  2004 through 2010. Management believes  that
it  is more  likely than  not that the  Company will  utilize all  of these loss
carryforwards; accordingly, no valuation allowance has been provided.
 
The Company is  changing its tax  basis method of  valuing inventories from  the
LIFO method to the FIFO and specific identification methods in 1996. The balance
of  the LIFO  reserve as  of December  31, 1995  will be  amortized into taxable
income over  a  three to  six  year  period, thereby  increasing  current  taxes
payable. This amortization will create a corresponding reduction in the deferred
tax  liability related to inventory and  will not impact the Company's effective
tax rate.
 
NOTE 9 - INVENTORIES
The inventory balances are comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                       --------------------
                                                         1994       1995
                                                       ---------  ---------  JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                             -------------
                                                                              (unaudited)
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Inventories at cost:
  New vehicles and demonstrators                       $  15,887  $  32,502    $  27,112
  Used vehicles                                            6,067      9,316        9,390
  Parts and accessories                                    1,289      1,913        1,914
                                                       ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total inventory                                    $  23,243  $  43,731    $  38,416
                                                       ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                       ---------  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 10 - DEBT
Notes payable and long-term debt (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1994        1995
                                                                               ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                            <C>         <C>
Floor plan notes payable to GMAC with interest at prime, collateralized by
  vehicle inventory. The prime interest rate at December 31, 1994 and 1995
  was 8.50%.                                                                   $   18,964  $   39,088
Mortgage loans at prime rate, maturing in 2000 and 2002, monthly principal
  payments aggregating $45,500 plus interest inclusive of principal and
  interest, collateralized by related property.                                     6,727       8,154
Notes payable to GMAC with interest at prime, collateralized by property and
  inventory, quarterly principal payments aggregating $255,000 with interest
  and maturing from 1996 through 2002.                                              1,078       5,230
Due to affiliates on demand, with an average rate of 8.50% at December 31,
  1994 and 1995.                                                                    2,225       5,954
                                                                               ----------  ----------
                                                                                   28,994      58,426
Debt payable within one year:
  Floor plan notes payable                                                        (18,964)    (39,088)
  Due to affiliates                                                                (2,225)     (5,954)
  Current maturities and notes payable                                               (655)     (1,525)
                                                                               ----------  ----------
    Total long-term debt                                                       $    7,150  $   11,859
                                                                               ----------  ----------
                                                                               ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
Substantially all  the  Company's  debt is  unconditionally  guaranteed  by  the
Control Group.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
Maturities  of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 1995
are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1996........................................................  $   1,525
1997........................................................      1,345
1998........................................................      1,345
1999........................................................      1,345
2000........................................................      1,592
2001 and thereafter.........................................      6,232
</TABLE>
 
Management believes  that  the  fair  value  of  the  Company's  long-term  debt
approximates  its recorded  value based  on the  floating nature  of the related
interest rates.
 
NOTE 11 - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          --------------------
                                                                            1994       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Payroll and bonuses                                                       $   2,150  $   1,787
Deferred warranty revenue - current portion                                   1,736      2,109
Chargeback allowance                                                          1,595      2,056
Other                                                                         1,485      1,543
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          $   6,966  $   7,495
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 12 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        --------------------
                                                                          1994       1995
                                                                        ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>
Land                                                                    $   1,673  $   1,858
Buildings                                                                   7,390     10,041
Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                           4,288      4,830
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                           13,351     16,729
Less: accumulated depreciation                                             (4,068)    (4,622)
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                        $   9,283  $  12,107
                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The  Company's  defined  contribution  plan,  available  to  substantially   all
employees,  permits eligible participants to contribute  from 1% to 15% of their
annual compensation. The Company may make voluntary contributions to the plan as
well. The Company has not made any contributions to the plan for the three years
ended December 31, 1995.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
The Company currently  anticipates implementing the  following employee  benefit
plans upon completion of the Offering:
 
   
The  Company  expects  to implement  its  1996  Stock Option  Plan  (the "Plan")
immediately prior  to  completion  of  the  Offering.  The  Company  anticipates
granting options to purchase 7,692 shares of common stock to a certain executive
officer  immediately prior  to the  Offering exercisable  at the  initial public
offering price. The Plan requires that the per share exercise price of incentive
stock options granted must equal at least 100% of the fair market value at  date
of  grant or 110%  in the case  of incentive stock  options granted to employees
owning more than  10% of the  outstanding common stock.  The Company intends  to
reserve  1,380,000 authorized but  unissued shares of  common stock for issuance
under the Plan.
    
 
The Company  may  grant  shares  of  restricted  stock,  which  are  subject  to
forfeiture  to the Company,  under such conditions  and for such  period of time
(not less  than  one year)  as  the Company  may  determine. The  conditions  or
restrictions  of  any  restricted  stock  awards  may  include  restrictions  on
transferability, requirements of continued employment, individual performance or
the Company's financial performance.
 
NOTE 14 - STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Immediately prior  to  the completion  of  the Offering,  the  Company's  Rights
Agreement  (the "Rights  Agreement") will  take effect.  Pursuant to  the Rights
Agreement, each shareholder  of the Company  will be issued  one right for  each
share  of common stock owned. Until a right is exercised, the holder thereof, as
such, will have no rights  as a stockholder of  the Company. Each right  becomes
exercisable upon certain events involving the acquisition of or stated intention
by an entity to acquire 19.9% of the Company's common stock. Upon the occurrence
of such an event, each right entitles its holder to purchase common stock of the
Company  or, in certain circumstances,  of the acquiror, worth  twice as much as
the exercise price. The Company may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors
lower this threshold of 19.9%  to 10% of the  common stock then outstanding.  If
the  Company is unable to issue a sufficient number of shares of common stock to
permit the exercise in full of the rights for common stock, it will issue shares
of junior preferred  stock upon  exercise of  the rights.  The junior  preferred
stock  is non-redeemable and junior to any other preferred stock of the Company.
The provisions of the junior preferred  stock are designed to provide that  each
one one-hundredth of a share of junior preferred stock issuable upon exercise of
a right approximates the value of one share of common stock. Each whole share of
junior  preferred stock will  accrue a quarterly  dividend of $1  and a dividend
equal to 100 times any  dividend paid on the  common stock. Upon liquidation  of
the  Company, each whole share of junior preferred stock will have a liquidation
preference of $100  plus an amount  equal to 100  times the amount  paid on  any
shares  of common stock. Each  share of junior preferred  stock will entitle its
holder to 100 votes  on matters submitted to  the Company's stockholders,  which
votes will be cast with the votes of the holders of common stock. If the Company
were  merged, consolidated or  involved in a similar  transaction, each share of
junior preferred stock would entitle its holder to receive 100 times the  amount
received by holders of common stock in the merger or similar transaction.
 
NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The  Company is a party to various  legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of its business. The  liability, if any, associated  with these matters was  not
determinable  at December 31,  1995. While it  is not feasible  to determine the
outcome of these actions, the Company's information, including discussions  with
legal  counsel, at this  time does not  indicate that these  matters will have a
material adverse effect upon financial condition, results of operations or  cash
flows.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
The  Company is  also subject  to federal  and state  environmental regulations,
including rules relating to air and water pollution and the storage and disposal
of  gasoline,  oil,  other  chemicals  and  waste.  Local,  state  and   federal
regulations  also affect automobile dealerships' advertising, sales, service and
financing activities. The Company believes that it complies with all  applicable
laws relating to its business.
 
The   Company   has  certain   financial  guarantees   outstanding  representing
conditional commitments  issued  by the  Company  to guarantee  the  payment  of
certain   customers'  loans.   These  financial   guarantees  have  historically
represented an  immaterial portion  of  its sales.  The Company's  exposure  for
financial  guarantees is less  than the customer's  full contractual obligations
outstanding  under  such  financial  guarantees  which  at  December  31,   1995
approximated  $14.4 million. No material loss is anticipated as a result of such
guarantees.
 
   
Pursuant to an agreement  dated April 1,  1996 between Mr.  Ezra P. Mager,  Vice
Chairman  and Director, and GGFP, Mr. Mager  has agreed to purchase 3% (equal to
303,750 shares) of the common stock of the Company on a fully diluted basis  for
$250,000.  Additionally, pursuant  to such  agreement, upon  the closing  of the
Offering the Company is obligated to grant  to Mr. Mager options to purchase  1%
(approximately  138,000  shares inclusive  of  the 7,692  shares  issuable under
grants as described in Note 13) of the shares of common stock that will then  be
outstanding,  on a  fully diluted  basis, with  an exercise  price equal  to the
initial public offering price. The option  becomes exercisable 90 days from  the
date  of grant. In the second quarter of 1996, the Company recorded compensation
expense of $1,099,000,  which represents  the difference  between the  estimated
fair  value, as of April 1, 1996, of the common stock purchased ($1,349,000) and
the cash consideration paid.
    
 
NOTE 16 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------------
                                                                1993       1994       1995
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest paid                                                 $   2,104  $   2,398  $   3,697
Income taxes paid                                             $     658  $   2,034  $   1,707
</TABLE>
 
Additionally, the Company acquired  two dealerships during  1995, both of  which
were financed primarily with debt (see Note 3).
 
NOTE 17 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The  Company receives  services provided  by GGFP  which include  treasury, risk
management,  tax  compliance,   employee  benefits   administration  and   other
miscellaneous  services.  The costs  associated  with these  services  have been
allocated to the Company as  described in Note 1.  During fiscal 1993, 1994  and
1995,  allocated  expenses  from  GGFP  to  the  Company  approximated $419,000,
$508,000 and $1,090,000,  respectively. During  the unaudited  six months  ended
June  30, 1995 and 1996, allocated expenses to the Company approximated $422,000
and $615,000, respectively. These allocations are classified as selling, general
and administrative expense in the accompanying combined statement of operations.
 
In connection with its business  travel, the Company from  time to time uses  an
airplane  that is  owned and operated  by Plains  Air, Inc. Plains  Air, Inc. is
owned by  Bill  A.  Gilliland and  Robert  W.  Hall, Chairman  and  Senior  Vice
Chairman, respectively. Currently, the Company pays Plains Air, Inc. $13,050 per
month plus a
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
fee  of approximately $488 per  hour for use of  the airplane. During 1993, 1994
and 1995 the Company  paid Plains Air, Inc.  an aggregate of $131,000,  $154,000
and  $199,000, and $98,000 and $120,000 for  the unaudited six months ended June
30, 1995 and 1996, respectively, for the use of the airplane.
 
In addition to the above corporate allocations, the Company has paid the Control
Group a management fee for executive management services. This fee was generally
based upon the  profits earned and  the level of  executive management  services
rendered.  These  fees are  shown  separately on  the  face of  the accompanying
statement of operations.  Commencing in  1996, the  Company will  no longer  pay
management  fees  to  the Control  Group.  Effective  July 1,  1996,  the senior
management  group  consisting  of  the  Chairman,  Senior  Vice  Chairman,  Vice
Chairman,  and Senior Vice  President and Chief  Operating Officer, will receive
annual base salaries approximating $1,020,000,  may receive restricted stock  if
certain  performance objectives  are met  and may  also receive  grants of stock
options. In conjunction with the Reorganization,  the Company has agreed to  pay
one  of its executive officers a bonus of $600,000. This bonus has been expensed
in the first six months ended June 30, 1996.
 
In general, the Company is required to  pay for all vehicles purchased from  the
automakers upon delivery of the vehicles to the Company. GMAC provides financing
for  all new vehicles  and used vehicles that  are less than  five years old and
have been driven  less than 70,000  miles. This  type of financing  is known  as
"floor  plan financing"  or "flooring."  Under this  arrangement with  GMAC, the
Company may deposit funds with GMAC in an amount up to 75% of the amount of  the
floor  plan financing. Such funds earn interest at the same rate charged by GMAC
to the Company for its flooring. From time to time, the Control Group and  other
affiliates  will  advance funds  to  the Company  primarily  for the  purpose of
investing their excess cash with GMAC. The Company acts only as an  intermediary
in  this process.  At December  31, 1994 and  1995 and  at June  30, 1996, funds
advanced and outstanding from affiliates approximated $1,323,000, $2,895,000 and
$4,153,000 (unaudited), respectively. Aggregate amounts outstanding pursuant  to
these  arrangements  at December  31, 1994  and 1995  and at  June 30,  1996 are
included in Due to Affiliates in  the accompanying balance sheet. The amount  of
interest  accrued pursuant to these arrangements during 1993, 1994, 1995 and for
the unaudited six  months ended  June 30,  1995 and  1996 approximated  $10,000,
$122,000, $226,000, $129,000 and $191,000, respectively.
 
During  1994, GGFP advanced the Company $1.05  million to fund the relocation of
one of  its  dealerships. During  1995,  GGFP advanced  funds  aggregating  $2.6
million  to the Company for working capital purposes at the dealerships acquired
in 1995.  At December  31,  1994 and  1995  and at  June  30, 1996,  the  amount
outstanding  pursuant to these  advances approximated $.9  million, $3.1 million
and $.5 million (unaudited), respectively.
 
GGFP was the contracting  agent for the construction  of certain facilities  for
the  Company during 1995. The total cost of the facilities approximated $570,000
which included approximately $52,000  as payment to  GGFP for architectural  and
construction management fees.
 
The  Company  leases its  corporate offices  from GGFP  under a  five-year lease
extending through June 2001 for an annual rent of approximately $64,800.
 
GGFP also  subleases to  the Company  the  real estate  on which  the  Company's
Performance  Nissan dealership  is located.  Annual rent  under the  sublease is
$228,000, which is the same amount payable by GGFP under the principal lease for
the property.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                      CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 18 - LEASES
The Company leases, under  operating leases, certain of  the land and  buildings
relating  to  certain of  its dealerships  and  certain computer  equipment. The
property leases expire  in 1998 through  2002 and have  renewal options  ranging
from  5 to 7 years. The Company has  an option to purchase the property on which
Performance Nissan, Inc. operates  for $2.2 million upon  the expiration of  the
lease  in 2002. Additionally, the Company has an option to purchase a portion of
the property on which Quality Nissan, Inc. operates for $400,000 upon expiration
of that  lease  in 1998.  The  total rent  expense  under all  operating  leases
approximated $301,000 in 1995.
 
The aggregate minimum rental commitments for all noncancellable operating leases
are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Fiscal year:
  1996......................................................  $     385
  1997......................................................        385
  1998......................................................        385
  1999......................................................        385
  2000......................................................        279
  Thereafter................................................        209
                                                              ---------
                                                              $   2,028
                                                              ---------
                                                              ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 19 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective  June 17, 1996, the Company executed  a purchase and sale agreement in
which it has agreed  to purchase Lynn  Hickey Dodge, Inc.  in Oklahoma City  for
cash   consideration  of  approximately  $13.1  million  for  fixed  assets  and
intangible assets, plus an estimated  $750,000 for parts inventory. The  Company
currently  intends to use proceeds from the Offering to fund the purchase price.
In addition, the Company will acquire the new vehicle inventory at cost and  may
acquire  the used vehicle inventory at a  negotiated value, which will be funded
by floor plan financing. The purchase is subject to customary closing conditions
as well as the Company's successful completion of the Offering and upon approval
of the  change  in  ownership  by  Dodge.  The  dealership's  revenue  for  1995
approximated  $122.2 million. The Company will account for this acquisition as a
purchase and consolidate its results of operations from the date of consummation
of the purchase.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors of
Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
 
In  our opinion, the  accompanying balance sheets and  the related statements of
operations, of changes in stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly,
in all material respects,  the financial position of  Jim Glover Dodge, Inc.  at
November  30, 1994 and 1995  and the results of  their operations and their cash
flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted  accounting
principles.  These financial statements are  the responsibility of management of
Jim Glover Dodge,  Inc.; our responsibility  is to express  an opinion on  these
financial  statements  based on  our audits.  We conducted  our audits  of these
statements in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
require  that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial  statements are  free of material  misstatement. An  audit
includes  examining,  on  a  test basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts and
disclosures in  the financial  statements, assessing  the accounting  principles
used  and significant estimates  made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.  We  believe  that  our  audits  provide   a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Fort Worth, Texas
June 4, 1996
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER
                                                                                                  30,
                                                                                          --------------------
                                                                                            1994       1995
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales                                                                           $  56,719  $  55,498
  Other operating revenue                                                                     8,178      8,419
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Total revenues                                                                           64,897     63,917
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
Cost of sales and expenses:
  Cost of sales                                                                              56,867     55,370
  Selling, general and administrative                                                         6,272      7,268
  Interest expense                                                                              270        367
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                                             63,409     63,005
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Net income                                                                            $   1,488  $     912
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            NOVEMBER 30,
                                                                                        --------------------
                                                                                          1994       1995
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
Current assets:
  Cash                                                                                  $       4  $     632
  Accounts receivable                                                                       2,653      2,267
  Inventories                                                                               9,348      7,475
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
    Total current assets                                                                   12,005     10,374
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $121,000 and $164,000,
 respectively                                                                                  91        130
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        $  12,096  $  10,504
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
 
                                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Floor plan notes payable                                                              $   8,240  $   6,688
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                       696        292
  Due to affiliates                                                                         -            552
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
    Total current liabilities                                                               8,936      7,532
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $1 par value - 250,000 shares authorized and outstanding                      250        250
  Retained earnings                                                                         2,910      2,722
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                            3,160      2,972
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6, 7 and 8)
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                          $  12,096  $  10,504
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                  STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   FOR THE TWO YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    COMMON      RETAINED
                                                                                     STOCK      EARNINGS      TOTAL
                                                                                  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at November 30, 1993                                                       $     250    $   1,902   $   2,152
Net income                                                                             -            1,488       1,488
Distributions to stockholders                                                          -             (480)       (480)
                                                                                       -----   -----------  ---------
Balance at November 30, 1994                                                             250        2,910       3,160
Net income                                                                             -              912         912
Distributions to stockholders                                                          -           (1,100)     (1,100)
                                                                                       -----   -----------  ---------
Balance at November 30, 1995                                                       $     250    $   2,722   $   2,972
                                                                                       -----   -----------  ---------
                                                                                       -----   -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER
                                                                                                    30,
                                                                                            --------------------
                                                                                              1994       1995
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                         <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                                $   1,488  $     912
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation                                                                                   22         24
  (Increase) decrease in:
    Accounts receivable                                                                          (300)       385
    Inventory                                                                                    (149)     1,872
  Increase (decrease) in:
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                        (617)      (404)
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                                                   444      2,789
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Investment of property and equipment                                                            (34)       (62)
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Change in floor plan notes payable                                                              113     (1,551)
  Advance from affiliates                                                                         (44)       552
  Distributions to stockholders                                                                  (480)    (1,100)
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
      Net cash used by financing activities                                                      (411)    (2,099)
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash                                                                        (1)       628
Cash at beginning of period                                                                         5          4
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
Cash at end of period                                                                       $       4  $     632
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
 
Cash paid for interest                                                                      $     274  $     305
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS OPERATIONS - Jim Glover Dodge, Inc.'s ("Jim Glover") principal business
is  the  retail sales  of new  Dodge automobiles  obtained through  an exclusive
dealer agreement with the  manufacturer/distributor and the  sale of used  cars.
Jim  Glover operates in the Oklahoma City  area. In addition, Jim Glover retails
and wholesales replacement parts and provides vehicle servicing.
 
MAJOR SUPPLIER AND DEALER AGREEMENT - Jim Glover purchases substantially all  of
its  new vehicles and parts  inventory from Chrysler Motor  Company, Inc. at the
prevailing prices  charged by  the  automobile manufacturer/distributor  to  all
franchised dealers.
 
Jim  Glover's  overall sales  could be  impacted by  the automaker's  ability or
unwillingness to  supply  the dealership  with  an adequate  supply  of  popular
models.  Management currently believes that it will  be able to renew the Dealer
Agreement upon expiration. However,  there can be no  assurance that the  Dealer
Agreement will be renewed.
 
The Dealer Agreement generally limits the location of the dealership and retains
automaker approval rights over changes in dealership management and ownership.
 
CONCENTRATION  OF CREDIT RISK  - Financial instruments  that potentially subject
Jim Glover  to  concentrations  of  credit  risk  consist  principally  of  cash
deposits. Jim Glover generally limits its exposure to credit risks from balances
on  deposit  in  financial institutions  in  excess of  the  FDIC-insured limit.
However, at  November  30,  1995,  cash in  excess  of  the  FDIC-insured  limit
approximated $532,000.
 
REVENUE  RECOGNITION -  Revenues from vehicle  and parts sales  and from service
operations are recognized at the time  the vehicle is delivered to the  customer
or service is completed.
 
ACCOUNTS  RECEIVABLE  -  An  allowance for  doubtful  accounts  is  provided for
accounts that are deemed to be uncollectible.
 
INVENTORIES - Vehicles are  stated at the  lower of cost  or market, cost  being
determined  on a specific identification basis. Parts are stated at the lower of
cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation
is computed using  the straight-line  method over  the respective  lives of  the
assets.
 
RECOGNITION  OF FINANCE  FEES AND  INSURANCE COMMISSIONS  - Jim  Glover arranges
financing for  its  customers' vehicle  purchases  and insurance  in  connection
therewith.  Financing contracts are reviewed by the dealership and are forwarded
to Chrysler  Financial  Corp.  and  other  financial  institutions.  Jim  Glover
receives  a fee from  the financial institution for  arranging the financing and
receives a commission for the sale of an insurance policy. Jim Glover is charged
back for  a  portion of  this  fee should  the  customer terminate  the  finance
contract  before its scheduled term. Finance fees and insurance commissions, net
of chargebacks, are classified  as other operating  revenue in the  accompanying
statement of operations. See Note 2 for an analysis of the reserve for estimated
future chargebacks.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
FEDERAL  INCOME TAXES -  Jim Glover is organized  as a sub-chapter S-Corporation
under the Internal Revenue Code; therefore,  the income earned by Jim Glover  is
reported  on  the personal  tax returns  of  the stockholders.  Consequently, no
provision for  income taxes  has  been recorded  in the  accompanying  financial
statements.
 
ADVERTISING  AND  PROMOTIONAL  COSTS  - Advertising  and  promotional  costs are
expensed as incurred  and are  included in selling,  general and  administrative
expense  in the accompanying combined statement of operations. Total advertising
and promotional  expenses approximated  $1,260,000 and  $1,436,000 in  1994  and
1995, respectively.
 
FAIR  VALUE OF FINANCIAL  INSTRUMENTS - The fair  value of financial instruments
approximates their recorded  values due  primarily to the  short-term nature  of
their maturities.
 
PERVASIVENESS  OF  ESTIMATES  -  The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management  to
make  estimates  and assumptions  that affect  the  reported amounts  of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of gain and loss contingencies
at the date  of the financial  statements. The actual  outcome of the  estimates
could  differ  from  the estimates  made  in  the preparation  of  the financial
statements.
 
NOTE 2 - PROVISION FOR FINANCE FEE AND INSURANCE COMMISSION CHARGEBACKS
Presented below is the change in the reserve for estimated finance and insurance
chargebacks for the fiscal years 1994 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1994       1995
                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>
Beginning reserve balance at December 1                    $     152  $      93
Provision                                                        453        525
Actual chargebacks                                              (512)      (510)
                                                           ---------  ---------
Ending reserve balance at November 30                      $      93  $     108
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3 - CONTRACTS IN TRANSIT AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Contracts in  transit and  vehicle receivables  primarily represent  receivables
from  financial institutions such as Chrysler Financial Corp. and regional banks
which provide  funding for  customer vehicle  financing. These  receivables  are
normally  collected  in less  than 30  days of  the sale  of the  vehicle. Trade
receivables primarily relate to  the sale of parts  to commercial customers  and
finance  fees representing amounts  due from financial  institutions earned from
arranging  financing  with  Jim  Glover's  customers.  Amounts  due  from   auto
manufacturers  primarily  represent  receivables  for  parts  and  service  work
performed on vehicles pursuant to the auto manufacturer's warranty coverage.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
The accounts receivable balance at November 30 is comprised of the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1994       1995
                                                         ---------  ---------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>
Trade                                                    $     487  $     437
Contracts in transit                                         1,823      1,370
Due from manufacturer                                          249        322
Due from finance companies                                      94        138
                                                         ---------  ---------
    Total accounts receivable                            $   2,653  $   2,267
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES
The November 30 inventory balance is comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1994       1995
                                                         ---------  ---------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>
New vehicles and demonstrators                           $   5,988  $   5,386
Used vehicles                                                2,602      1,343
Parts and accessories                                          758        746
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                         $   9,348  $   7,475
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 5 - FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE
The manufacturer/distributor  finances new  and used  vehicle purchases  by  Jim
Glover.  Floor plan notes  payable bear interest at  the finance company's prime
rate (approximately 9.5% at November 30, 1995). The notes are collateralized  by
all  of Jim Glover's  tangible and intangible  personal property, including, but
not limited to, substantially all new, used and demonstrator vehicles, parts and
accessories inventory, accounts receivable, and all machinery and equipment. The
notes are generally due within  ten days of the sale  of the vehicles or  within
three days after receiving the sales proceeds, whichever is sooner. Accordingly,
floor  plan notes  payable have been  classified as current  in the accompanying
balance sheet.
 
NOTE 6 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OPERATING LEASES  - Jim  Glover leases  the facility  on which  it conducts  its
retail  automobile business.  In connection  with the  sale of  its business and
inventory to Performance Dodge,  Inc. (as more fully  discussed in Note 9),  the
owners  of  Performance Dodge,  Inc.  acquired Jim  Glover's  primary dealership
facility and continued to lease the  facility to Jim Glover. This lease  expired
upon the sale of the business and inventory to Performance Dodge, Inc. Two other
land and building leases require annual rent payments of $24,000 and $13,200 and
expire in May 1997 and March 2000, respectively.
 
Rent expense on all operating leases was approximately $235,000 and $236,000 for
the  years  ended  November  30,  1994  and  November  30,  1995,  respectively.
Additionally, Jim Glover is liable for property taxes and insurance.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                             JIM GLOVER DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7 - LITIGATION
From time to time, Jim Glover is  named in claims involving the manufacture  and
sale  of  automobiles, contractual  disputes and  other  matters arising  in the
ordinary course of business. Currently, no legal proceedings are pending against
or involve Jim Glover that, in the  opinion of management, could be expected  to
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations
or cash flows of Jim Glover in the year of ultimate settlement.
 
Jim  Glover  is also  subject to  federal  and state  environmental regulations,
including rules relating to air and water pollution and the storage and disposal
of gasoline, oil and other chemicals and  waste. Jim Glover is not aware of  any
pending  environmental matters or  matters of noncompliance  with all applicable
environmental laws relating to its business.
 
In limited circumstances, Jim  Glover will either  partially or fully  guarantee
finance  contracts  of customers  with  the financial  institutions  issuing the
credit. The amount  of outstanding  finance contracts  on which  Jim Glover  has
either  partially or fully guaranteed the  financial performance of the customer
approximated $418,000 and $203,000 at November  30, 1994 and November 30,  1995,
respectively.
 
NOTE 8 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During  fiscal 1994 and  1995, Jim Glover  leased the primary  building and land
from an affiliate of Jim Glover. Jim  Glover has accounted for this lease as  an
operating  lease. During fiscal 1994 and 1995,  Jim Glover paid rent of $120,000
and $100,000, respectively, to this affiliate.
 
Several affiliated corporations  advanced Jim Glover  funds during fiscal  1995.
These advances bear interest at 9.5% and are due upon demand. Accordingly, these
advances have been classified as a current liability in the accompanying balance
sheet. The balance of these advances at November 30, 1995 approximated $552,000.
There were no outstanding advances from affiliates at November 30, 1994.
 
NOTE 9 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective  December 4,  1995, Jim  Glover sold  substantially all  its assets to
Performance Dodge, Inc. for the assumption of its floor plan liability and  cash
consideration  of  approximately  $5.9  million. Performance  Dodge,  Inc.  is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
 
In  our opinion, the  accompanying balance sheets and  the related statements of
operations, of changes in stockholder's equity and of cash flows present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial  position of Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc.  at
December  31, 1994 and 1995 and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the two years then ended,  in conformity with generally accepted  accounting
principles.  These financial statements are  the responsibility of management of
Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc.;  our responsibility is to  express an opinion on  these
financial  statements  based on  our audits.  We conducted  our audits  of these
statements in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
require  that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial  statements are  free of material  misstatement. An  audit
includes  examining,  on  a  test basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts and
disclosures in  the financial  statements, assessing  the accounting  principles
used  and significant estimates  made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.  We  believe  that  our  audits  provide   a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Fort Worth, Texas
July 3, 1996
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           YEAR ENDED          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,             JUNE 30,
                                                                     ----------------------  --------------------
                                                                        1994        1995       1995       1996
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Vehicle sales                                                      $  155,406  $  111,113  $  57,504  $  63,539
  Other operating revenue                                                12,104      11,108      5,371      7,139
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
    Total revenues                                                      167,510     122,221     62,875     70,678
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of sales                                                         146,551     106,826     55,518     59,838
  Selling, general and administrative                                    18,452      13,149      6,205      6,863
  Depreciation and amortization                                             341         346        164        133
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        165,344     120,321     61,887     66,834
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                          2,166       1,900        988      3,844
Other income (expense):
  Interest income                                                           177         402        148        273
  Interest expense                                                       (1,750)     (1,737)      (969)      (831)
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
  Net income                                                         $      593  $      565  $     167  $   3,286
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                               --------------------
                                                                                 1994       1995
                                                                               ---------  ---------    JUNE 30,
                                                                                                         1996
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                    $   3,854  $   6,002    $   8,323
  Accounts receivable                                                              3,129      4,495        4,113
  Inventories                                                                     21,527     15,234       16,119
  Due from affiliates                                                                841        903          360
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total current assets                                                          29,351     26,634       28,915
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation                     2,085      1,943        1,856
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total assets                                                               $  31,436  $  28,577    $  30,771
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
 
                                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Floor plan financing                                                         $  18,737  $  14,900    $  15,187
  Line of credit                                                                   -          -            5,000
  Accounts payable                                                                 4,429      2,653        2,289
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                           3,434      2,432        1,990
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total current liabilities                                                     26,600     19,985       24,466
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
Line of credit                                                                     -          5,000        -
Deferred warranty revenue - long-term portion                                        249        571          932
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total long-term liabilities                                                      249      5,571          932
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
Stockholder's equity:
  Preferred stock, $100 par value, 1,500 shares authorized, none issued            -          -            -
  Common stock, $100 par value, 1,500 shares authorized, 915 shares issued
   and outstanding                                                                    92         92           92
  Paid-in capital                                                                    339        339          339
  Retained earnings                                                                4,156      2,590        4,942
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total stockholder's equity                                                     4,587      3,021        5,373
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2 and 8)                                      -          -            -
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                                 $  31,436  $  28,577    $  30,771
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                               ---------  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                 FOR THE TWO YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              PREFERRED STOCK           COMMON STOCK
                                           ---------------------  ------------------------    PAID-IN    RETAINED
                                            SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES       AMOUNT       CAPITAL    EARNINGS     TOTAL
                                           ---------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993                          $                  915    $      92    $     339   $   4,835  $   5,266
Net income                                                                                                     593        593
Distributions to stockholder                                                                                (1,272)    (1,272)
                                           ---------  ----------       -----          ---        -----   ---------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994                                             915           92          339       4,156      4,587
Net income                                                                                                     565        565
Distributions to stockholder                                                                                (2,131)    (2,131)
                                           ---------  ----------       -----          ---        -----   ---------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995                                             915           92          339       2,590      3,021
Net income (unaudited)                                                                                       3,286      3,286
Distributions to stockholder (unaudited)                                                                      (934)      (934)
                                           ---------  ----------       -----          ---        -----   ---------  ---------
Balance at June 30, 1996 (unaudited)                  $                  915    $      92    $     339   $   4,942  $   5,373
                                           ---------  ----------       -----          ---        -----   ---------  ---------
                                           ---------  ----------       -----          ---        -----   ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                                                          --------------------  --------------------
                                                                            1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                              $     593  $     565  $     167  $   3,286
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by
   operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                               341        346        164        133
    Proceeds from extended warranty sales                                       526      1,389        818        989
    Amortization of deferred warranty revenue                                   (47)      (555)      (265)      (615)
  (Increase) decrease in:
    Accounts receivable                                                       1,542     (1,367)        (7)       382
    Inventory                                                                 1,268      6,293      4,081       (886)
    Due from affiliates                                                         737        (61)       313        543
  Increase (decrease) in:
    Accounts payable                                                            (89)    (1,776)    (1,878)      (364)
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                      854     (1,514)    (1,093)      (455)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net cash provided (used) by operating activities                        5,725      3,320      2,300      3,013
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisition of property and equipment                                        (206)      (204)      (114)       (46)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Change in floor plan financing                                             (2,651)    (3,837)    (3,070)       287
  Line of credit proceeds                                                     -          5,000      -          -
  Distributions to stockholder                                               (1,272)    (2,131)    (1,052)      (933)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Net cash provided (used) by financing activities                       (3,923)      (968)    (4,122)      (646)
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                              1,596      2,148     (1,936)     2,321
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                              2,258      3,854      3,854      6,002
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                $   3,854  $   6,002  $   1,918  $   8,323
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     The accompanying notes are an integral
                      part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS  OPERATIONS  - Lynn  Hickey  Dodge, Inc.'s  ("Hickey  Dodge") principal
business is  the retail  sales  of new  Dodge  automobiles obtained  through  an
exclusive  dealer agreement with Dodge  and the sale of  used cars. In addition,
Hickey Dodge  retails  and wholesales  replacement  parts and  provides  vehicle
servicing. Hickey Dodge operates in the Oklahoma City area.
 
   
UNAUDITED  INTERIM PERIODS - The following notes, insofar as they are applicable
to June 30, 1996  and the six-month  periods ended June 30,  1995 and 1996,  are
unaudited.  These interim  financial statements have  been prepared  on the same
basis as the annual  financial statements included herewith.  In the opinion  of
management,  all  adjustments, consisting  only  of ordinary  recurring accruals
considered necessary to fairly  state the unaudited  financial position at  June
30,  1996 and  the unaudited results  of operations  and cash flows  for the six
months ended June 30,  1995 and 1996,  have been included.  Results for the  six
months  ended June 30, 1995  and 1996 are not  necessarily indicative of results
which may be expected for any other interim period or for any year as a whole.
    
 
MAJOR SUPPLIER AND DEALER AGREEMENT  - Hickey Dodge purchases substantially  all
of its new vehicles and parts inventory from Chrysler Motor Company, Inc. at the
prevailing  prices charged  by the automaker  to all  franchised dealers. Hickey
Dodge's  overall  sales  could  be  impacted  by  the  automaker's  ability   or
unwillingness  to  supply  the dealership  with  an adequate  supply  of popular
models. Management  believes that  1995  sales were  negatively impacted  by  an
unfavorable allocation of vehicles from the automaker.
 
The Dealer Agreement generally limits the location of the dealership and retains
automaker  approval rights over changes  in dealership management and ownership.
The automaker is  also entitled  to terminate  the dealership  agreement if  the
dealership is in material breach of the terms.
 
CASH  AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Cash and  cash equivalents include cash on hand and
all highly  liquid investments  with maturities  of three  months or  less  when
purchased.
 
CONCENTRATION  OF CREDIT RISK  - Financial instruments  that potentially subject
Hickey Dodge  to  concentrations of  credit  risk consist  principally  of  cash
deposits.
 
Concentrations  of credit risk with respect  to customer receivables are limited
primarily to  Chrysler  Financial  Corp.  and  financial  institutions  such  as
regional  banks. Credit risk arising  from receivables from commercial customers
is minimal  due to  the  large number  of  customers comprising  Hickey  Dodge's
customer base; however, they are concentrated in Hickey Dodge's only market area
located in the central Oklahoma vicinity.
 
REVENUE  RECOGNITION -  Revenues from vehicle  and parts sales  and from service
operations are recognized at the time  the vehicle is delivered to the  customer
or service is completed.
 
INVENTORIES  - Vehicles are  stated at the  lower of cost  or market, cost being
determined on a specific identification basis. Parts are stated at the lower  of
cost or market, cost being determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation
is  computed using  the straight-line  method over  the respective  lives of the
assets.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
RECOGNITION OF FINANCE FEES  AND INSURANCE COMMISSIONS  - Hickey Dodge  arranges
financing  for  its  customers'  vehicle  purchases  and  arranges  insurance in
connection therewith. Financing contracts are reviewed by the dealership and are
forwarded to Chrysler Financial Corp.  and other financial institutions.  Hickey
Dodge  receives a fee from the financial institution for arranging the financing
and receives a commission for the sale  of an insurance policy. Hickey Dodge  is
charged  back  ("chargebacks") for  a portion  of this  fee should  the customer
terminate the finance or insurance  contract before its scheduled term.  Finance
fees  and insurance  commissions, net  of chargebacks,  are classified  as other
operating revenue in the accompanying statement of operations. See Note 2 for an
analysis of the allowance for estimated future chargebacks.
 
EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACTS  - Prior to  late 1994, Hickey  Dodge sold  extended
service  contracts on behalf of unrelated  third parties. Commission revenue for
the unrelated third-party extended service  contracts is recognized at the  time
of  sale. Commencing in late 1994, Hickey  Dodge began offering its own extended
warranty contracts on new and used vehicles sold and continued to offer extended
warranty contracts  on  behalf  of  unrelated  third  parties.  These  contracts
generally  provide extended coverage for periods of two years or 24,000 miles up
to seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. Hickey Dodge accounts for
the sale of its  extended warranty contracts in  accordance with FASB  Technical
Bulletin  No.  90-1,  Accounting  for Separately  Priced  Extended  Warranty and
Product Maintenance  Contracts,  which  requires that  revenues  from  sales  of
extended  warranty  contracts  be  recognized  ratably  over  the  lives  of the
contracts. Costs directly related  to sales of  extended warranty contracts  are
deferred  and charged to expense proportionately as the revenues are recognized.
A loss is recognized on extended warranty  contracts if the sum of the  expected
costs of providing services under the contracts exceed related unearned revenue.
Revenue  and commissions recognized from the sale of extended warranty contracts
are classified as  other operating revenue  and the related  costs of parts  and
service associated therewith are classified as cost of sales in the accompanying
combined statement of operations.
 
FEDERAL  INCOME TAXES - Hickey Dodge is organized as a sub-chapter S-Corporation
under the Internal Revenue Code; therefore, the income earned by Hickey Dodge is
reported on  the personal  tax  returns of  the stockholders.  Consequently,  no
provision  for  income taxes  has been  recorded  in the  accompanying financial
statements.
 
   
ADVERTISING AND  PROMOTIONAL  COSTS  - Advertising  and  promotional  costs  are
expensed  as incurred  and are included  in selling,  general and administrative
expense in  the  accompanying statement  of  operations. Total  advertising  and
promotional  expenses approximated $3,063,000  and $2,151,000 in  1994 and 1995,
respectively.
    
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL  INSTRUMENTS - The fair  value of financial  instruments
approximates  their recorded  values due primarily  to the  short-term nature of
their maturities or the floating nature of the related interest rates.
 
OTHER OPERATING REVENUE - Other operating revenue primarily consists of  finance
fees,  insurance commissions, sales for parts and service and revenue recognized
from the sale of extended warranty contracts.
 
PERVASIVENESS  OF  ESTIMATES  -  The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in
conformity  with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates  and assumptions  that  affect the  reported amounts  of  assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of gain and loss contingencies
at  the date of  the financial statements.  The actual outcome  of the estimates
could differ  from  the estimates  made  in  the preparation  of  the  financial
statements.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2 - ALLOWANCE FOR FINANCE FEE AND INSURANCE AND WARRANTY COMMISSION
         CHARGEBACKS
Presented  below  is  the change  in  the  allowance for  estimated  finance and
insurance chargebacks for 1994 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1994       1995
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
Balance January 1                                                                        $     488  $     635
Provision                                                                                      856        344
Actual chargebacks                                                                            (709)      (629)
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
Balance at December 31                                                                   $     635        350
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3 - CONTRACTS IN TRANSIT AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Contracts in  transit and  vehicle receivables  primarily represent  receivables
from financial institutions such as Chrysler Financial Corp., and regional banks
who  provide  funding  for  customer vehicle  financing.  These  receivables are
normally collected  in less  than 30  days of  the sale  of the  vehicle.  Trade
receivables  primarily relate to  the sale of parts  to commercial customers and
finance fees representing  amounts due from  financial institutions earned  from
arranging  financing with Hickey  Dodge's customers. Amounts  due from automaker
represent receivables for parts and service work performed on vehicles  pursuant
to  the  automaker's  warranty  coverage. Receivables  from  the  automaker also
include amounts  due from  the  automaker in  connection  with the  purchase  of
vehicles  ("holdback") pursuant  to the  dealership agreement;  such amounts are
generally remitted to Hickey Dodge on a quarterly basis.
 
The accounts receivable balance at December 31 is comprised of the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Trade                                                                                  $     658  $     899
Contracts in transit and vehicle receivables                                               2,081      3,172
Due from automaker                                                                           202        196
Due from finance companies                                                                    41        127
Other                                                                                        147        101
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
  Total accounts receivable                                                            $   3,129  $   4,495
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES
The December 31 inventory balance is comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
New vehicles and demonstrators                                                      $  12,231  $   7,845
Used vehicles                                                                           8,595      6,724
Parts and accessories                                                                     701        665
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    $  21,527  $  15,234
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Land                                                                                   $      76  $      76
Buildings                                                                                  2,249      2,315
Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                                          1,416      1,553
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                           3,741      3,944
Less: accumulated depreciation                                                             1,656      2,001
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       $   2,085  $   1,943
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6 - NOTES PAYABLE
The automaker finances  new and used  vehicle purchases by  Hickey Dodge.  Floor
plan  financing bears interest at prime  plus 1% (approximately 9.5% at December
31, 1995). The notes  are collateralized by all  of Hickey Dodge's tangible  and
intangible  personal property, including, but  not limited to, substantially all
new, used and demonstrator vehicles,  parts and accessories inventory,  accounts
receivable,  and all machinery and equipment. The notes are generally due within
ten days of the sale  of the vehicles or within  three days after receiving  the
sales  proceeds,  whichever  is  sooner. Accordingly,  floor  plan  financing is
classified as current in the accompanying balance sheet.
 
Hickey Dodge  also  has a  $5,000,000  revolving credit  note  outstanding  from
Chrysler  Financial Corp. which  was scheduled to  mature on April  15, 1996; in
April 1996, the maturity  date was extended  to April 15, 1997.  As a result  of
this  extension, the amount outstanding pursuant to  the line of credit has been
classified as long-term in the December 31, 1995 accompanying balance sheet. The
note is secured by a  pledge of Hickey Dodge's stock  and accrues interest at  a
rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75% (8.47% at December 31, 1995).
 
NOTE 7 - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Deferred warranty revenue - current portion                                            $     229  $     742
Chargeback allowance                                                                         635        350
Allowance for financial guarantees                                                         1,387        419
Other                                                                                      1,183        921
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       $   3,434  $   2,432
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OPERATING  LEASES -  Hickey Dodge  leases its  dealership facility  from various
lessors, but principally from Rolynn's  Ltd. ("Rolynn's"), an entity  controlled
by  Lyndel Hickey  (see Note  9). These  lease agreements  are generally renewed
annually. The Company also leases certain equipment for terms ranging from 2  to
5 years.
 
Rent expense on all operating leases was approximately $833,000 and $846,000 for
the  years ended December 31, 1994  and 1995, respectively. Additionally, Hickey
Dodge is liable for property taxes and insurance.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
Future aggregate minimum rental commitments for noncancellable operating  leases
are immaterial.
 
From  time to time,  Hickey Dodge will  either partially or  fully guarantee the
payment of certain customers'  loans relating to the  purchase of vehicles  from
Hickey  Dodge. A portion of these customer loans are purchased by Dakota Finance
(see Note 9). As of December 31, 1994 and 1995, Hickey Dodge had full guarantees
on outstanding loans  with a  principal balance of  $14,421,000 and  $7,780,000,
respectively.  Additionally, as of December 31,  1994 and 1995, Hickey Dodge had
partial guarantees on outstanding customer  loans with total principal  balances
of  $7,313,000  and  $3,896,000,  respectively. Partial  guarantees  are  for an
agreed-upon amount less than the face value of the loan. Hickey Dodge records an
allowance for estimated future losses on  such guarantees. Below is an  analysis
of the allowance for estimated losses on such guarantees (in thousands).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1994       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Balance at January 1                                                                 $   1,120  $   1,387
Provision                                                                                1,626        309
Actual losses relating to guarantees                                                    (1,359)    (1,277)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
Balance at December 31                                                               $   1,387  $     419
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
Hickey  Dodge is a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course
of its business.  The liability, if  any associated with  these matters was  not
determinable  at December 31,  1995. While it  is not feasible  to determine the
outcome of these actions, Hickey Dodge's information, including discussions with
legal counsel, at this  time does not  indicate that these  matters will have  a
material  adverse effect upon the financial  condition, results of operations or
cash flows.
 
Hickey Dodge is  also subject  to federal and  state environmental  regulations,
including rules relating to air and water pollution and the storage and disposal
of  gasoline,  oil, and  other  chemicals and  waste.  Local, state  and federal
regulations also affect automobile dealership's advertising, sales, service  and
financing activities. Hickey Dodge believes that it complies with all applicable
laws relating to its business.
 
NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Dakota  Finance ("Dakota") is a finance company  owned 50% by Lyndel Hickey, the
sole stockholder of  Hickey Dodge,  and 50% by  Wade Hickey,  Vice President  of
Hickey  Dodge.  In assisting  its customers  with  their vehicle  purchases, the
Company arranges  financing through  various lenders,  including Dakota.  Hickey
Dodge receives no finance commission for customer loans arranged with Dakota and
generally guarantees the customer's loan. During 1994 and 1995 and the unaudited
six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, Dakota financed $2,592,000, $2,175,000,
$1,067,000 and $1,244,000, respectively, of Hickey Dodge's sales. As of December
31,  1995 and June 30, 1996, Dakota had $2,164,000 and $1,856,000 (unaudited) in
outstanding loans receivable which were guaranteed by Hickey Dodge. During  1994
and  1995, and  the unaudited six  months ended  June 30, 1995  and 1996, Hickey
Dodge  recognized  losses   of  $260,000,  $176,000,   $102,000  and   $119,000,
respectively, relating to nonperformance under such guarantees. An allowance for
estimated future losses relating to these financial guarantees has been included
in the allowance for financial guarantees discussed in Note 8 above.
 
As of December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996, Hickey Dodge had committed to advance
Dakota  up  to  $5,000,000 at  a  rate of  LIBOR  plus 3%.  This  commitment was
scheduled to expire in  April 1996; however,  it has been  extended on month  to
month  basis.  Hickey  Dodge  advanced, primarily  under  this  line  of credit,
$3,226,000, $1,660,000 and $287,000 (unaudited) to Dakota in 1994, 1995 and  the
six months ended June 30,
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>
                            LYNN HICKEY DODGE, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1996,  respectively, for working capital  purposes. Interest charged relating to
the line of  credit advances accrued  at 8.5% per  annum and LIBOR  plus 3%  per
annum. Interest income of $43,000, $31,000, $26,000 and $7,000 was recognized on
the  advances during  the years  ended December  31, 1994  and 1995  and for the
unaudited six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. As of  December
31,  1994, 1995, and June 30, 1996, $800,000, $802,000 and $360,000 (unaudited),
respectively, was outstanding relating to such advances.
 
Hickey Dodge arranges credit life and accident and disability insurance for  its
customers  in connection  with their  purchase of  new and  used vehicles. These
insurance contracts are  arranged on behalf  of Mega Life  and Health  Insurance
Company,  which reinsures a portion  of the risk with  a company owned by Lyndel
Hickey. During 1994 and 1995, insurance premiums received from customers totaled
$1.6 million and $0.8  million of which 60%  was paid to Mega  Life and 40%  was
retained by Hickey Dodge as commission.
 
As  more fully discussed  in Note 8,  Hickey Dodge leases  most of its operating
facilities from Rolynn's, an entity controlled  by Lyndel Hickey, who owns  100%
of  Hickey Dodge's stock. Rent expense under this lease was $780,000 during 1994
and 1995.
 
NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Hickey Dodge has executed a purchase and sale agreement whereby it has agreed to
sell substantially all of its assets to Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. The
purchase price will consist of cash consideration of approximately $13.1 million
for fixed assets  and intangible assets,  plus an estimated  $750,000 for  parts
inventory.  In addition, the purchaser will acquire the new vehicle inventory at
cost and may acquire the used vehicle inventory at a negotiated value. The  sale
is subject to customary closing conditions as well as the purchaser's successful
completion  of  its  initial  public  offering and  approval  of  the  change in
ownership by Dodge.
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>
 
   
                                        [Photograhs]
 
Insert Photo of Service Central at Westgate    Insert Photo of Quality Nissan
Chevrolet
 
Insert Photo of Customer Taking Delivery       Insert Photo of Performance Dodge
of New Chevrolet
 
Insert Photo of Midway Chevrolet               Insert Photo of Lynn Hickey Dodge
    
<PAGE>
 
                                   [LOGO]
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth  all  expenses,  other  than underwriting
discounts and commissions, payable by the Company in connection with the sale of
the Common Stock being registered. All  the amounts shown are estimates,  except
for  the registration fee with the  Securities and Exchange Commission, the NASD
filing fee and the New York Stock Exchange fees.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
SEC registration fee....................................................  $  21,067
NASD filing fee.........................................................      6,610
New York Stock Exchange fees............................................    119,600
Blue Sky fees and expenses..............................................     22,500
Printing and engraving expenses.........................................    142,000
Legal fees and expenses.................................................    650,000*
Accounting fees and expenses............................................    550,000
Transfer agent and registrar fees.......................................      7,200
Miscellaneous...........................................................    131,023
                                                                          ---------
    TOTAL...............................................................  $1,650,000
                                                                          ---------
                                                                          ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
   
*   Includes legal  fees  and  expenses  payable  by  the  Selling  Stockholders
    estimated at $29,000.
    
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.
 
    The  Company's Certificate of Incorporation and  Bylaws set forth the extent
to which officers or directors of Cross-Continent may be indemnified against any
liabilities which they may incur. The general effect of such provisions is  that
any  person made a party to an action,  suit or proceeding by reason of the fact
that he  is  or  was a  director  or  officer  of the  Company,  or  of  another
corporation  or other enterprise for  which he served as  such at the request of
the Company, shall  be indemnified  by the Company  against expenses  (including
attorneys'  fees), judgments, fines and amounts  paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection  with such action, suit or  proceeding,
to  the  full extent  permitted under  the laws  of the  State of  Delaware. The
Company's Certificate of Incorporation  and Bylaws give  the Board of  Directors
the  authority to  extend such  indemnification to  employees of  the Company as
well. These provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and  Bylaws
are  not exclusive of  any other indemnification  rights to which  an officer or
director may be entitled, whether by contract or otherwise.
 
    The general effect  of the indemnification  provisions contained in  Section
145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is as follows: A director or officer
who,  by reason of such directorship or  officership, is involved in any action,
suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the  corporation)
may  be indemnified  by the  corporation against  expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts  paid in settlement actually and  reasonably
incurred  by him in connection with such  action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he 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 that his conduct was unlawful.
A director or  officer who, by  reason of such  directorship or officership,  is
involved  in any action  or suit by  or in the  right of the  corporation may be
indemnified by  the corporation  against  expenses (including  attorneys'  fees)
actually  and  reasonably incurred  by  him in  connection  with the  defense or
settlement of such action or suit if he  acted in good faith and in a manner  he
reasonably  believed  to be  in  or not  opposed to  the  best interests  of the
corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim,
issue or matter  as to which  he shall have  been adjudged to  be liable to  the
corporation  unless  and  only  to  the  extent  that  a  court  of  appropriate
jurisdiction shall approve such indemnification.
 
    The Company's Certificate  of Incorporation  provides that,  to the  maximum
extent  permitted under the General Corporation Law  of the State of Delaware, a
director of Cross-Continent shall not be personally liable to the Company or  to
any  of its stockholders for monetary damages  for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director of the Company. Section  102(b)(7) of the Delaware General  Corporation
Law  permits a corporation to include in its charter a provision that eliminates
or limits the personal liability of a director to the
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
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) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for  any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
    The  Company intends to purchase directors'  and officers' insurance for its
executive officers and directors, assuming  that such insurance is available  on
commerically reasonable terms.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
    The  Company  was  incorporated on  May  16,  1996. The  Company  issued the
following shares of Common Stock as of June 12, 1996 for $10 per share in cash:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              STOCKHOLDER                NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUED
- ---------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                      <C>
Bill A. Gilliland                                       51
Twenty-Two Ten, Ltd.                                    17
Xaris, Ltd.                                             17
Benji Investments, Ltd.                                 10
</TABLE>
 
    On June 20,  1996, the  Company issued the  following shares  of its  Common
Stock  in exchange for all of the  issued and outstanding shares of common stock
of Plains Chevrolet,  Inc., Midway  Chevrolet, Inc.,  Westgate Chevrolet,  Inc.,
Quality Nissan, Inc. and Working Man's Credit Plan, Inc.:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              STOCKHOLDER                NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUED
- ---------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                      <C>
Gilliland Group Family Partnership               8,656,790
Benji Investments, Ltd.                          1,012,490
KAPL, Ltd.                                         151,875
</TABLE>
 
    On  June 21, 1996, the Company issued 303,750 shares of Common Stock to Ezra
P. Mager for an aggregate of $250,000 in cash.
 
    All of  the  issuances  of  securities  described  above  were  exempt  from
registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                               DESCRIPTION
- ------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>
        *1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement
       **2.1  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 17, 1996, among Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc., Lynn Hickey and
              Cross Country Dodge, Inc.
       **3.1  Certificate of Incorporation of Cross-Country Auto Retailers, Inc. (now named Cross-Continent Auto
              Retailers, Inc.)
       **3.2  Proposed Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cross-Continent Auto
              Retailers, Inc.
       **3.3  Bylaws of Cross-Country Auto Retailers, Inc. (now named Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.)
       **3.4  Proposed Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
        *4.1  Specimen Common Stock Certificate
       **4.2  Form of Rights Agreement between Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as
              rights agent
        *4.3  Proposed Form of Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement
       **4.4  Form of 1996 Stock Option Plan of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
        *5.1  Opinion and Consent of Howard, Darby & Levin
      **10.1  Dealer Sales and Service Agreement, dated November 1, 1995, between the Chevrolet Division of
              General Motors Corporation and Plains Chevrolet, Inc., as amended by Supplemental Agreement, dated
              as of July 29, 1996***
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                               DESCRIPTION
- ------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>
      **10.2  Sales and Service Agreement between Performance Dodge, Inc. and Chrysler Corporation
      **10.3  Dealer Sales and Service Agreement, dated April 20, 1989, between the Nissan Division of Nissan
              Motor Corporation in U.S.A. and Nissan of Amarillo, Inc.****
      **10.4  Dollar Volume Contract, dated March 31, 1994, between Plains Chevrolet, Inc., Westgate Chevrolet,
              Inc., Midway Chevrolet, Inc., and Quality Nissan, Inc. and Amarillo Globe News
      **10.5  Sublease Agreement, dated June 1, 1995, between Gilliland Group Family Partnership and Performance
              Nissan, Inc.
      **10.6  Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 1994, among John W. Adams, Eleanore A. Braly as Trustee of the
              Eleanore A. Braly Trust, Romie G. Carpenter, Melody Lynn Goff, and Selden Simpson and Quality
              Nissan, Inc.
      **10.7  Office Lease, dated June 1, 1996, between Gilliland Group Family Partnership and Cross-Country Auto
              Retailers, Inc. (now named Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.)
      **10.8  Wholesale Security Agreement, as amended, dated December 4, 1995, between General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation and Performance Dodge, Inc. *****
      **10.9  Corporation and Shareholders' Agreement of Xaris Management Co.
     **10.10  Documents, dated December 4, 1995, relating to $5,550,000 loan by General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation to Performance Dodge, Inc.
     10.10.1  Promissory Note by Performance Dodge, Inc. to General Motors Acceptance Corporation, in the amount
              of $1,850,000
     10.10.2  Promissory Note by Performance Dodge, Inc. to General Motors Acceptance Corporation, in the amount
              of $3,700,000
     10.10.3  Cross-Default and Cross-Collateralization Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation
              and Performance Dodge, Inc.
     10.10.4  Security Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Performance Dodge, Inc.
     10.10.5  Mortgage, Assignment and Security Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and
              Performance Dodge, Inc.
     **10.11  Documents relating to loan by General Motors Acceptance Corporation to Midway Chevrolet, Inc.
     10.11.1  Promissory Note, dated December 15, 1989, by Midway Chevrolet, Inc. to General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation, in the amount of $977,249.74
     10.11.2  Renewal, Extension and Modification Agreement, dated February 20, 1995, between General Motors
              Acceptance Corporation and Midway Chevrolet, Inc.
     10.11.3  Security Agreement, dated February 20, 1995, between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and
              Midway Chevrolet, Inc.
     **10.12  Documents, dated December 4, 1995, relating to $1,350,000 loan by General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation to Performance Nissan, L.L.C.
     10.12.1  Promissory Note by Performance Nissan, L.L.C. to General Motors Acceptance Corporation, in the
              amount of $1,350,000
     10.12.2  Cross-Default and Cross-Collateralization Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation
              and Performance Nissan, L.L.C.
     10.12.3  Security Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Performance Nissan, L.L.C.
     **10.13  Documents relating to used vehicle inventory financing agreements between General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation and Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. dealership subsidiaries
     10.13.1  Used Vehicle Wholesale Borrowing Base Credit Line Loan Agreement, dated June 7, 1996, between
              General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Peformance Dodge, Inc.*****
     10.13.2  Promissory Note, dated June 7, 1996, by Performance Dodge, Inc. to General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation, in the amount of $3,000,000******
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                               DESCRIPTION
- ------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>
     10.13.3  Cross-Default and Cross-Collateralization Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation
              and Performance Nissan, Inc., Performance Dodge, Inc., Midway Chevrolet, Inc., Plains Chevrolet,
              Inc., Quality Nissan, Inc. and Westgate Chevrolet, Inc.
      **21.1  Subsidiaries
       *23.1  Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, relating to the financial statements of
              Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. and subsidiaries and Jim Glover Dodge, Inc. and Lynn Hickey
              Dodge, Inc.
       *23.2  Consent of Howard, Darby & Levin (included in Exhibit 5.1)
      **24.1  Power of Attorney (see page II-5 filed June 21, 1996)
      **27.1  Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
   
*     Filed herewith.
    
**    Previously filed.
***   Substantially  identical Agreements  exist between  the Chevrolet Division
      and each of Midway Chevrolet, Inc. and Westgate Chevrolet, Inc.
****  Substantially identical Agreement exists  between the Nissan Division  and
      Performance Nissan, Inc.
***** Substantially identical Agreements exist between General Motors Acceptance
      Corporation  and each of  Midway Chevrolet, Inc.,  Plains Chevrolet, Inc.,
      Westgate Chevrolet,  Inc., Quality  Nissan, Inc.  and Performance  Nissan,
      Inc.
******Substantially  identical  Promissory Notes  have  been executed  by Midway
      Chevrolet, Inc., Plains Chevrolet, Inc., Westgate Chevrolet, Inc., Quality
      Nissan, Inc., and Performance Nissan,  Inc., in the amounts indicated  for
      each dealership subsidiary in the Cross-Default and
      Cross-Collateralization Agreement (Exhibit 10.13.3).
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
       (1) To  provide  to  the  underwriter at  the  closing  specified  in the
           underwriting  agreement,  certificates  in  such  denominations   and
    registered  in such  names as required  by the underwriter  to permit prompt
    delivery to each purchaser.
 
       (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
           1933, the information omitted  from the form  of prospectus filed  as
    part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained
    in  a form of prospectus filed by  the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
    or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
    registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
       (3) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
           of 1933,  each  post-effective  amendment that  contains  a  form  of
    prospectus  shall  be deemed  to  be a  new  registration statement  for the
    securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
    shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities  Act
of  1933 (the  "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  Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is  against public policy as  expressed
in  the 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 Act and  will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement to be  signed
on  its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New
York, State of New York, on August 30, 1996.
    
 
                                          CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
 
   
                                          By          /s/ ROBERT W. HALL
    
 
                                            ------------------------------------
   
                                             Name: Robert W. Hall
    
   
                                             Title: Senior Vice Chairman
    
 
   
    PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS  AMENDMENT
NO.  3 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN
THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATE INDICATED.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                         TITLE                         DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                                     *                  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
     -------------------------------------------         Director                               August 30, 1996
                  Bill A. Gilliland                      (principal executive officer)
 
     -------------------------------------------        Senior Vice Chairman and Director       August 30, 1996
                    Robert W. Hall
 
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Vice Chairman and Director              August 30, 1996
                    Ezra P. Mager
 
                                     *
     -------------------------------------------        Senior Vice President, Chief            August 30, 1996
                 Emmett M. Rice, Jr.                     Operating Officer and Director
 
                                     *                  Vice President and Chief Financial
     -------------------------------------------         Officer (principal accounting and      August 30, 1996
                  Charles D. Winton                      financial officer)
 
                *By: /s/ROBERT W. HALL
                    Robert W. Hall
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                           DESCRIPTION                                            PAGE
- ------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<C>           <S>                                                                                          <C>
        *1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement
       **2.1  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 17, 1996, among Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc., Lynn
              Hickey and Cross Country Dodge, Inc.
       **3.1  Certificate of Incorporation of Cross-Country Auto Retailers, Inc. (now named
              Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.)
       **3.2  Proposed Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cross-Continent Auto
              Retailers, Inc.
       **3.3  Bylaws of Cross-Country Auto Retailers, Inc. (now named Cross-Continent Auto Retailers,
              Inc.)
       **3.4  Proposed Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
        *4.1  Specimen Common Stock Certificate
       **4.2  Form of Rights Agreement between Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. and The Bank of New
              York, as rights agent
        *4.3  Proposed Form of Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement
       **4.4  Form of 1996 Stock Option Plan of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
        *5.1  Opinion and Consent of Howard, Darby & Levin
      **10.1  Dealer Sales and Service Agreement, dated November 1, 1995, between the Chevrolet Division
              of General Motors Corporation and Plains Chevrolet, Inc., as amended by Supplemental
              Agreement, dated as of July 29, 1996***
      **10.2  Sales and Service Agreement between Performance Dodge, Inc. and Chrysler Corporation
      **10.3  Dealer Sales and Service Agreement, dated April 20, 1989, between the Nissan Division of
              Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. and Nissan of Amarillo, Inc.****
      **10.4  Dollar Volume Contract, dated March 31, 1994, between Plains Chevrolet, Inc., Westgate
              Chevrolet, Inc., Midway Chevrolet, Inc., and Quality Nissan, Inc. and Amarillo Globe News
      **10.5  Sublease Agreement, dated June 1, 1995, between Gilliland Group Family Partnership and
              Performance Nissan, Inc.
      **10.6  Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 1994, among John W. Adams, Eleanore A. Braly as Trustee of
              the Eleanore A. Braly Trust, Romie G. Carpenter, Melody Lynn Goff, and Selden Simpson and
              Quality Nissan, Inc.
      **10.7  Office Lease, dated June 1, 1996, between Gilliland Group Family Partnership and
              Cross-Country Auto Retailers, Inc. (now named Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.)
      **10.8  Wholesale Security Agreement, as amended, dated December 4, 1995, between General Motors
              Acceptance Corporation and Performance Dodge, Inc. *****
      **10.9  Corporation and Shareholders' Agreement of Xaris Management Co.
     **10.10  Documents, dated December 4, 1995, relating to $5,550,000 loan by General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation to Performance Dodge, Inc.
     10.10.1  Promissory Note by Performance Dodge, Inc. to General Motors Acceptance Corporation, in the
              amount of $1,850,000
     10.10.2  Promissory Note by Performance Dodge, Inc. to General Motors Acceptance Corporation, in the
              amount of $3,700,000
     10.10.3  Cross-Default and Cross-Collateralization Agreement between General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation and Performance Dodge, Inc.
     10.10.4  Security Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Performance Dodge,
              Inc.
     10.10.5  Mortgage, Assignment and Security Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation
              and Performance Dodge, Inc.
     **10.11  Documents relating to loan by General Motors Acceptance Corporation to Midway Chevrolet,
              Inc.
     10.11.1  Promissory Note, dated December 15, 1989, by Midway Chevrolet, Inc. to General Motors
              Acceptance Corporation, in the amount of $977,249.74
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                           DESCRIPTION                                            PAGE
- ------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<C>           <S>                                                                                          <C>
     10.11.2  Renewal, Extension and Modification Agreement, dated February 20, 1995, between General
              Motors Acceptance Corporation and Midway Chevrolet, Inc.
     10.11.3  Security Agreement, dated February 20, 1995, between General Motors Acceptance Corporation
              and Midway Chevrolet, Inc.
     **10.12  Documents, dated December 4, 1995, relating to $1,350,000 loan by General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation to Performance Nissan, L.L.C.
     10.12.1  Promissory Note by Performance Nissan, L.L.C. to General Motors Acceptance Corporation, in
              the amount of $1,350,000
     10.12.2  Cross-Default and Cross-Collateralization Agreement between General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation and Performance Nissan, L.L.C.
     10.12.3  Security Agreement between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Performance Nissan,
              L.L.C.
     **10.13  Documents relating to used vehicle inventory financing agreements between General Motors
              Acceptance Corporation and Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. dealership subsidiaries
     10.13.1  Used Vehicle Wholesale Borrowing Base Credit Line Loan Agreement, dated June 7, 1996,
              between General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Peformance Dodge, Inc.*****
     10.13.2  Promissory Note, dated June 7, 1996, by Performance Dodge, Inc. to General Motors
              Acceptance Corporation, in the amount of $3,000,000******
     10.13.3  Cross-Default and Cross-Collateralization Agreement between General Motors Acceptance
              Corporation and Performance Nissan, Inc., Performance Dodge, Inc., Midway Chevrolet, Inc.,
              Plains Chevrolet, Inc., Quality Nissan, Inc. and Westgate Chevrolet, Inc.
      **21.1  Subsidiaries
       *23.1  Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, relating to the financial
              statements of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. and subsidiaries and Jim Glover Dodge,
              Inc. and Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc.
       *23.2  Consent of Howard, Darby & Levin (included in Exhibit 5.1)
      **24.1  Power of Attorney (see page II-5 filed June 21, 1996)
      **27.1  Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
   
*     Filed herewith.
    
**    Previously filed.
***   Substantially  identical Agreements  exist between  the Chevrolet Division
      and each of Midway Chevrolet, Inc. and Westgate Chevrolet, Inc.
****  Substantially identical Agreement exists  between the Nissan Division  and
      Performance Nissan, Inc.
***** Substantially identical Agreements exist between General Motors Acceptance
      Corporation  and each of  Midway Chevrolet, Inc.,  Plains Chevrolet, Inc.,
      Westgate Chevrolet,  Inc., Quality  Nissan, Inc.  and Performance  Nissan,
      Inc.
******Substantially  identical  Promissory Notes  have  been executed  by Midway
      Chevrolet, Inc., Plains Chevrolet, Inc., Westgate Chevrolet, Inc., Quality
      Nissan, Inc., and Performance Nissan,  Inc., in the amounts indicated  for
      each dealership subsidiary in the Cross-Default and
      Cross-Collateralization Agreement (Exhibit 10.13.3).
 
                                       ii

<PAGE>

                                   3,675,000 SHARES


                         CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.

                        COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE



                                UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT




September __, 1996


<PAGE>

                                                              September __, 1996




Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Furman Selz LLC
Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc.
c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
    1585 Broadway
    New York, New York  10036

Dear Sirs and Mesdames:

         Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in
Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters"), an aggregate of 3,675,000 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Firm Shares").

         Certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders") named
in Schedule II hereto propose to sell not more than an aggregate of 551,250
shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share of the Company (together, the
"Additional Shares"), each Selling Stockholder selling up to the amount set
forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name in Schedule II hereto, if and to
the extent that you, as Managers of the offering, shall have determined to
exercise, on behalf of the Underwriters, the right to purchase such shares of
common stock granted to the Underwriters in Section 3 hereof.  The Firm Shares
and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Shares."  The shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
to be outstanding after giving effect to the sales contemplated hereby are
hereinafter referred to as the "Common Stock."  The Company and the Selling
Stockholders are hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the
"Sellers."

         The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement, including a prospectus, relating to the
Shares.  The registration statement as amended at the time it becomes effective,
including the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration
statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), is hereinafter
referred to as the "Registration Statement"; the prospectus in the form first
used to confirm sales of Shares is hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus."
If the Company files a registration statement to register a portion of the
Shares and relies on Rule 462(b) for such registration statement to become
effective upon filing with the Commission (the "Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement"), then any reference to the "Registration Statement" shall be deemed
to refer to both the registration statement referred to above and the Rule
462(b) Registration Statement, in each case as amended from time to time.


<PAGE>


         1.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The Company
represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that:

         (a)  The Registration Statement has become effective; no stop order
    suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect,
    and no proceedings for such purpose are pending before or threatened by the
    Commission.

         (b)  (i) The Registration Statement, when it became effective, did not
    contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain
    any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
    required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
    not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply
    and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will comply in all material
    respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations
    of the Commission thereunder and (iii) the Prospectus does not contain and,
    as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue
    statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
    make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
    they were made, not misleading, except that the representations and
    warranties set forth in this paragraph (b) do not apply to statements or
    omissions in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus based upon
    information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing
    by such Underwriter through you expressly for use therein.

         (c)  The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a
    corporation in good standing under the laws of Delaware, has the corporate
    power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as
    described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and
    is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its
    business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such
    qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or
    be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company
    and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         (d)  Each of Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc., Midway Chevrolet, Inc., Plains
    Chevrolet, Inc., Westgate Chevrolet, Inc., Quality Nissan, Inc.,
    Performance Nissan, Inc., Performance Dodge, Inc., Working Man's Credit
    Plan, Inc. and Allied 2000 Collision Center, Inc. has been duly
    incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under
    the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the corporate power
    and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described
    in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good
    standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its
    ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the
    extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not
    have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
    as a whole.


                                          2

<PAGE>

         (e)  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
    by the Company.

         (f)  The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal
    matters to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus.

         (g)  The shares of Common Stock (including the Shares to be sold by
    the Selling Stockholders) outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares
    to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and are validly issued,
    fully paid and non-assessable.

         (h)  The Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized
    and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this
    Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the
    issuance of such Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar
    rights.

         (i)  The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance
    by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement will not contravene
    any provision of applicable law or the certificate of incorporation or by-
    laws of the Company or any agreement or other instrument binding upon the
    Company or any of its subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its
    subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or any judgment, order or decree of any
    governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or 
    any subsidiary, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or
    qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the
    performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except
    such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various 
    states in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.

         (j)  There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any
    development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the
    condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or
    operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that
    set forth in the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendments or supplements
    thereto subsequent to the date of this Agreement).

         (k)  There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or
    threatened to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to
    which any of the properties of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
    subject that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or
    the Prospectus and are not so described or any statutes, regulations,
    contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the
    Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
    Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.

         (l)  Each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the Registration
    Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed
    pursuant to Rule 424


                                          3

<PAGE>

    or Rule 462 under the Securities Act, complied when so filed in all
    material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and
    regulations of the Commission thereunder.

         (m)  The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and
    sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described
    in the Prospectus, will not be an "investment company" as such term is
    defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

         (n)  The Company and its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any
    and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations
    relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or
    hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants
    ("Environmental Laws"), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other
    approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct
    their respective businesses and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and
    conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where such
    noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits,
    licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with the terms and
    conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals would not, singly or in
    the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
    subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         (o)  There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the
    Company and any person granting such person the right to require the
    Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with
    respect to any securities of the Company or to require the Company to
    include such securities with the Shares registered pursuant to the
    Registration Statement.

         (p)  Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is
    given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (1) the Company and
    its subsidiaries have not incurred any material liability or obligation,
    direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction not in the
    ordinary course of business; (2) the Company has not purchased any of its
    outstanding capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any
    dividend or distribution of any kind on its capital stock; and (3) there
    has not been any material change in the capital stock, short-term debt or
    long-term debt of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, except in
    each case as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus and except, in
    the case of a change in short-term debt relating to a corresponding change
    in inventory, as occurs in the ordinary course of the Company's business.

         (q)  The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title
    in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all
    personal property owned by them which is material to the business of the
    Company and its subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens,
    encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Prospectus or
    such as do not materially affect the value of such


                                          4

<PAGE>

    property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of
    such property by the Company and its subsidiaries; and any real property
    and buildings held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries are held
    by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions
    as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to
    be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its subsidiaries,
    in each case except as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.

         (r)  No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or
    any of its subsidiaries exists, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is
    imminent; and the Company is not aware of any existing, threatened or
    imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal
    suppliers, manufacturers (other than with respect to the upcoming contract
    negotiations between General Motors Corporation and Chrysler Corporation
    and representatives of the International Union, United Automobile,
    Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) as described
    in the Prospectus) or contractors that would reasonably be expected to
    result in any material adverse change in the condition, financial or
    otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and
    its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         (s)  The Company and each of its subsidiaries are insured by insurers
    of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in
    such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they
    are engaged; neither the Company nor any such subsidiary has been refused
    any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and neither the Company nor
    any such subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to
    renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or
    to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to
    continue its business at a cost that would not materially and adversely
    affect the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business or
    operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as
    described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.

         (t)  The Company and its subsidiaries possess all certificates,
    authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or
    foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective
    businesses, except where the lack of such certificates, authorizations and
    permits would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
    effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and neither
    the Company nor any such subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings
    relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate,
    authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject
    of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would result in a material
    adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the
    earnings, business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
    as a whole, except as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.


                                          5

<PAGE>

         (u)  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation
    of any federal or state law or regulation relating to occupational safety
    and health and the Company and its subsidiaries have received all permits,
    licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable federal and
    state occupational safety and health laws and regulations to conduct their
    respective businesses, and the Company and each such subsidiary is in
    compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permits, licenses or
    approvals, except any such violation of law or regulation, failure to
    receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply
    with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals which
    would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse change
    in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or
    operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as
    described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.

         (v)  The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of
    internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance
    that (1) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general
    or specific authorizations; (2) transactions are recorded as necessary to
    permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
    accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (3)
    access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general
    or specific authorization; and (4) the recorded accountability for assets
    is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and
    appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

         (w)  As of the date the Registration Statement becomes effective, the
    Common Stock will be authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange
    (the "NYSE"), subject to official notice of issuance.

         (x)  The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with any and
    all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations,
    except where such non-compliance would not, singly or in the aggregate,
    have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
    as a whole; the franchise agreements, in each case between a subsidiary of
    the Company and General Motors Corporation, Chrysler Corporation, or Nissan
    Motor Corporation U.S.A. (collectively, the "Manufacturers"), have been
    duly authorized by the Company and such subsidiaries and are valid and
    binding agreements of the Company and such subsidiaries, enforceable in
    accordance with their terms; and the Company has obtained all consents,
    authorizations and approvals from the Manufacturers required to conduct the
    public offering of Common Stock as contemplated hereby.

         (y)  The Company has complied with all provisions of Section 517.075,
    Florida Statutes relating to doing business with the Government of Cuba or
    with any person or affiliate located in Cuba.


                                          6

<PAGE>

         2.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS AND
THE EXECUTIVE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS.

         (a)  Each of the Selling Stockholders represents and warrants to and
agrees with each of the Underwriters that:

              (i)   Each Selling Stockholder which is a limited partnership has
         been duly formed, is validly existing as a limited partnership under
         the laws of Texas and has the power and authority to execute, deliver
         and perform its respective obligations under this Agreement and the
         Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement signed by such
         Selling Stockholder and the Company, as Custodian, relating to the
         deposit of the Additional Shares to be sold by such Selling
         Stockholder, appointing certain individuals as such Selling
         Stockholder's attorneys-in-fact to the extent set forth therein, and
         relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the
         Registration Statement (the "Power of Attorney and Custody
         Agreement").

              (ii)   This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder.

              (iii)   The execution and delivery by such Selling Stockholder
         of, and the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations
         under, this Agreement and  the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement
         will not contravene any provision of applicable law, or the agreement
         of limited partnership of such Selling Stockholder (if such Selling
         Stockholder is a limited partnership), or any agreement or other
         instrument binding upon such Selling Stockholder or any judgment,
         order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having
         jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder, and no consent, approval,
         authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental
         body or agency is required for the performance by such Selling
         Stockholder of its obligations under this Agreement or the Power of
         Attorney and Custody Agreement of such Selling Stockholder, except
         such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the
         various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.

              (iv)   Such Selling Stockholder has, and on the Option Closing
         Date (as defined below) will have, valid title to the Additional
         Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder and the legal right and
         power, and all authorization and approval required by law, to enter
         into this Agreement, the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement and
         to sell, transfer and deliver the Additional Shares to be sold by such
         Selling Stockholder.


                                          7

<PAGE>


              (vi)   The Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement has been duly
         authorized, executed and delivered by such Selling Stockholder and is
         a valid and binding agreement of such Selling Stockholder.

              (vii)   Delivery of the Additional Shares to be sold by such
         Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement will pass title to such
         Additional Shares free and clear of any security interests, claims,
         liens, equities and other encumbrances.

         (b)  Each of the stockholders of the Company (the "Executive Selling
    Stockholders") named in Schedule IV hereto represents and warrants to and
    agrees with each of the Underwriters that:  (i) The Registration Statement,
    when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended or supplemented,
    if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
    omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
    make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement
    and the Prospectus comply and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable,
    will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the
    applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and (iii) the
    Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable,
    will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
    material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
    circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the
    representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph 2(b) do not
    apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement or the
    Prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to
    the Company in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use
    therein.

    3.   AGREEMENTS TO SELL AND PURCHASE.  The Company hereby agrees to sell to
the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the
representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions
hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the
Company at $______ a share (the "Purchase Price") the respective numbers of Firm
Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as you may
determine) set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter.

         On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, each Selling Stockholder,
severally and not jointly, agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional
Shares (PROVIDED that if the Underwriters elect to purchase less than all of the
Additional Shares, the number of Additional Shares to be sold by each Selling
Stockholder shall be reduced PRO RATA (subject to such adjustment to eliminate
fractional shares as you may determine) based upon the maximum number of
Additional Shares that may be sold by the Selling Stockholders), and the
Underwriters shall have a one-time right to purchase, severally and not jointly,
up to 551,250 Additional Shares at the Purchase Price.  If you, on behalf of the
Underwriters, elect to exercise such option, you shall so notify the Selling
Stockholders in writing not later than 30 days after the date of


                                          8

<PAGE>

this Agreement, which notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be
purchased by the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be
purchased.  Such date may be the same as the Closing Date (as defined below) but
not earlier than the Closing Date nor later than ten business days after the
date of such notice.  Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section
5 hereof solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection
with the offering of the Firm Shares.  If any Additional Shares are to be
purchased, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the
number of Additional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional
shares as you may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number
of Additional Shares to be purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth in
Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total
number of Firm Shares.

         Each Seller hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not,
during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the
date of the Prospectus, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any
option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of,
directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (provided that such shares
or securities are either now owned by such Selling Stockholder or are hereafter
acquired prior to or in connection with the public offering of the Shares) or
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common
Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to
be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or
otherwise.  The foregoing sentence shall not apply to (A) the Shares to be sold
hereunder (B) any options or similar securities issued pursuant to the Company's
1996 Stock Option Plan, as such plan is in effect on the date hereof, and (C)
any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon the exercise of any option
outstanding on the date hereof as disclosed in the Prospectus; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that any shares acquired by a Seller upon the exercise of such options
within such 180 day period shall become subject to such agreement.  In addition,
each Selling Stockholder agrees that, without the prior written consent of
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not,
during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the
date of the Prospectus, make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect
to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.

         4.   TERMS OF PUBLIC OFFERING.  The Sellers are advised by you that
the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions
of the Shares as soon after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have
become effective as in your judgment is advisable.  The Sellers are further
advised by you that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at
$__________ a share (the "Public Offering Price") and to certain dealers
selected by you at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $______
a share under the Public Offering Price, and that any Underwriter may allow, and


                                          9

<PAGE>

such dealers may reallow, a concession, not in excess of $_____ a share, to any
Underwriter or to certain other dealers.

         5.   PAYMENT AND DELIVERY.  Payment for the Firm Shares to be sold by
the Company shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately
available in New York City against delivery of such Firm Shares for the
respective accounts of the several Underwriters at the office of Shearman &
Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, at 10:00 A.M., local time,
on [Pricing Date + 3 business days or 4 business days if pricing occurs after
4:30 P.M.], 1996, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not
later than [Closing Date + 5 business days], 1996, as shall be designated in
writing by you.  The time and date of such payment are hereinafter referred to
as the "Closing Date."

         The Underwriters agree to reserve a maximum of 183,750 of the Firm
Shares for offering and sale to certain employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries (and to certain other persons designated by the Company) at the
public offering price (the "Directed Share Program").  Any such shares not
purchased by such persons by the end of the first business day after either (a)
the date on which the Registration Statement has become effective, or (b) if the
Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the date of this Agreement, will be
offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus.

         Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Selling
Stockholders in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City
against delivery of such Additional Shares for the respective accounts of the
several Underwriters at the office of Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue,
New York, New York, at 10:00 A.M., local time, on the date specified in the
notice described in Section 3 or on such other date, in any event not later than
[Exercise Date + 10 business days], 1996, as shall be designated in writing by
you.  The time and date of such payment are hereinafter referred to as the
"Option Closing Date."

         Certificates for the Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be in
definitive form and registered in such names and in such denominations as you
shall request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the
Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be.  The certificates
evidencing the Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be delivered to you on
the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for the
respective accounts of the several Underwriters, with any transfer taxes payable
in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters duly paid,
against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.

         6.   CONDITIONS TO THE UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS.  The obligations of
the Sellers to sell the Shares to the Underwriters and the several obligations
of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares on the Closing Date are
subject to the condition that the Registration Statement shall have become
effective not later than the date hereof.


                                          10

<PAGE>

         The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the
following further conditions:

         (a)  Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
    prior to the Closing Date:

              (i)   there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall
         any notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or
         of any review for a possible change that does not indicate the
         direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded any of the
         Company's securities by any "nationally recognized statistical rating
         organization," as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2)
         under the Securities Act; and

              (ii)   there shall not have occurred any change, or any
         development involving a prospective change, in the condition,
         financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of
         the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set
         forth in the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendments or supplements
         thereto subsequent to the date of this Agreement) that, in your
         judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in your judgment,
         impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner
         contemplated in the Prospectus.

         (b)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a
    certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of
    the Company, to the effect set forth in clause (a)(i) above and to the
    effect that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in
    this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the
    Company has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the
    conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before
    the Closing Date.

         The officer signing and delivering such certificate may rely upon the
    best of his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened.

         (c)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a
    certificate from each Selling Stockholder, dated the Closing Date and
    signed by such Selling Stockholder, or by an Attorney-in-Fact thereof on
    behalf of such Selling Stockholder, to the effect that the representations
    and warranties of such Selling Stockholder contained in this Agreement are
    true and correct as of the Closing Date and that such Selling Stockholder
    has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions
    on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing
    Date.


                                          11

<PAGE>

         (d)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a
    certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of
    the Company, in the form of Exhibit E hereto.

         (e)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an
    opinion of Howard, Darby & Levin, outside counsel for the Company, dated
    the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

         (f)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date (i) an
    opinion of Sprouse, Mozola, Smith & Rowley, P.C., special Texas and
    Oklahoma  counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date, in the form of
    Exhibit C hereto.

         (g)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an
    opinion of Mullin, Hoard & Brown, LLP, counsel for the Selling
    Stockholders, dated the Closing Date, to the effect set forth on Exhibit D
    hereto.

         (h)  The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an
    opinion of Shearman & Sterling, counsel for the Underwriters, dated the
    Closing Date, with respect to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
    and such other related matters as you may reasonably request, and such
    counsel shall have received such documents and information as they may
    reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

         With respect to subparagraph (xi) of Exhibit B, Howard, Darby & Levin
    and Shearman & Sterling may state that their opinion and belief are based
    upon their participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement
    and Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto and review and
    discussion of the contents thereof, but are without independent check or
    verification, except as specified.  With respect to Exhibit D, Mullin,
    Hoard & Brown, LLP may rely, with respect to factual matters and to the
    extent such counsel deems appropriate, upon the representations of each
    Selling Stockholder contained herein and in the Power of Attorney and
    Custody Agreement of such Selling Stockholder and in other documents and
    instruments; PROVIDED that copies of such Power of Attorney and Custody
    Agreements and of any such other documents and instruments shall be
    delivered to you and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
    to your counsel.

         (i)  The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof
    and the Closing Date, a letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date,
    as the case may be, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
    Underwriters, from Price Waterhouse LLP, independent public accountants,
    containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in
    accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the
    financial statements and certain financial information contained in the
    Registration Statement and the Prospectus dated the date hereof or the
    Closing Date.


                                          12

<PAGE>

         (j)  The "lock-up" agreements, each substantially in the form of
    Exhibit A hereto, between you and the stockholders, officers and directors
    of the Company listed on Schedule III hereto relating to sales and certain
    other dispositions of shares of Common Stock or certain other securities,
    delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and
    effect on the Closing Date.

         The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional
Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to you on the Option Closing Date
of such documents and legal opinions as you may reasonably request with respect
to the good standing of the Company, the valid title to the Additional Shares
sold by the Selling Stockholders and other matters related to the sale of the
Additional Shares.

         7.   COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.  In further consideration of the
agreements of the Underwriters herein contained, the Company covenants with each
Underwriter as follows:

         (a)  To furnish to you, without charge, four signed copies of the
    Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and for delivery to
    each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement
    (without exhibits thereto) and, during the period mentioned in paragraph
    (c) below, as many copies of the Prospectus and any supplements and
    amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as you may reasonably
    request.  In the case of the Prospectus, to use its reasonable best efforts
    to furnish to you copies of the Prospectus in New York City prior to 5:00
    p.m., on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement, in
    such quantities as you reasonably request.

         (b)  Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement or
    the Prospectus, to furnish to you a copy of each such proposed amendment or
    supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to
    which you reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the
    applicable period specified in Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act any
    prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.

         (c)  If, during such period after the first date of the public
    offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters
    the Prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales
    by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a
    result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in
    order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
    when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in
    the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or
    supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to
    prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the
    Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses you will furnish
    to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by you on behalf of the
    Underwriters and to any other dealers upon


                                          13

<PAGE>

    request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the
    statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in
    light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser,
    be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will
    comply with law.

         (d)  To endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the
    securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as you shall reasonably
    request; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not be obligated to file
    any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign
    corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified.

         (e)  To make generally available to the Company's security holders and
    to you as soon as practicable an earning statement that satisfies the
    provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and
    regulations of the Commission thereunder covering a twelve-month period
    beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement but not
    later than the first day of the Company's fiscal quarter next following
    such twelve-month period.

         (f)  Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement
    are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid
    all  expenses incident to the performance of its obligations and the
    obligations of the Selling Stockholders (other than expenses agreed to be
    paid by the Selling Stockholders under Section 8) under this Agreement,
    including:  (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company's
    counsel and the Company's accountants in connection with the registration
    and delivery of the Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or
    expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration
    Statements and the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, any preliminary
    prospectus, the Prospectus and amendments and supplements to any of the
    foregoing, including all printing costs associated therewith, and the
    mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers,
    in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses
    related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters,
    including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the cost of
    printing or producing any Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum in
    connection with the offer and sale of the Shares under state securities
    laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares
    for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 7(d)
    hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of
    counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in
    connection with the Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum, (iv) all
    filing fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in
    connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares
    by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (v) all costs and
    expenses incident to listing the Shares on the NYSE or other securities
    exchange or quotation system, (vi) the cost of printing certificates
    representing the Shares, (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent,
    registrar or depositary, (viii) the costs and expenses of the


                                          14

<PAGE>

    Company relating to investor presentations on any "road show" undertaken in
    connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares, including,
    without limitation, expenses associated with the production of road show
    slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in
    connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the
    Company, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of
    the Company and any such consultants, and the cost of any aircraft
    chartered in connection with the road show, and (ix) all other costs and
    expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company
    hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section.  It is
    understood, however, that except as provided in this Section, Section 9
    entitled "Indemnity and Contribution," and the last paragraph of Section 11
    below, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including
    fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on
    resale of any of the Shares by them and any advertising expenses connected
    with any offers they may make.

         8.   EXPENSES OF SELLING STOCKHOLDERS.  Each Selling Stockholder,
severally and not jointly, agrees to pay or cause to be paid (i) all taxes, if
any, on the transfer and sale of the Shares being sold by such Selling
Stockholder and (ii) the fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel for the
Selling Stockholders.

         9.   INDEMNITY AND CONTRIBUTION.  (a)  Each of the Company and the
Executive Selling Stockholders, jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any
Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or
Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities
(including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred
in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused
by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained
in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall
have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), or caused by any omission
or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except
insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such
untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon
information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by
such Underwriter through you expressly for use therein; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
any indemnification for which the Executive Selling Stockholders are liable
pursuant to this Section 9(a) shall be limited, with respect to each such
Executive Selling Stockholder, to the net proceeds (after deducting the
underwriting commission and before deducting expenses) received by such
Executive Selling Stockholder from any sale of Additional Shares pursuant
hereto.

         (b)  Each Selling Stockholder agrees, severally and not jointly, to
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who sign
the Registration


                                          15

<PAGE>

Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning
of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act,
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including,
without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in
connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in
the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus
or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have
furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), or caused by any omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only with
reference to information relating to such Selling Stockholder furnished in
writing by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder expressly for use in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any indemnification
for which the Selling Stockholders are liable pursuant to this Section 9(b)
shall be limited, with respect to each such Selling Stockholder, to the net
proceeds (after deducting the underwriting commission and before deducting
expenses) received by such Selling Stockholder from any sale of Additional
Shares pursuant hereto.

         (c)  Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, the Selling Stockholders, the directors of the
Company, the officers of the Company who sign the Registration Statement and
each person, if any, who controls the Company or any Selling Stockholder within
the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and
liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such
action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof,
any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the
Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), or caused
by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
but only with reference to information relating to such Underwriter furnished to
the Company in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto.

         (d)  In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation)
shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be
sought pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9, such person (the
"indemnified party") shall promptly notify the person against whom such
indemnity may be sought (the "indemnifying party") in writing and the
indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified
party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and
shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding.
In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its
own counsel, but the fees


                                          16

<PAGE>

and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party
unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually
agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such
proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party
and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel
would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between
them.  It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the
legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or
related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and
expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for
(i) all Underwriters and all persons, if any, who control any Underwriter within
the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act, (ii) the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the
Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of either such Section and (iii) all Selling Stockholders and all
persons, if any, who control any Selling Stockholder within the meaning of
either such Section, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as
they are incurred.  In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriters
and such control persons of the Underwriters, such firm shall be designated in
writing by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.  In the case of any such separate
firm for the Company, and such directors, officers and control persons of the
Company, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company.  In the case
of any such separate firm for the Selling Stockholders and such controlling
persons of the Selling Stockholders, such firm shall be designated in writing by
the persons named as attorneys-in-fact for the Selling Stockholders under the
Power of Attorney and Custody Agreements.  The indemnifying party shall not be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written
consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for
the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party
from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party
shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party
for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third
sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent
if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such
indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party
shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request
prior to the date of such settlement.  No indemnifying party shall, without the
prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any
pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or
could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such
indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of
such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter
of such proceeding.

         (e)  To the extent the indemnification provided for in paragraph (a),
(b) or (c) of this Section 9 is unavailable to an indemnified party or
insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred
to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of
indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount
paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims,


                                          17

<PAGE>

damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand
and the indemnified party or parties on the other hand from the offering of the
Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted
by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the
relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of
the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and of the indemnified party
or parties on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that
resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by the
Sellers on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection
with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective
proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before
deducting expenses) received by each Seller and the total underwriting discounts
and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the
table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering
Price of the Shares.  The relative fault of the Sellers on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by the Sellers or by the Underwriters and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission.  The Underwriters' respective obligations to contribute
pursuant to this Section 9 are several in proportion to the respective number of
Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint.

         (f)  The Sellers and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just
or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by PRO
RATA allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (e) of this Section 9.  The
amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth
above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party
in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, no Underwriter shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were
offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter
has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission.  No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.  The remedies provided for in this Section 9 are
not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be
available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

         (g)  The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this
Section 9 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the
Company and the Selling


                                          18

<PAGE>

Stockholders contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full
force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any person controlling
any Underwriter, any Selling Stockholder or any person controlling any Selling
Stockholder, or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling
the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.

         10.  TERMINATION.  This Agreement shall be subject to termination by
notice given by you to the Company, if (a) after the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have
been suspended or materially limited on or by, as the case may be, any of the
New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc., the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange or the Chicago Board of Trade, (ii) trading of any
securities of the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any
over-the-counter market, (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking
activities in New York shall have been declared by either Federal or New York
State authorities or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation
of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis
that, in your judgment, is material and adverse and (b) in the case of any of
the events specified in clauses (a) (i) through (iv) such event, singly or
together with any other such event, makes it, in your judgment, impracticable to
market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

         11.  EFFECTIVENESS; DEFAULTING UNDERWRITERS.  This Agreement shall
become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.

         If, on the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may
be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares
that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the
aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the
aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other
Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of
Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the
aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-
defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as you may specify, to
purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but
failed or refused to purchase on such date; PROVIDED that in no event shall the
number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this
Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section 11 by an amount in excess of
one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such
Underwriter.  If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall
fail or refuse to purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares
with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the
aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased, and arrangements satisfactory
to you, the Company and the Selling Stockholders for the purchase of such Firm
Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall
terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, the
Company or the


                                          19

<PAGE>

Selling Stockholders.  In any such case either you or the relevant Sellers shall
have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than
seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration
Statement and in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be
effected.  If, on the Option Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall
fail or refuse to purchase Additional Shares and the aggregate number of
Additional Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-
tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased, the non-
defaulting Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation
hereunder to purchase Additional Shares or (ii) purchase not less than the
number of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have
been obligated to purchase in the absence of such default.  Any action taken
under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability
in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.

         If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of
them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of any Seller to comply with
the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any
reason any Seller shall be unable to perform its obligations under this
Agreement, the Sellers will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as
have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all
out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and disbursements of their counsel)
reasonably incurred by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or
the offering contemplated hereunder.

         12.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be signed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

         13.  APPLICABLE LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


                                          20

<PAGE>

         14.  HEADINGS.  The headings of the sections of this Agreement have
been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part
of this Agreement.

                        Very truly yours,

                        CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.




                        By ________________________________________________
                             Name:
                             Title:


                        The Stockholders named in Schedules II and IV hereto,
                        acting severally



                        By _________________________________________________
                             Ezra P. Mager,
                             individually and as Attorney-in-Fact



Accepted as of the date hereof

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
FURMAN SELZ LLC
RAUSCHER PIERCE REFSNES, INC.

Acting severally on behalf
  of themselves and the
  several Underwriters named
  herein.

By Morgan Stanley & Co.
    Incorporated


By ______________________



                                          21

<PAGE>

                                      SCHEDULE I



                                                      Number of
                                                      Firm Shares
    Underwriter                                       To Be Purchased
    -----------                                       ---------------

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Furman Selz LLC
Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc.
[NAMES OF OTHER UNDERWRITERS]














                                                         -------------
                   Total ...................                3,675,000
                                                         -------------
                                                         -------------


<PAGE>

                                     SCHEDULE II

                                                                  Number of
                                                               Additional Shares
              Selling Stockholder                                 To Be Sold
              ------------------                                  ----------
Bill A. Gilliland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       388,631
Twenty-Two Ten, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership. . . . . .        97,020
Benji Investments, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership . . . .        56,779
KAPL, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership. . . . . . . . . . .         8,820
                                                                   ----------
Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       551,250


<PAGE>

                                     SCHEDULE III

                     CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Thomas A. Corchado
John W. Gaines
Robert W. Hall
Ezra P. Mager
Emmett M. Rice, Jr.
Jerry L. Pullen
Benjamin J. Quattrone
Charles D. Winton
Xaris, Ltd.



<PAGE>

                                     SCHEDULE IV

                            EXECUTIVE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS


Bill A. Gilliland
Twenty-Two Ten, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership
Benji Investments, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership


<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT A


                               FORM OF LOCK-UP CONTRACT

                                                                August __ , 1996

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Furman Selz LLC
Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc.
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY  10020

Dear Sirs:

         The undersigned understands that Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
("Morgan Stanley"), as Representative of the several Underwriters, proposes to
enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") with Cross-
Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") providing
for the public offering (the "Public Offering") by the several Underwriters,
including Morgan Stanley (the "Underwriters"), of shares of common stock, par
value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock").

         To induce the Underwriters that may participate in the Public Offering
to continue their efforts in connection with the Public Offering, the
undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of Morgan
Stanley on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period commencing
on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the date of the final prospectus
relating to the Public Offering (the "Prospectus"), (1) offer, pledge, sell,
contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option
or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or
otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common
Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Common Stock (provided that such shares or securities are either now owned by
the undersigned or are hereafter acquired prior to or in connection with the
Public Offering), or (2) enter into any swap or similar arrangement that
transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of
the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2)
above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in
cash or otherwise.  The foregoing sentence shall not apply to the sale of any
Shares to the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement [or to the
exercise of any options to purchase shares of Common Stock granted to the
undersigned and outstanding as of the date of the Underwriting Agreement;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any shares acquired by the undersigned upon the exercise
of such options within such 180 day period shall become subject to this
agreement].  In addition, the undersigned agrees that, without the prior written
consent of Morgan Stanley on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the
period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180


<PAGE>

days after the date of the Prospectus, make any demand for or extend any right
with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.

         Whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number
of factors, including market conditions.  Any Public Offering will only be made
pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of which are subject to
agreement between the Company and the Underwriters.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       ___________________________________
                                       (Name)


                                       ___________________________________
                                       (Address)

Accepted as of the date
first set forth above:

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED


By: ______________________________



<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT B


                       FORM OF OPINION OF HOWARD, DARBY & LEVIN

    Pursuant to Section 6(e) of the Underwriting Agreement, Howard, Darby &
Levin, counsel to the Company and, with respect to paragraph (xii), counsel to
the Selling Stockholders, shall furnish an opinion to the effect that:

              (i)   the Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing
         as a corporation in good standing under the laws of Delaware, has the
         corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its
         business as described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to
         transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
         which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of
         property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the
         failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a
         material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
         a whole;

              (ii)   the authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to
         legal matters to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus;

              (iii)   the shares of Common Stock (including the Shares to be
         sold by the Selling Stockholders) outstanding prior to the issuance of
         the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and are
         validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;

              (iv)  the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly
         authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms
         of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-
         assessable, and the issuance of such Shares will not be subject to any
         preemptive or similar rights;

              (v)   this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by the Company;

              (vi)   the execution and delivery by the Company of, and the
         performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement
         will not contravene any provision of applicable law or the certificate
         of incorporation or by-laws of the Company or, to such counsel's
         knowledge, any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company
         or any of its subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its
         subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, to such counsel's knowledge, any
         judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court
         having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary, and no
         consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with,
         any


<PAGE>

         governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the
         Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except such as may be
         required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in
         connection with the offer and sale of the Shares;

              (vii)   the statements (A) in the Prospectus under the caption
         "Business--Vehicle and Parts Suppliers," "Shares Eligible for Future
         Sale," "Management--Stock Option Plan," "Description of Capital Stock"
         and "Underwriters" and (B) in the Registration Statement in Items 14
         and 15, in each case insofar as such statements constitute summaries
         of the legal matters, documents or proceedings referred to therein,
         fairly present the information called for with respect to such legal
         matters, documents and proceedings and fairly summarize the matters
         referred to therein;

              (viii)   such counsel does not know of any legal or governmental
         proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject that are required to be
         described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not
         so described or of any statutes, regulations, contracts or other
         documents that are required to be described in the Registration
         Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
         Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required;

              (ix)   the Company is not and, after giving effect to the
         offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds
         thereof as described in the Prospectus, will not be an "investment
         company" as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of
         1940, as amended;

              (x)  to such Counsel's knowledge, the Company and its
         subsidiaries (A) are in compliance with any and all applicable
         Environmental Laws, (B) have received all permits, licenses or other
         approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to
         conduct their respective businesses and (C) are in compliance with all
         terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except
         where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive
         required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply
         with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals
         would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect
         on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and

              (xi)   such counsel (A) is of the opinion that the Registration
         Statement and Prospectus (except for financial statements and
         schedules and notes thereto and other financial data included therein
         as to which such counsel need not express any opinion) comply as to
         form in all material respects with


<PAGE>

         the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the
         Commission thereunder, (B) has no reason to believe that (except for
         the statements in Prospectus under the caption "Principal
         Stockholders" provided by the Selling Stockholders in writing to the
         Company and except for the financial statements and schedules and
         notes thereto and other financial data as to which such counsel need
         not express any belief) the Registration Statement and the prospectus
         included therein at the time the Registration Statement became
         effective contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
         to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
         make the statements therein not misleading and (C) has no reason to
         believe that (except for the statements in Prospectus under the
         caption "Principal Stockholders" provided by the Selling Stockholders
         in writing to the Company and except for financial statements and
         other financial data as to which such counsel need not express any
         belief) the Prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material
         fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
         statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
         were made, not misleading.

    With respect to paragraph (xi), Howard, Darby & Levin may state that their
opinion and belief are based upon their participation in the preparation of the
Registration Statement and Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto
and review and discussion of the contents thereof, but are without independent
check or verification, except as specified.


<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT C


               FORM OF OPINION OF SPROUSE, MOZOLA, SMITH & ROWLEY, P.C.


    Pursuant to Section 6(f) of the Underwriting Agreement, Sprouse, Mozola,
Smith & Rowley, P.C., special Texas and Oklahoma counsel to the Company, shall
furnish an opinion to the effect that:

              (i)   Each of Midway Chevrolet, Inc., Plains Chevrolet, Inc.,
         Westgate Chevrolet, Inc., Quality Nissan, Inc., Working Man's Credit
         Plan, Inc. and Allied 2000 Collision Center, Inc. (each, a "Texas
         Subsidiary") has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a
         corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas, has
         the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct
         its business as described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to
         transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
         which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of
         property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the
         failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a
         material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
         a whole;

              (ii)   Each of Lynn Hickey Dodge, Inc., Performance Nissan, Inc.
         and Performance Dodge, Inc. (each, an "Oklahoma Subsidiary" and
         together with the Texas Subsidiaries, the "Subsidiaries") has been
         duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good
         standing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, has the corporate
         power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as
         described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business
         and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of
         its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such
         qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so
         qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse
         effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

              (iii)   the statements in the Prospectus under the caption
         "Business -- Governmental Regulations" and "Business -- Litigation,"
         insofar as such statements constitute summaries of the legal matters,
         documents or proceedings referred to therein, fairly present the
         information called for with respect to such legal matters, documents
         and proceedings and fairly summarize the matters referred to therein;
         and

              (iv)   after due inquiry, such counsel does not know of any legal
         or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which any of the
         Subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the
         Subsidiaries is


<PAGE>

         subject that are required to be described in the Registration
         Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described or of any
         statutes, regulations or, to such counsel's knowledge, contracts or
         other documents that are required to be described in the Registration
         Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
         Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.


<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT D


                    FORM OF OPINION OF MULLIN, HOARD & BROWN, LLP

    Pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Underwriting Agreement, Mullin, Hoard &
Brown, LLP, counsel to the Selling Stockholders, shall furnish an opinion to the
effect that:

              (i)   each Selling Stockholder which is a limited partnership has
         been duly formed, is validly existing as a limited partnership under
         the laws of Texas and has the power and authority to execute, deliver
         and perform its respective obligations under this Agreement and the
         Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement;

              (ii)   this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by or on behalf of each of the Selling Stockholders;

              (iii)   the execution and delivery by each Selling Stockholder
         of, and the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations
         under, this Agreement and the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement
         of such Selling Stockholder will not contravene any provision of
         applicable law, or the agreement of limited partnership of such
         Selling Stockholder (if such Selling Stockholder is a limited
         partnership), or, to such counsel's knowledge, any agreement or other
         instrument binding upon such Selling Stockholder or, to such counsel's
         knowledge, any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body,
         agency or court having jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder, and
         no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification
         with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance
         by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under this Agreement or
         the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement of such Selling
         Stockholder, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue
         Sky laws of the various states in connection with offer and sale of
         the Shares;

              (iv)   each of the Selling Stockholders has valid title to the
         Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder and the legal right and
         power, and all authorization and approval required by law, to enter
         into this Agreement and the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement of
         such Selling Stockholder and to sell, transfer and deliver the Shares
         to be sold by such Selling Stockholder;

              (v)   the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement of each Selling
         Stockholder has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such
         Selling Stockholder and is a valid and binding agreement of such
         Selling Stockholder;


<PAGE>

              (vi)   delivery of the Shares to be sold by each Selling
         Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement will pass title to such Shares
         free and clear of any security interests, claims, liens, equities and
         other encumbrances; and

              (vii)   such counsel (A) has no reason to believe that the
         statements in the Prospectus under the caption "Principal
         Stockholders" at the time that the Registration Statement became
         effective contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
         to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
         make such statements not misleading and (B) has no reason to believe
         that the statements in the Prospectus under the caption "Principal
         Stockholders" contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
         to state a material fact necessary in order to make such statements,
         in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
         misleading.


    Mullin, Hoard & Brown may rely, with respect to factual matters and to the
extent such counsel deems appropriate, upon the representations of each Selling
Stockholder contained herein and in the Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement
of such Selling Stockholder and in other documents and instruments.


<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT E


                         CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.

                          CERTIFICATE AS TO DIRECTED SHARES


         I, Charles D. Winton, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby
certify that (a) certain officers and employees of the Company (collectively,
the "Purchasers") purchased an aggregate of ________ shares (the "Shares") of
the 3,675,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
offered by the Company as described in the Company's Prospectus, dated September
___, 1996, relating to such 3,675,000 shares, and (b) the list attached hereto
as Exhibit A accurately sets forth the name of each Purchaser and the respective
number of the Shares purchased by such Purchaser.

         In connection with the sale of stock by the Company and based upon
information provided to me by each Purchaser and to my knowledge, I hereby
certify that no such Purchaser or any member of the Purchaser's immediate family
is an officer, director, general partner, employee or agent of any securities
broker/dealer, or a person associated with any securities broker/dealer; a
senior officer of a bank, savings and loan institution, insurance company,
registered investment company, registered investment advisory firm or other
institutional type account, domestic or foreign; or a person in the securities
department of, or an employee or other person who may influence or whose
activities directly or indirectly involve or are related to the function of
buying or selling securities for, any bank, savings and loan institution,
insurance company, registered investment company, registered investment advisory
firm, or other institutional type account, domestic or foreign.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___th day of
September, 1996.

                                  __________________________________
                                  Charles D. Winton
                                  Vice President,
                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                     and Secretary


<PAGE>

                                                                Exhibit A

                         CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
                                DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM



Name                                                      Number of Shares
- ----                                                      ----------------

[Name of Purchaser]







                                                             _______

Total




<PAGE>


PATTY 7-03-96                                           H 45001-A  ETHER 27  JC
      7-26-96
                                          COMMON STOCK
                                    PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE


- ----------------                                          ---------------------
    NUMBER                                                       SHARES
C
- ----------------                                          ---------------------
         [LOGO]                      [GRAPHIC]

   INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS                      CUSIP 227481 10 8
    OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE                SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS


                     CROSSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.

        -------------------------------------------------------------
       | This certifies that                                         |
       |                                                             |
       |                                                             |
       |                                                             |
       |                                                             |
       |                                                             |
       |is the owner of                                              |
        -------------------------------------------------------------

         FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK OF
      Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., transferable on the books of
      the Corporation by the holder hereof, in person or by duly authorized 
      attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed or
      accompanied by a proper assignment. This Certificate and the shares
      represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all of the
      provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the
      Corporation, and all amendments thereto, copies of which are on file at
      the principal office of the Corporation to all of which the holder of
      this Certificate by acceptance hereof assents. This Certificate is not
      valid until countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and
      Registrar.
           In Witness Whereof, the Corporation has caused this Certificate to
      be signed in facsimile by its duly authorized officers and the facsimile
      corporate seal to be duly affixed hereto.

                                                DATED:
                                                COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
      /S/                                                THE BANK OF NEW YORK
      CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER                       TRANSFER AGENT
                                                                 AND REGISTRAR.
                                                BY
       /s/ Robert W. Hall
       SENIOR VICE CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER                  AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE.

                                                                 [SEAL]
                                                           AMERICAN BANK
                                                            NOTE COMPANY


<PAGE>


                   CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.

   Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. will furnish without charge to each 
stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and 
relative participating, optional or other special rights of each class of 
stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations of such 
preferences and/or rights.

    This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to certain 
rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between Cross-Continent Auto 
Retailers, Inc. and The Bank of New York, dated as of September 20, 1996 
(the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein 
by reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal executive 
offices of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. Under certain circumstances, 
as set forth in the Rights Agreement, such Rights will be evidenced by 
separate certificate and will no longer be evidenced by this certificate. 
Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. will mail to the holder of this 
certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement without charge after receipt of a 
written request therefor. Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the 
Rights Agreement, Rights issued to any Person who becomes an Acquiring Person 
(as defined in the Rights Agreement) may become null and void.

  The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of 
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full 
according to applicable laws or regulations:


<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>

 TEN COM -- as tenants in common        UNIF GIFT MIN ACT--_____Custodian______
 TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties                   (Cust)       (Minor)
 JT TEN  -- as joint tenants with             under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
           right of survivorship and
           not as tenants in common            ________________________________
                                                           (State)
</TABLE>


    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For Value Received,_______________________hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

  PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
      IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
 ------------------------------------------
|                                          |
|                                          |
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------Shares
of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby 
irrevocably constitute and appoint

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with 
full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated, _____________________

                                     X_________________________________________
        NOTICE:                                     (SIGNATURE)
  THE SIGNATURE(S) TO
  THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST
  CORRESPOND WITH THE
  NAME(S) AS WRITTEN
  UPON THE FACE OF THE                X________________________________________
  CERTIFICATE IN EVERY                               (SIGNATURE)
  PARTICULAR WITHOUT
  ALTERATION OR EN-              ----------------------------------------------
  LARGEMENT OR ANY              | THE SIGNATURES(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN |
  CHANGE WHATEVER               | ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS,       |
                                | STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS  |
                                | AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN      |
                                | APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION       |
                                | PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.   |
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                | SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED BY:                  |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                |                                              |
                                 ----------------------------------------------


 -------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
|     AMERICAN BANKNOTE COMPANY       | |       PRODUCTION COORDINATOR -       |
|        680 BLAIR MILL ROAD          | |       PAT STOVER-215-830-2155        |
|          HORSHAM, PA 19044          | |       PROOF OF JULY 29, 1996         |
|            215-657-3480             | |           CROSS-CONTINENT            |
|                                     | |            H 45001PATCH              |
 -------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
| SALES PERSON- R JOHNS -212-557-9100 | | Opr.     eg/JW/hj             Rev. 1 |
 -------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
|/home/ed/inprogress/home11/Cross45001| |        /net/banknote/home11/C        |
 -------------------------------------   --------------------------------------



<PAGE>


               IRREVOCABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY AND CUSTODY AGREEMENT



Robert W. Hall
Ezra P. Mager
As Attorneys-in-Fact
c/o Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
1201 S. Taylor Street
Amarillo, TX  79101

Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
As Custodian
1201 S. Taylor Street
Amarillo, TX  79101

Dear Sirs:

          The undersigned shareholder(s) of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), contemplates that the undersigned
stockholders of the Company (the undersigned stockholders being hereinafter
collectively called the "Selling Stockholders") may sell issued and outstanding
shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common
Stock"), to certain Underwriters (as defined below), pursuant to the over-
allotment option described in Section 3 of the Underwriting Agreement referred
to below, in connection with a registered initial public offering of the Common
Stock (the "Offering").  The undersigned also understands that the Company has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") (File No. 333-
06585) to register the shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") to be sold by the
Selling Stockholders in the Offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act").

          The undersigned, by executing and delivering this Irrevocable Power of
Attorney and Custody Agreement (the "Agreement"), confirms the undersigned's
willingness to sell the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth
next to the undersigned's name on Appendix A hereto (or such other lesser number
of shares of Common Stock, as determined by the Attorneys-in Fact (as defined
below) in accordance herewith) (collectively, the "Shares") to the Underwriters
and to deposit such Shares with the Company, acting in its capacity as Custodian
hereunder (the "Custodian"), all as hereinafter provided.

          The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of (i) a draft of an
underwriting agreement dated August __, 1996 (the "Underwriting Agreement"),
among the Company, the 

<PAGE>

                                        2

Selling Stockholders (acting by their attorneys-in-fact) and the Underwriters
listed on Schedule I thereto (the "Underwriters") relating to the Offering of
Common Stock to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company and the
Selling Stockholders, and (ii) a conformed copy (without exhibits) of the
original Registration Statement and all amendments thereto through the date of
execution hereof.  The undersigned understands that the Underwriting Agreement
is subject to revisions before execution, with such changes as the Attorneys-in-
Fact referred to below deem appropriate (including with respect to the number of
Shares of Common Stock to be sold), and that the Registration Statement has not
yet become effective under the Securities Act and is subject to amendment.

          To induce the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement
with the Company and the Selling Stockholders and to secure their performance,
the undersigned agrees, for the benefit of the other Selling Stockholders, the
Underwriters and the Company, as follows:

          (1)  APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT; GRANT OF AUTHORITY.  For
     purposes of effecting the sale of the Shares pursuant to the Underwriting
     Agreement, the undersigned hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and
     appoints Robert W. Hall and Ezra P. Mager, and each of them, the true and
     lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned (each, an "Attorney-
     in-Fact" and, collectively, the "Attorneys-in-Fact"), each with full power
     and authority (except as provided below) to act hereunder, individually,
     collectively, or through duly appointed successor attorneys-in-fact, in his
     or their sole discretion (it being understood and agreed that the
     Attorneys-in-Fact may, unless otherwise specified herein, act individually
     and, where collective action is specified, act collectively by and through
     the joint action of each of them, and that each of them may duly appoint
     successor attorneys-in-fact and delegate to them any and all of their
     powers hereunder), all as hereinafter provided, in the name of and for and
     on behalf of the undersigned, as fully as could the undersigned if present
     and acting in person, with respect to all matters in connection with the
     execution and delivery of the Underwriting Agreement and the registration
     and sale of the Shares in the Offering including, but not limited to, the
     power and authority to:

               (a)  authorize and direct the Custodian and any other person or
          entity to take any and all actions as may be necessary or deemed to be
          advisable by the Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them to effect the
          sale, transfer and disposition of the undersigned's Shares in, and in
          connection with, the Offering (including without limitation to
          determine the number of Shares of the undersigned to be sold (which
          may differ from the amount set forth in the Registration Statement and
          draft Underwriting Agreement reviewed by the undersigned) and the
          price at which such Shares will be sold to the Underwriters (which
          shall be the same price per Share as is paid by the 

<PAGE>

                                        3

          Underwriters to the Company pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement)),
          on such terms and conditions, except as set forth below, as the
          Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them may, in their sole discretion,
          determine;

               (b)  execute and deliver the Underwriting Agreement,
          substantially in the form of the draft dated August __, 1996, with
          such changes therein as the Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them, in
          their sole discretion, except as set forth below, may determine, the
          execution and delivery of such Underwriting Agreement by either
          Attorney-in-Fact to be conclusive evidence with respect to their
          approval thereof, and carry out and comply with each and all of the
          provisions of the Underwriting Agreement;

               (c)  arrange for, prepare or cause to be prepared an amendment or
          amendments to the Registration Statement and take all actions as may
          be necessary or deemed to be desirable with respect to the
          Registration Statement, including, without limitation, the execution,
          acknowledgment and delivery of all such certificates, reports,
          assurances, documents, letters and consents, as may be necessary or
          deemed to be desirable in connection therewith, and execute,
          acknowledge and deliver any and all certificates, assurances, reports,
          documents, letters and consents to the Commission, appropriate
          authorities of states or other jurisdictions, the Underwriters or
          legal counsel, which may be required or appropriate in connection with
          the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act or the
          securities or blue sky laws of the various states and jurisdictions or
          to facilitate sales of the Shares including, but not limited to (i) a
          request for acceleration of the effective date of the Registration
          Statement and (ii) any representations to the Commission necessary to
          facilitate effectiveness of the Registration Statement;

               (d)  retain legal counsel, as appropriate, in connection with any
          and all matters referred to herein (which counsel may, but need not,
          be counsel for the Company) to represent the Selling Stockholders in
          connection with the transactions referred to in the Underwriting
          Agreement and this Agreement;

               (e)  agree with the Company and the other Selling Stockholders
          upon the allocation of the expenses of the Offering, and upon the
          mutual indemnification of the Company, the Underwriters and the
          Selling Stockholders, including the undersigned and the Attorneys-in-
          Fact (it being understood and agreed that the Attorneys-in-Fact or
          either of them may be Selling Stockholders in the Offering) as set
          forth in the Underwriting Agreement, this Agreement or in any other
          agreement or instrument;

<PAGE>

                                        4

               (f)  endorse (in blank or otherwise) on behalf of the undersigned
          the certificates for Shares to be sold by the undersigned to the
          Underwriters, or a stock power or stock powers attached to such
          certificates; and

               (g)  take or cause to be taken any and all further actions, and
          execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, any and
          all such agreements (including, but not limited to, the Underwriting
          Agreement and any and all documents, instruments and certificates as
          may be necessary or deemed to be advisable in connection therewith),
          instruments, documents, certificates and share powers, with such
          changes as the Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them may, in their sole
          discretion, approve (such approval to be evidenced by their signature
          thereof) as may be necessary or deemed to be desirable by the
          Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them to effectuate, implement and
          otherwise carry out the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting
          Agreement and this Agreement, or as may be necessary or deemed to be
          desirable in connection with the registration of the Shares pursuant
          to the Securities Act or the sale of the Shares to the Underwriters;

     PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Attorneys-in-Fact shall act collectively
     insofar as their actions shall concern (i) the determination of the number
     of Shares to be sold by Selling Stockholders in the Offering, (ii) the
     determination of or any change in or modification of any material terms and
     conditions of the Offering, including, but not limited to, any
     determination with respect to the pricing, timing or provision of
     indemnification in connection with the Offering, (iii) determinations with
     respect to any allocation of Shares to be sold by Selling Stockholders in
     the Offering and (iv) allocation of any expenses to Selling Stockholders;
     PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that actions with respect to (iii) or (iv) may
     not be made in any manner other than ratably based on the relative number
     of Shares set forth with respect to the Selling Stockholders on Appendix A
     without the prior consent of each Selling Shareholder.  The Attorneys-in-
     Fact shall treat equitably all Selling Stockholders for whom the Attorneys-
     in-Fact are acting.  

          (2)  IRREVOCABILITY.  The undersigned has conferred and granted the
     power of attorney and all other authority contained herein in consideration
     of the Company's, the other Selling Stockholders' and the Underwriters'
     proceeding with, and for the purpose of completing, the transactions
     contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement.  Therefore, the undersigned
     hereby agrees that all power and authority hereby conferred is coupled with
     an interest and is irrevocable; and to the fullest extent not prohibited by
     law shall not be terminated by any act of the undersigned or by operation
     of law or by the occurrence of any event whatsoever, including, without
     limitation, the death, incapacity, dissolution, liquidation, termination,
     bankruptcy, dissolution of marital relationship or insolvency of the
     undersigned or any similar 

<PAGE>

                                        5

     event.  If, after the execution of this Agreement, any such event shall
     occur before the completion of the transactions contemplated by the
     Underwriting Agreement and this Agreement, the Attorneys-in-Fact and the
     Custodian are nevertheless authorized and directed to complete all of such
     transactions, including the delivery of the certificates for the Shares to
     be sold to the Underwriters, as if such event had not occurred and
     regardless of notice thereof.

          (3)  DEPOSIT AND DELIVERY OF SHARES.  The undersigned hereby appoints
     the Company as Custodian to hold the Shares and to dispose of them in
     accordance with the instructions of the Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them
     and as set forth herein, with full power in the name of, and for and on
     behalf of, the undersigned.

               (a)  If stock certificates with respect to the Shares are in the
          undersigned's possession, the undersigned hereby agrees to deliver
          herewith and deposit such certificates with the Custodian, together
          with an irrevocable stock power duly executed in blank.

               (b)  If any Shares are to be delivered to the Custodian by
          someone other than the undersigned, the undersigned hereby agrees to
          deliver to and deposit with the Custodian an irrevocable stock power
          duly executed in blank.

               (c)  The Attorneys-in-Fact and each of them hereby agree to
          instruct The Bank of New York to issue certificates for all of the
          Shares and to deliver such certificates to the Custodian or, in the
          alternative, to make an appropriate book entry transfer of such Shares
          to the account of the Custodian.

               (d)  The undersigned authorizes and directs the Custodian to
          deliver to the Underwriters such Shares as may be designated in
          written instructions from either Attorney-in-Fact and to deliver, or
          cause to be delivered, certificates representing such Shares to the
          Underwriters on the Option Closing Date referred to in the
          Underwriting Agreement against receipt of payment (payable to the
          Custodian) therefor.

               (e)  The undersigned hereby authorizes and directs the Attorneys-
          in-Fact and each of them and the Custodian to issue appropriate
          receipts to the Underwriters, for the full amount of net proceeds, in
          the name of the undersigned as payee.

          (4)  THE CUSTODIAN.  The Custodian's execution of this Agreement shall
     constitute the acceptance by the Custodian of the agency herein conferred,
     and shall evidence its agreement to carry out and perform its duties under
     this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof, subject, however,
     to the following terms and 

<PAGE>

                                        6

     conditions, which all parties hereto agree shall govern and control the
     rights, duties and immunities of the Custodian:

               (a)  The Custodian shall have no duties except those expressly
          set forth herein and shall not be liable except for commission of
          gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such
          duties of the Custodian as are specifically set out herein.  The
          Custodian shall not be responsible for the performance of the powers
          of attorney contained herein by any party hereto, or for the
          interpretation of any of the provisions of such powers of attorney, or
          for the failure or inability of any other party hereto, or anyone
          else, to deliver moneys or certificates for Common Stock or other
          property to it or otherwise to honor any provision hereof.

               (b)  If a controversy arises between two or more of the parties
          hereto, or between any of the parties hereto and any person not a
          party hereto, as to whether or not or to whom the Custodian shall
          deliver the certificates for the Shares or any funds held by it, or as
          to any other matter arising out of or relating hereto or to the
          property held by it hereunder, the Custodian shall not be required to
          determine the same and need not make any delivery of the property or
          any portion thereof but may retain it until the rights of the parties
          to the dispute shall have finally been determined by agreement or by
          final order of a court of competent jurisdiction, PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
          that the time for appeal from any such final order shall have expired
          without an appeal having been made.  The Custodian shall deliver the
          property or any portion thereof within 15 days after it has received
          written notice of any such agreement or final order (accompanied by an
          affidavit that the time for appeal has expired without an appeal
          having been made).  The Custodian shall be entitled to assume that no
          such controversy has arisen unless it has received a written notice
          that such a controversy has arisen which refers specifically to this
          Agreement and identifies by name and address the adverse claimants to
          the controversy.

               (c)  The Custodian will acknowledge in writing receipt by
          physical delivery of any certificates representing any Shares when
          such certificates are received.

          (5)  REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS.  Each of the
     undersigned represents, warrants and agrees that:

               (a)  All authorizations and consents, including, but not limited
          to, any releases necessary for the execution, delivery and performance
          by the undersigned of this Agreement and for the sale and delivery of
          the Shares to 

<PAGE>

                                        7

          the Underwriters have been obtained and are in full force and effect,
          and the undersigned has full right, power and authority to enter into
          and perform the Underwriting Agreement and this Agreement and to sell,
          transfer and deliver the Shares to the Underwriters.  This Agreement,
          upon execution and delivery by the undersigned, and the Underwriting
          Agreement, upon execution and delivery by the undersigned or on behalf
          of the undersigned by one or more of the Attorneys-in-Fact, will
          constitute valid and binding agreements of the undersigned in
          accordance with their respective terms.

               (b)  The undersigned has read the draft of the Underwriting
          Agreement referred to above and understands the same, and agrees that
          the representations and warranties ascribed to the undersigned as set
          forth in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement are incorporated by
          reference herein, are true and correct on the date hereof and will be
          true and correct on the Closing Date referred to in the Underwriting
          Agreement with respect to the Offering, and authorizes the Attorneys-
          in-Fact, acting on behalf of the undersigned, to confirm the truth and
          accuracy of such representations and warranties in connection with the
          consummation or implementation of the transactions contemplated by the
          Underwriting Agreement and this Agreement.  The undersigned
          acknowledges that the representations, warranties and obligations made
          or undertaken by the undersigned herein shall survive the conclusion
          of the Offering and are in addition to, and not in limitation of, the
          representations, warranties and obligations made or undertaken, or to
          be made or undertaken, on the part of the undersigned in the
          Underwriting Agreement, as the same may be executed, delivered and
          amended.

               (c)  The undersigned has not taken and will not take, directly or
          indirectly, any action intended to constitute or which has
          constituted, or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result
          in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock,
          and, to assure compliance with Rule 10b-6 under the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned will not make bids for or
          purchases of, or induce bids for or purchases of, directly or
          indirectly, any Shares of Common Stock until the distribution of all
          Shares being sold in the Offering has been completed; the undersigned
          has not and will not distribute any prospectus or other offering
          material in connection with the Offering and sale of the Shares other
          than the then current prospectus filed with the Commission or other
          material permitted by the Securities Act.

               (d)  The foregoing representations, warranties and agreements are
          for the benefit of and may be relied upon by the Attorneys-in-Fact,
          the Company, the other Selling Stockholders, the Underwriters and
          their respective legal counsel.  The undersigned agrees that the
          representations, 

<PAGE>

                                        8

          warranties and agreements herein contained shall also be true and
          correct and in full force and effect on the effective date of the
          Registration Statement and the Option Closing Date referred to in the
          Underwriting Agreement.  The undersigned will immediately notify the
          Attorneys-in-Fact and the Company of any default under or breach of
          this Agreement (or of any event which, with notice or the lapse of
          time or both, would constitute such a default or breach), and in the
          event any representation or warranty contained herein shall not be
          true or correct; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing contained herein
          shall in any way affect the obligations of the undersigned hereunder
          and under the Underwriting Agreement to maintain such representations
          and warranties as true and correct and in full force and effect
          through the Option Closing Date.

               (e)  The undersigned acknowledges that the success of the
          Offering is largely dependent upon factors not within the Company's
          control, such as participation and cooperation by other Selling
          Stockholders, market conditions, the Commission and Blue Sky matters,
          and other factors within the discretion of the Underwriters.  It is
          therefore understood that the Company shall not be obligated to
          complete the Offering, except under such circumstances as the Company
          deems appropriate and desirable, and the Company shall not be liable
          to the undersigned for any failure to complete the Offering.  This
          Agreement will terminate in the event that the Option Closing Date
          does not occur on or prior to November 15, 1996, unless this Agreement
          is extended by the parties hereto in writing.

          (6)  PAYMENT.  The undersigned hereby authorizes and directs the
     Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them to take such action as may be required
     to provide for the distribution to the undersigned of the proceeds of the
     Offering (net of the reserve for undersigned's share of expenses of the
     Offering as described below) owing to the undersigned in connection
     therewith, such payment to be made in immediately available funds or such
     other manner as the Attorneys-in-Fact or either of them shall determine.

          Before remitting any proceeds of the sale of the Shares to the
     undersigned, the Attorneys-in-Fact are authorized and empowered to reserve
     from the proceeds allocable to the undersigned in respect of Shares sold by
     the undersigned an amount determined by the Attorneys-in-Fact to be
     sufficient to pay the undersigned's share of all expenses of the Selling
     Stockholders.  The Selling Stockholders' expenses shall include only those
     items of expense set forth in Section 8 of the Underwriting Agreement and
     the Attorneys-in-Fact are authorized to pay such expenses from the amount
     reserved for such purpose.  After payment of any such expenses from the
     reserve, the Attorneys-in-Fact will prepare a written itemization of the
     expenses and remit to the undersigned his proportionate share of the
     balance as well as the 

<PAGE>

                                        9

     itemization.  To the extent expenses exceed the amount reserved, the
     Selling Stockholders shall remain liable for their proportionate share of
     such expenses.

          (7)  OWNERSHIP OF STOCK.  Subject to the terms hereof, until payment
     of the purchase price for the Shares being sold by the undersigned pursuant
     to the Underwriting Agreement has been made by or for the account of the
     Underwriters, the undersigned shall remain the owner of the Shares and
     shall have all rights thereto, including the right to receive any and all
     dividends and distributions thereon which are not inconsistent with this
     Agreement.  However, until such payment in full has been made or until the
     Underwriting Agreement has been terminated, the undersigned agrees that the
     undersigned will not give, sell, pledge, hypothecate, grant any lien on or
     security interest in, transfer, deal with or contract with respect to the
     Shares or any interest therein, except to the Underwriters pursuant to the
     Underwriting Agreement.

          (8)  RELEASE.  The undersigned hereby agrees to release the Attorneys-
     in-Fact and each of them and the Custodian from any and all liabilities,
     joint or several, to which they may become subject insofar as such
     liabilities (or action in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon
     any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Attorneys-in-Fact or the
     Custodian pursuant hereto, except if such liabilities shall result from the
     bad faith of the Attorneys-in-Fact or the Custodian.  This paragraph shall
     survive termination of this Agreement.

          (9)  TERMINATION.  If the Underwriting Agreement shall not be entered
     into on behalf of the undersigned, or if it shall not become effective
     pursuant to its terms, or if it shall be terminated pursuant to its terms,
     or if the Shares agreed to be sold as contemplated by the Underwriting
     Agreement are not purchased and paid for by the Underwriters on or before
     November 15, 1996, then after such date the undersigned shall have the
     power, on written notice to each of the Attorneys-in-Fact and the
     Custodian, to terminate this Agreement, subject, however, (i) to Section
     (8) hereof, (ii) to the payment of all expenses incurred by or on behalf of
     the undersigned, and (iii) to all lawful action of the Attorneys-in-Fact
     and the Custodian done or performed pursuant hereto prior to actual receipt
     of such notice, and thereafter the Attorneys-in-Fact and the Custodian
     shall have no further responsibilities or liabilities to the undersigned
     except to redeliver to the undersigned the Shares held in custody by book
     entry or otherwise.

          (10) NOTICES.  Any notice required to be given pursuant to this
     Agreement shall be deemed given if in writing and delivered in person, or
     if given by telephone, telecopy or facsimile if subsequently confirmed by
     letter, (i) to Robert W. Hall and Ezra P. Mager, as Attorneys-in-Fact, c/o
     Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., 1201 South Taylor Street, Amarillo,
     Texas  79101, (ii) to Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., as Custodian,
     1201 South Taylor Street, Amarillo, Texas 79101, or to such other 

<PAGE>

                                       10

     address as the Custodian shall have specified in a written notice duly
     given to the undersigned, or (iii) to the undersigned at the address set
     forth in the Company's records.

          (11) APPLICABLE LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
     THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND THIS AGREEMENT SHALL INURE TO THE BENEFIT OF,
     AND SHALL BE BINDING UPON, THE UNDERSIGNED AND THE UNDERSIGNED'S HEIRS,
     EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AS THE CASE MAY BE.

          (12) COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be signed in any number of
     counterparts, each executed counterpart constituting an original but all
     together constituting only one instrument.

<PAGE>

                                       11

          This Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement shall be
effective as of September [      ], 1996.


                              Very truly yours,

                              Bill A. Gilliland


                              ______________________________
                                        (signature)


WHEN SIGNING AS AN OFFICER OF
A CORPORATION, PARTNER OF A   
PARTNERSHIP, TRUSTEE OF A TRUST,
GUARDIAN OF A MINOR CHILD, OR
CUSTODIAN UNDER THE UNIFORM
GIFT TO MINORS ACT, PLEASE
INDICATE TITLE AS SUCH AND
PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCE
OF THE AUTHORITY OF PERSON
SIGNING.

FOR CERTIFICATES HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS OR AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY,
ALL NAMED HOLDERS MUST SIGN.

<PAGE>

                                       11

          This Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement shall be
effective as of September [      ], 1996.


                              Twenty-Two Ten, Ltd., a Texas Partnership

                              By:  Twenty-Two Ten Management Co., Inc.,
                                    Corporate General Partner


                                   By:___________________________
                                      Name:  Robert W. Hall
                                      Title:


WHEN SIGNING AS AN OFFICER OF
A CORPORATION, PARTNER OF A   
PARTNERSHIP, TRUSTEE OF A TRUST,
GUARDIAN OF A MINOR CHILD, OR
CUSTODIAN UNDER THE UNIFORM
GIFT TO MINORS ACT, PLEASE
INDICATE TITLE AS SUCH AND
PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCE
OF THE AUTHORITY OF PERSON
SIGNING.

FOR CERTIFICATES HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS OR AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY,
ALL NAMED HOLDERS MUST SIGN.

<PAGE>

                                       11

          This Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement shall be
effective as of September [      ], 1996.


                              Benji Investments, Ltd., a Texas Limited
                               Partnership

                              By:  Benji Management Co., Inc.,
                                     Corporate General Partner


                                   By: __________________________
                                       Name:  Emmett M. Rice, Jr.
                                       Title:


WHEN SIGNING AS AN OFFICER OF
A CORPORATION, PARTNER OF A   
PARTNERSHIP, TRUSTEE OF A TRUST,
GUARDIAN OF A MINOR CHILD, OR
CUSTODIAN UNDER THE UNIFORM
GIFT TO MINORS ACT, PLEASE
INDICATE TITLE AS SUCH AND
PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCE
OF THE AUTHORITY OF PERSON
SIGNING.

FOR CERTIFICATES HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS OR AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY,
ALL NAMED HOLDERS MUST SIGN.

<PAGE>

                                       11

          This Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement shall be
effective as of September [      ], 1996.


                              KAPL, Ltd., a Texas Limited Partnership

                              By:  KAPL Management Co., Inc.,
                                    Corporate General Partner


                                   By: __________________________
                                       Name:  Jerry Pullen
                                       Title:


WHEN SIGNING AS AN OFFICER OF
A CORPORATION, PARTNER OF A   
PARTNERSHIP, TRUSTEE OF A TRUST,
GUARDIAN OF A MINOR CHILD, OR
CUSTODIAN UNDER THE UNIFORM
GIFT TO MINORS ACT, PLEASE
INDICATE TITLE AS SUCH AND
PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCE
OF THE AUTHORITY OF PERSON
SIGNING.

FOR CERTIFICATES HELD BY JOINT
TENANTS OR AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY,
ALL NAMED HOLDERS MUST SIGN.

<PAGE>

                                       12

          Robert W. Hall hereby accepts the appointment as Attorney-in-Fact
pursuant to the foregoing Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Letter Agreement,
and agrees to abide by and act in accordance with the terms of said agreement.

Dated:  September __, 1996


                              ______________________________
                                        Robert W. Hall

          Ezra P. Mager hereby accepts the appointment as Attorney-in-Fact
pursuant to the foregoing Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Letter Agreement,
and agrees to abide by and act in accordance with the terms of said agreement.

Dated:  September __, 1996


                              ______________________________
                                        Ezra P. Mager

          Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc. hereby agrees to act as Custodian
pursuant to the foregoing Irrevocable Power of Attorney and Letter Agreement,
and agrees to abide by and act in accordance with the terms of said agreement.


Dated:  September __, 1996

                              CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.



                              By: _______________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:

<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX A



                                                                     Number of
                                                                    Firm Shares
     Selling Shareholder                                            To Be Sold
     -------------------                                            -----------

Bill A. Gilliland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      388,631
Twenty-Two Ten, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership . . . . . . .       97,020
Benji Investments, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership. . . . . .       56,779
KAPL, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership . . . . . . . . . . . .        8,820

                                                                    -----------
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      551,250



<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 5.1

                   [LETTERHEAD OF HOWARD, DARBY & LEVIN]



                                                    August 30, 1996


Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc.
1201 South Taylor Street
Amarillo, Texas 79101

Dear Sirs:

     In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended (the "Act"), of 3,675,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per 
share, of Cross-Continent Auto Retailers, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the 
"Company"), to be sold by the Company (the "Company Shares"), and 551,250 
shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company to be sold 
by certain stockholders of the Company upon an exercise (if any) of the 
underwriters' over-allotment option (the "Stockholder Shares"), in each case 
pursuant to the Registration Statement (No. 333-06585) on Form S-1, as 
amended (the "Registration Statement"), filed by you with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, we have reviewed such corporate records, certificates 
and other documents, and such questions of law, as we have deemed necessary 
or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

     (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, 
the terms of the Company Shares and the terms of their issuance and sale have 
been duly established in conformity with the Company's Certificate of 
Incorporation and the proceedings that we contemplate being taken prior to 
the issuance of the Company Shares have been duly completed, the Company 
Shares, when issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, 
and assuming compliance with the Act, will be duly and validly issued, fully 
paid and nonassessable; and

     (ii) the Stockholder Shares have been duly and validly issued and are 
fully paid and nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of our opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the 
Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading "Legal 
Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit 
that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under 
Section 7 of the Act.

                                                    Very truly yours,

                                               /s/ Howard, Darby & Levin

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
    We  hereby consent to  the use in  the Prospectus constituting  part of this
Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on  Form S-1 of our report dated  June
21,   1996,  relating  to  the  financial  statements  of  Cross-Continent  Auto
Retailers, Inc., which appears in such Prospectus. We also hereby consent to the
use in the Prospectus constituting part of this Amendment No. 3 to  Registration
Statement  on  Form  S-1 of  our  report dated  June  4, 1996,  relating  to the
financial statements of  Jim Glover  Dodge, Inc. and  our report  dated July  3,
1996,  relating to  the financial statements  of Lynn Hickey  Dodge, Inc., which
appear in such  Prospectus. We also  consent to  the reference to  us under  the
heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
    
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
   
Forth Worth, Texas
August 30, 1996
    


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