CRAGAR INDUSTRIES INC /DE
SB-2/A, 1996-11-27
MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Previous: THOUSAND TRAILS INC /DE/, 8-B12G, 1996-11-27
Next: WILSHIRE FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP INC, S-1/A, 1996-11-27



<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 27, 1996
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-13415
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                                       TO
 
                                   FORM SB-2
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                            ------------------------
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
                 (NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>                                                <C>
      DELAWARE                                3714                                    86-0721001
      (STATE OF            (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
   INCORPORATION)                         CODE NUMBER)                           IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
                              4636 N. 43RD AVENUE
                             PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85031
                                 (602) 247-1300
   
                              FAX: (602) 846-0684
    
(ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND PRINCIPAL PLACE
                                  OF BUSINESS)
 
                            ------------------------
 
                              MICHAEL L. HARTZMARK
                              4636 N. 43RD AVENUE
                             PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85031
   
                                 (602) 247-1300
    
           (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
                  MATTHEW P. FEENEY, ESQ.                                     ROBERT S. KANT, ESQ.
                  STEVEN D. PIDGEON, ESQ.                                    RICHARD B. STAGG, ESQ.
                   SNELL & WILMER L.L.P.                                  O'CONNOR, CAVANAGH, ANDERSON,
                    ONE ARIZONA CENTER                                   KILLINGSWORTH & BESHEARS, P.A.
                PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004-0001                                    ONE EAST CAMELBACK
                      (602) 382-6000                                         PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85012
                    FAX: (602) 382-6070                                          (602) 263-2400
                                                                               FAX: (602) 263-2900
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
     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.
 
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 27, 1996
    
PROSPECTUS                            LOGO

                         850,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                      AND
                     850,000 COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
   
         PURCHASABLE TOGETHER ON THE BASIS OF ONE SHARE AND ONE WARRANT
    
                            ------------------------
 
   
    CRAGAR Industries, Inc. (the "Company") is hereby offering 850,000 shares of
its common stock (the "Common Stock") and warrants to purchase an additional
850,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Warrants"). The Common Stock and the
Warrants offered hereby (sometimes collectively referred to herein as the
"Securities") may only be purchased together in this offering on the basis of
one share of Common Stock and one Warrant. The initial public offering price is
$6.00 per share of Common Stock and $.10 per Warrant. The Common Stock and
Warrants will be immediately separable and will not be listed for trading as
units. Each Warrant is immediately exercisable and entitles the registered
holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.60 and
expires five years following the date of this Prospectus. The outstanding
Warrants may be redeemed by the Company upon 30 days written notice at $.10 per
Warrant, provided that the closing bid quotations of the Common Stock have
averaged at least $9.00 for a period of any 20 trading days ending on the third
day prior to the day on which the Company gives notice. See "Description of
Securities."
    
 
   
    Prior to this offering, there has not been any public market for the
Securities, and there can be no assurance that any such market will develop or,
if developed, that it will be sustained. The initial public offering prices of
the Securities were determined by negotiations between the Company and Dickinson
& Co. as the representative (the "Representative") of the participating
underwriters (the "Underwriters"). See "Underwriting." Application has been made
for approval of the Common Stock and Warrants for quotation on the Nasdaq
SmallCap Market under the symbols "CRGR" and "CRGRW," respectively, and for
listing on the Boston Stock Exchange under the symbols "CWH" and "CWHW,"
respectively. The securities will not be listed for trading as units. In the
event that the Common Stock or Warrants are not accepted for quotation on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market or for listing on the Boston Stock Exchange, an investor
would likely find it difficult to dispose of the Common Stock or Warrants or to
obtain current quotations as to their value.
    
                            ------------------------
 
   
     THESE SECURITIES ARE SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AS WELL
AS IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION. SEE "RISK FACTORS" AND "DILUTION,"
COMMENCING ON PAGES 6 AND 14, RESPECTIVELY.
    
                            ------------------------
 
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.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     UNDERWRITING
                                                                     DISCOUNTS AND         PROCEEDS TO
                                               PRICE TO PUBLIC      COMMISSIONS(1)         COMPANY(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Per Share(3)..............................          $6.00                $.60                 $5.40
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Warrant(3)............................          $.10                 $.01                 $.09
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(4)..................................       $5,185,000            $518,500            $4,666,500
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Excludes a non-accountable expense allowance to the Representative equal to
    3% of the offering proceeds and 85,000 warrants (the "Representative's
    Warrants") to purchase up to 85,000 shares of Common Stock and 85,000
    warrants (the "Underlying Warrants"). The Underlying Warrants will be
    substantially identical to the Warrants offered to the public except that
    they will not be subject to redemption nor exercisable for a period of one
    year following the effective date of the Registration Statement of which
    this Prospectus forms a part. The Company has agreed to indemnify the
    Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933. See "Underwriting."
 
(2) Before deducting expenses of this offering payable by the Company estimated
    at $566,500 consisting of the non-accountable expense allowance of $155,500
    and other expenses in an aggregate amount of $411,000.
 
   
(3) The Common Stock and Warrants offered hereby may only be purchased together
    in this offering on the basis of one share of Common Stock and one Warrant.
    The Common Stock will be immediately separable and will not be listed for
    trading as units.
    
 
(4) The Company has granted to the Underwriters the right to purchase, within 45
    days from the date of this Prospectus, up to 127,500 additional shares of
    Common Stock and 127,500 additional Warrants on the terms set forth above
    solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option is exercised in
    full, the total Price to Public will be $5,962,750, the total Underwriting
    Discounts and Commissions will be $596,275, and the total Proceeds to
    Company, before the expenses of this offering, will be $5,366,475. See
    "Underwriting."
 
   
    The Common Stock and Warrants are being sold by the Underwriters subject to
prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters, and
subject to the right to reject any order, in whole or in part, and subject to
certain other conditions. It is expected that delivery of the Common Stock and
Warrants will be made against payment therefor at the offices of Dickinson &
Co., Phoenix, Arizona or through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company
on or about            , 1996.
    
                            ------------------------
 
                                DICKINSON & CO.

                The date of this Prospectus is            , 1996
<PAGE>   3
 
                               [INSERT PICTURES]
 
   
     CRAGAR(R), Keystone(R) Klassic(R), Legacy(TM), CRAGAR LITE(TM), Star
Wire(TM), TRU-CRUISER(TM), Street Pro(R), S/S(R), The Wheel People(TM), and
TRU-SPOKE(R) are trademarks of the Company. This Prospectus also contains
trademarks of companies other than the Company.
    
 
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
AND WARRANTS AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Except as otherwise indicated, the information contained in
this Prospectus reflects a one-for-ten reverse stock split effected in March
1994 and a seven-for-one stock split effected in September 1996, but does not
assume the exercise of the Warrants, the Underwriters' over-allotment option,
the Representative's Warrants, or currently outstanding options or warrants.
Except as otherwise indicated, the information contained in the Prospectus also
assumes conversion of certain of the Company's outstanding notes that will be
automatically converted into 359,722 shares of Common Stock upon the completion
of this offering. In addition to the other information in this Prospectus,
prospective investors should carefully consider the information set forth under
the heading "Risk Factors."
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
     CRAGAR Industries, Inc. ("CRAGAR" or the "Company") designs, produces, and
sells high-quality, custom vehicle wheels and wheel accessories. The Company
believes that the CRAGAR name is one of the most widely recognized brand names
in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Company's broad selection of
products is designed to appeal to a wide range of automotive enthusiasts who
desire to modify the styling, design, or performance of their cars, trucks, or
vans. CRAGAR sells its wheel products in the automotive aftermarket through a
national distribution network of value-added resellers, including tire and
automotive performance warehouse distributors and retailers and mail order
houses. Major resellers include Super Shops, J. H. Heafner Company, Inc., and B
& R Wholesale Tire.
    
 
     Industry analysts estimate that the custom wheel industry has grown at a
rate of 15.5% per year since 1991, from manufacturer sales of approximately $420
million in 1991 to $650 million in 1994. Because custom wheels represent one of
the easiest, least expensive, and quickest ways to dramatically alter the
appearance of a vehicle, the Company believes the custom wheel industry will
continue to grow for the foreseeable future. See "Business -- Industry
Background."
 
   
     In order to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers, CRAGAR offers a wide
selection of custom wheels. CRAGAR's products include entry-level custom steel
wheels, wire and spoked wheels that are popular with urban and inner city
consumers, chrome-plated one-piece cast aluminum wheels designed to appeal to
the luxury automobile owner, and race wheels that are used by both amateur and
professional race drivers. The Company's wheels feature classic designs that
have been sold under the CRAGAR name since the 1960s as well as contemporary
designs that reflect continually changing consumer preferences. The Company
sells its products under a variety of brand names, including CRAGAR, CRAGAR
Lite, Keystone Klassic, S/S, Star Wire, TRU-CRUISER, and TRU-SPOKE.
    
 
   
     The Company's objective is to become the premier supplier of custom wheels
and wheel accessories in the automotive aftermarket. The Company will seek to
achieve this objective by pursuing the following strategies: (i) increasing its
marketing, advertising, and promotional efforts to further enhance and leverage
the strength of the CRAGAR brand name; (ii) expanding its product distribution
capabilities in underserved markets and broadening its customer base through
aggressive marketing efforts and the establishment of a national accounts
program providing for direct product shipments to mass merchandisers; (iii)
enhancing its existing product line by adapting its wheels and accessories to
fit additional vehicle models, makes, and years and developing new products to
meet changing consumer demands; (iv) pursuing strategic acquisitions and
alliances to capitalize on the substantial fragmentation of the market for
custom wheels and wheel accessories; and (v) improving its operating
efficiencies by enhancing its assembly and materials handling and by outsourcing
certain of its production processes.
    
 
   
     The Company was incorporated in Delaware in December 1992. The principal
executive offices of the Company are located at 4636 North 43rd Avenue, Phoenix,
Arizona 85031, and its telephone number is (602) 247-1300.
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Securities Offered.........  850,000 shares of Common Stock and 850,000 Warrants
                               at a price of $6.00 per share and $.10 per
                               Warrant. The Securities may only be purchased
                               together on the basis of one share of Common
                               Stock and one Warrant. See "Description of
                               Securities" and "Underwriting."
 
Common Stock Outstanding
  Before Offering(1).......  1,290,305 shares
 
  After Offering(1)........  2,140,305 shares
 
Warrants Offered(2)........  850,000 Warrants
 
   
  Exercise Terms...........  Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one
                               share of Common Stock for $6.60, subject to
                               adjustment in certain circumstances.
    
 
  Expiration Date..........  60 months from the date of this Prospectus.
 
  Redemption...............  Subject to redemption at a price of $.10 per
                               Warrant on 30 days written notice provided that
                               the average closing bid price of the Common Stock
                               equals or exceeds $9.00 per share for 20 trading
                               days ending on the third day prior to the date on
                               which the Company gives notice of redemption. See
                               "Description of Securities -- Warrants."
 
Estimated net
proceeds(3)................  $4,100,000
 
   
Use of Proceeds............  Repayment of indebtedness, increased marketing and
                               promotion, expansion of distribution channels,
                               product development or acquisition, facilities
                               improvements and new equipment purchases, and
                               general corporate purposes. See "Use of
                               Proceeds."
    
 
Risk Factors...............  The securities offered hereby involve a high degree
                               of risk and immediate substantial dilution. See
                               "Risk Factors" and "Dilution."
 
Proposed Nasdaq SmallCap
  Market Symbols...........  Common Stock -- CRGR
                               Warrants -- CRGRW
 
   
Proposed Boston Stock
  Exchange Symbols.........  Common Stock -- CWH
                               Warrants -- CWHW
    
- ---------------
   
(1) Includes 359,722 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of
    certain of the Company's outstanding notes that will be automatically
    converted upon the completion of this offering. Excludes shares of Common
    Stock issuable upon the exercise of (i) the 850,000 Warrants offered hereby;
    (ii) the Representative's Warrants; (iii) outstanding options and warrants
    to purchase up to 340,063 shares of Common Stock; and (iv) the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option.
    
 
   
(2) In addition to the Warrants being offered hereby, the Company currently has
    outstanding (i) Class A Warrants to purchase up to 122,063 shares of Common
    Stock at $1.43 per share; (ii) Class B Warrants to purchase up to 24,500
    shares of Common Stock at $.36 per share; and (iii) Class C Warrants to
    purchase up to 126,000 shares of Common Stock at $3.25 per share. See
    "Certain Transactions" and "Description of Securities."
    
 
(3) After deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses of this offering,
    including the Representative's non-accountable expense allowance.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
   
                         SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEARS ENDED
                                                DECEMBER 31                  NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                        ---------------------------            SEPTEMBER 30
                                           1994            1995         ---------------------------
                                        -----------     -----------        1995            1996
                                                                        -----------     -----------
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales.............................  $20,270,000     $22,936,000     $18,375,000     $16,056,000
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Gross profit..........................    3,103,000       2,646,000       2,564,000       2,082,000
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses............................    3,888,000       2,912,000       2,159,000       1,963,000
Amortization of excess of fair value
  of assets acquired over cost........     (738,000)       (738,000)       (553,000)       (553,000)
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Income (loss) from operations.........      (47,000)        472,000         958,000         673,000
Interest and other expenses, net......    1,510,000       1,165,000         891,000         582,000
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
  extraordinary item..................   (1,557,000)       (693,000)         67,000          91,000
Extraordinary item....................    1,107,000              --              --         330,000
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Net earnings (loss)...................  $  (450,000)    $  (693,000)    $    67,000     $   418,000
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Income (loss) per common share
  equivalent before extraordinary
  item................................  $     (1.38)    $      (.60)    $       .06     $       .07
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Net earnings (loss) per common and
  common equivalent share.............  $     (0.40)    $     (0.60)    $      0.06     $      0.35
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Net earnings (loss) per common
  share -- assuming full dilution.....        --(1)           --(1)     $      0.05     $      0.28
                                                                        ===========     ===========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding.......    1,123,884       1,158,428       1,151,868       1,178,182
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding -- assuming full
  dilution............................        --(1)           --(1)       1,443,534       1,469,848
                                                                        ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
                                                                     ------------------------------
                                                      DECEMBER                         PRO FORMA
                                                      31, 1995         ACTUAL        AS ADJUSTED(2)
                                                     -----------     -----------     --------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital....................................  $ 8,353,000     $ 7,154,000      $  9,254,000
Total assets.......................................   13,966,000      12,652,000        15,252,000
Long-term debt(3)..................................   10,531,000       8,934,000         5,584,000
Excess of fair value of assets acquired over
  cost.............................................    1,475,000         922,000           922,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit).....................   (1,604,000)     (1,149,000)        4,801,000
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Amounts are not disclosed as the impact of options, warrants, and the
    convertible debt was anti-dilutive.
 
   
(2) Adjusted to give effect to (i) the conversion of certain of the Company's
    outstanding notes that will be automatically converted into 359,722 shares
    of Common Stock upon the completion of this offering, and (ii) the sale by
    the Company of the 850,000 shares of Common Stock and the 850,000 Warrants
    offered hereby and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.
    See "Use of Proceeds."
    
 
   
(3) Does not include excess of fair value of assets acquired over cost. See Note
    3 of Notes to Financial Statements. See Notes 9, 10, 11, and 16 of Notes to
    Financial Statements for a description of the Company's long-term debt and
    lease obligations.
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information in this Prospectus, prospective
investors should carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating the
Company and its business before purchasing the Securities offered hereby.
 
HISTORY OF PREVIOUS LOSSES; NEGATIVE STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
   
     The Company was incorporated in December 1992 and has incurred significant
losses in each of its completed fiscal years. For the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, the Company achieved profitability with net earnings of
approximately $418,000. However, net earnings for this period included $553,000
from the amortization of negative goodwill related to the Company's initial
acquisition of the Cragar assets, a $330,489 extraordinary gain related to the
forgiveness of certain of the Company's debt, and a one-time gain of
approximately $287,000 related to the sale of polishing assets that the Company
had operated in Mexico as well as other equipment. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be profitable in the future. Net sales for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 declined to $16.1 million from $18.4 million for the
same period of 1995. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." As of September 30, 1996, the Company had
cumulative losses of $6.0 million and a total stockholders' deficit of
approximately $1.1 million. See "Selected Financial Data" and the Financial
Statements.
    
 
COVENANT DEFAULTS; DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL FINANCING
 
   
     The Company has a revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with
Norwest Business Credit, Inc. ("Norwest"). The Credit Facility, which extends
through April 15, 1998, has a maximum commitment of $9.5 million, and is subject
to collateral availability at the time of borrowing, financial covenants, and
other conditions. The Credit Facility requires the maintenance of specified
cumulative net income, net worth, and debt service covenants. As of September
30, 1996, the Company was in default under various covenants of the Credit
Facility, including the debt service covenant. On November 22, 1996, Norwest
granted a waiver with respect to these defaults and modified certain of the
covenants under the Credit Facility. The Company believes that the proceeds from
this offering will enhance the Company's ability to meet its covenants under the
Credit Facility in the future. There can be no assurance, however, that the
Company will be able to satisfy the terms and conditions of the Credit Facility
or that the Credit Facility will be extended beyond its current expiration date.
In addition, there can be no assurance that the proceeds from this offering and
cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund the Company's existing
operations or to enable the Company to implement fully its business strategies
especially in the event that the Company is required to refinance or replace the
Credit Facility. As a result, the Company may need to raise additional funds
through equity or debt financings. No assurance can be given that such
additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at
all. Further, any such financings may result in further dilution to the
Company's stock and higher interest expense and may not be on terms that are
favorable to the Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
RISK OF PRODUCT LIABILITY
 
   
     The nature of the Company's business exposes it to risk from product
liability claims. The Company is currently one of four defendants in a product
liability lawsuit that is not covered by insurance. While the Company is
defending itself vigorously in this matter, there can be no assurance that the
ultimate resolution of this case will not result in a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. The
Company currently maintains product liability insurance, with limits of $1.0
million per occurrence and $2.0 million in the aggregate per annum. However,
such coverage is becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain adequate product
liability insurance at commercially reasonable rates or that the Company's
insurance will be adequate to cover future product liability claims. Any losses
that the Company may suffer as a result of claims in excess of the Company's
coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, product liability
litigation could adversely affect the
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
   
reputation and marketability of the Company's products. See "Business -- Product
Returns and Warranties" and "Business -- Legal Proceedings."
    
 
NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSINESS STRATEGIES
 
   
     The Company's business strategies include (i) increasing its marketing,
advertising, and promotional efforts to further enhance and leverage the
strength of the CRAGAR brand name; (ii) expanding its product distribution
capabilities in underserved markets and broadening its customer base through
aggressive marketing efforts and the establishment of a national accounts
program providing for direct product shipments to mass merchandisers; (iii)
enhancing its existing product line by adapting its wheels and accessories to
fit additional vehicle models, makes, and years and developing new product lines
to meet changing consumer demands; (iv) pursuing strategic acquisitions and
alliances to capitalize on the substantial fragmentation of the market for
custom wheels and wheel accessories; and (v) improving its operating
efficiencies by enhancing its assembly and materials handling and by outsourcing
certain of its production processes. The Company's inability to achieve any of
these goals could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition, and results of operations. See "Business -- Business
Strategy."
    
 
   
     The Company's business is directly impacted by certain external factors,
such as the general demand for aftermarket automotive parts, prices for raw
materials used in producing the Company's products, fluctuations in
discretionary consumer spending, and general economic conditions, including
employment levels, business conditions, interest rates, and tax rates. While the
Company believes that current economic conditions favor growth in the markets it
serves, various factors, including those listed above could lead to decreased
sales and increased operating expenses, as in 1995, when the Company's gross
margins were adversely impacted by increased metal prices. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." There
can be no assurance that various factors will not adversely effect the Company's
business in the future or prevent the Company from successfully implementing its
business strategies.
    
 
NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESSFUL ACQUISITIONS
 
   
     The Company intends to consider acquisitions of and alliances with other
companies that could complement the Company's existing business, including
acquisitions of complementary product lines. There can be no assurance that
suitable acquisition or joint venture candidates can be identified, or that, if
identified, adequate and acceptable financing sources will be available to the
Company that would enable it to consummate such transactions. Furthermore, there
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to integrate successfully such
acquired companies or product lines into its existing operations, which could
increase the Company's operating expenses in the short-term and materially and
adversely affect the Company's results of operations. Moreover, any acquisition
by the Company may result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity
securities, the incurrence of additional debt, and amortization of expenses
related to goodwill and intangible assets, all of which could adversely affect
the Company's profitability. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, such as the
diversion of the attention of the Company's management from other business
concerns, the entrance of the Company into markets in which it has had no or
only limited experience, and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired
company, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, and results of operations. See
"Business -- Business Strategy."
    
 
VARIABILITY IN OPERATING RESULTS; SEASONALITY
 
   
     The Company's results of operations have been and will continue to be
subject to substantial variations as a result of a number of factors, any of
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, and results of operations. In particular, the Company's operating
results can vary because of the size and timing of customer orders, delays in
new product enhancements and new product introductions, vendor quality control
and delivery difficulties, market acceptance of new products, product returns,
product rebates and allowances, seasonality in product purchases by distributors
and end users, and pricing trends in the automotive aftermarket industry in
general and in the specific markets in which the Company participates.
Historically, the Company's net sales have been highest in the first and second
quarters of each year.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
   
Significant variability in orders during any period may have an adverse impact
on the Company's cash flow or work flow, and any significant decrease in orders
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. The
Company believes that any period-to-period comparisons of its financial results
are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of
future performance. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
CHANGING CUSTOMER TRENDS; NEED FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
   
     The Company's success depends, in part, on its ability to correctly and
consistently anticipate, gauge, and respond in a timely manner to changing
consumer preferences. There can be no assurance that the Company's core products
will continue to enjoy acceptance among consumers or that any of the Company's
future product offerings will achieve or maintain market acceptance. The Company
attempts to minimize the risks relating to changing consumer trends by offering
a wide variety of product styles, analyzing consumer purchases, maintaining
active product development efforts, and monitoring the sales performance of its
various product lines. However, any misjudgment by the Company of the market for
a particular product, or its failure to correctly anticipate changing consumer
preferences, could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial
condition, and results of operations. In order to enhance its product
development efforts, the Company plans to supplement its existing product
development staff by hiring one or more new employees with product development
experience and by engaging an outside consultant to assist the Company's product
development staff. See "Business -- Product Development." There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to attract and retain such additional
personnel or that the costs associated with additional product development
efforts will not have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, and results of operations.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY DISTRIBUTORS; IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
 
   
     A limited number of customers have accounted for a substantial portion of
the Company's revenue in each year. The financial condition and success of its
current customers and the Company's ability to obtain orders from new customers
are critical to the Company's success. During 1995, the Company's ten largest
customers accounted for a total of approximately 70.4% of its gross sales, with
Super Shops, J. H. Heafner Company, Inc., and B & R Wholesale Tire accounting
for 23.6%, 11.8%, and 9.5% of gross sales, respectively. For the nine months
ended September 30, 1996, the Company's ten largest customers accounted for a
total of approximately 75.5% of gross sales, with Super Shops, J. H. Heafner
Company, Inc., and B & R Wholesale Tire accounting for 26.6%, 12.3%, and 8.6%,
respectively. As a result of the Company's decision not to meet competitors'
pricing on steel wheels, the Company expects sales of steel wheels to J. H.
Heafner Company, Inc. to decrease in the future. The Company does not have any
long-term contractual relationships with any of its major customers. While the
Company's business strategy calls for it to expand its product distribution
capabilities to additional markets and to broaden its customer base so that it
can become less dependent on significant customers, any loss, material
reduction, or delay of orders by any of the Company's major customers, including
reductions as a result of market, economic, or competitive pressures in the
automotive aftermarket industry, could adversely affect the Company's business,
financial condition, and results of operations.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS
 
   
     The Company's business depends upon the assembly of component parts and the
shipment of finished wheels and wheel accessories from third-party suppliers.
From time to time, the Company has experienced delays in the delivery of
component parts and finished products from vendors. In addition, one of the
Company's significant suppliers is located in China, which from time to time has
been subject to numerous trading restrictions by the United States. The Company
also has suppliers in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The purchase of
materials from foreign suppliers may be adversely affected by political and
economic conditions abroad over which the Company has no control. Although to
date the Company has generally been able to acquire adequate supplies of such
components and finished product in a timely manner, any extended interruption in
supply, significant increase in the price, or reduction in the quality of such
components could
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
   
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition,
and results of operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The Company has begun to
outsource selectively the production of some of its products and may increase
such outsourcing in the future. While the Company anticipates that such
outsourcing programs will stabilize costs and shift certain inventory, warranty,
and other risks to its suppliers, there can be no assurance that the continued
or increased outsourcing of its products will have these desired effects.
    
 
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY
 
   
     The market for the Company's products is highly competitive. The Company
competes primarily on the basis of product selection (which includes style and
vehicle fit), timely availability of product for delivery, quality, design
innovation, price, payment terms, and service. Many of the Company's competitors
have substantially greater financial, personnel, marketing, and other resources
than the Company. Increased competition could result in price reductions (which
may be in the form of rebates or allowances), reduced margins, and loss of
market share, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, and results of operations. See
"Business -- Competition."
    
 
   
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
    
 
   
     The Company is subject to various federal and state governmental
regulations related to occupational safety and health, labor, and wage practices
as well as federal, state, and local governmental regulations relating to the
storage, discharge, handling, emission, generation, manufacture, and disposal of
toxic or other hazardous substances used to produce the Company's products. The
Company believes that it is currently in material compliance with such
regulations. Failure to comply with current or future environmental regulations
could result in the imposition of substantial fines on the Company, suspension
of production, alteration of its production processes, cessation of operations,
or other actions which could materially and adversely affect the Company's
business, financial condition, and results of operations. In the ordinary course
of its business, the Company uses metals, oils, and similar materials, which are
stored on site. The waste created by use of these materials is transported
off-site on a regular basis by a state-registered waste hauler. Although the
Company is not aware of any material claim or investigation with respect to
these activities, there can be no assurance that such a claim may not arise in
the future or that the cost of complying with governmental regulations in the
future will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
    
 
INTERNATIONAL SALES
 
     As part of the Company's business strategy, it intends to expand into
selected international markets. In 1995 and during the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1996, the Company derived approximately 5.4% and 6.2%,
respectively, of total gross sales from international markets. The Company's
international sales efforts are subject to the customary risks of doing business
abroad, including exposure to regulatory requirements, political and economic
instability, barriers to trade, trade restrictions (including import quotas),
tariff regulations, foreign taxes, restrictions on transfer of funds, difficulty
in obtaining distribution and support, and export licensing requirements, any of
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. In
addition, a weakening in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S.
dollar and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have an adverse
impact on the price of the Company's products in its international markets. See
"Business -- Distribution, Sales and Marketing."
 
   
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
    
 
   
     Sales of a substantial number of shares of the Common Stock in the public
market following this offering or the prospect of such sales could adversely
affect the market price of the Common Stock. Upon completion of this offering,
the Company will have outstanding 2,140,305 shares of Common Stock (including
359,722 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of outstanding notes
that are automatically convertible into Common Stock upon the completion of this
offering). Of these shares, the 850,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby
are immediately eligible for sale in the public market without restriction,
except for shares purchased at any time by any "affiliate" of the Company, as
such term is defined in Rule 144 under the
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
   
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Directors, officers,
and certain principal stockholders of the Company owning a total of 765,711
shares of Common Stock and 133,137 currently outstanding options and warrants
will sign lock-up agreements under which such holders will agree not to offer,
sell, or otherwise dispose of any of their shares of Common Stock that might
otherwise be eligible for sale for a period of 12 months after the date of this
Prospectus without the prior written consent of the Representative. All
remaining stockholders of the Company (owning 524,594 shares of Common Stock and
206,926 presently outstanding options and warrants) have agreed to three-month
lock-up periods. Upon the expiration of the lock-up agreements, these securities
will become eligible for sale in the public market, subject to the provisions of
Rule 144. In addition, the Company intends to file a registration statement
under the Securities Act, after the date of this Prospectus, covering the sale
of shares to be issued pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan and the 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Option Plan. See
"Description of Securities -- Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
    
 
CONTROL BY EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
     Upon the completion of this offering, the directors, officers, and
principal stockholders of the Company will own approximately 47% of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock as well as options and warrants to purchase
an additional 198,039 shares. As a result, these persons will have a significant
influence on the affairs and management of the Company, as well as on all
matters requiring stockholder approval, including electing and removing members
of the Company's Board of Directors, causing the Company to engage in
transactions with affiliated entities, causing or restricting the sale or merger
of the Company, and changing the Company's dividend policy. Such concentration
of ownership and control could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or
preventing a change in control of the Company even when such a change of control
would be in the best interest of the Company's other stockholders. See
"Management," "Principal Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock."
    
 
EFFECT OF PREFERRED STOCK ON RIGHTS OF COMMON STOCK
 
   
     The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes
the Board of Directors of the Company to issue "blank check" Preferred Stock,
the relative rights, powers, preferences, limitations, and restrictions of which
may be fixed or altered from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors is empowered, without stockholder approval,
to issue Preferred Stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or
other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of
the holders of Common Stock. The Preferred Stock could be utilized, under
certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying, or preventing a
change in control of the Company that stockholders might consider to be in the
Company's best interests. Although the Company has no present intention of
issuing any shares of its authorized Preferred Stock, there can be no assurance
that the Company will not do so in the future. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- Preferred Stock."
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
   
     The Company's future success depends, in large part, on the efforts and
abilities of its management team, including Michael L. Hartzmark, Ph.D., its
President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of Dr. Hartzmark
could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. While Dr.
Hartzmark does not have an employment agreement with the Company, Dr. Hartzmark
and his family currently hold over 21.2% of the Company's Common Stock and will
own over 13.0% of the Company's Common Stock immediately following the offering.
See "Principal Stockholders." The successful implementation of the Company's
business strategies depends on the hiring and retention of additional
management, engineering, marketing, product development, and other personnel.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify and attract
additional qualified management and other personnel when needed or that the
Company will be successful in retaining such additional management and personnel
if added. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the additional costs
associated with the hiring of additional personnel will not adversely effect the
Company's results of operations. See "Management."
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET AND POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
   
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop
after completion of this offering or, if developed, that it will be sustained.
There can be no assurance that the market price of the Common Stock will not
decline below the initial offering price. The securities of many emerging
companies have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are,
at times, unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such
companies. Such fluctuations may be the result of changes in conditions
affecting the economy in general, analysts' reports, general trends in the
industry, and other events or factors beyond the Company's control. These
conditions may have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Common
Stock.
    
 
DILUTION
 
   
     Purchasers of the Securities offered hereby will incur immediate and
substantial dilution in net tangible book value of the Common Stock. The
exercise of outstanding warrants and options will also have an additional
dilutive effect on the interests of the purchasers of the Securities. See
"Dilution."
    
 
EFFECT OF REPRESENTATIVE'S WARRANTS
 
   
     The Company has agreed to issue to the Representative or its designee
warrants (the "Representative's Warrants") to purchase up to 85,000 shares of
Common Stock and 85,000 Warrants (the "Underlying Warrants"). The terms and
conditions of the Underlying Warrants are identical to those of the Warrants
offered hereby except that the Underlying Warrants issuable upon the exercise of
the Representative's Warrants will not be redeemable by the Company and are not
exercisable until one year after the date of this Prospectus. The
Representative's Warrants will be exercisable for a period of four years
commencing one year after the date of this Prospectus at an exercise price of
120% of the initial public offering price. The Representative and its designees
will have the opportunity to profit from an increase in the price of the
Company's Common Stock during the term of the Representative's Warrants and are
likely to exercise them at a time when the Company, in all likelihood, would be
able to obtain additional capital by offering shares of its Common Stock on
terms more favorable to the Company than those provided by the exercise of such
warrants. In addition, the existence of such warrants may adversely affect the
terms on which the Company can obtain additional financing. See "Description of
Securities" and "Underwriting."
    
 
NO DIVIDENDS
 
     The Company has never paid dividends on its Common Stock and does not
anticipate that it will pay dividends in the foreseeable future. It is
contemplated that any earnings will be used to finance the growth of the
Company's business. In addition, the Company's Credit Facility with Norwest
prohibits the payments of cash dividends without Norwest's consent. See
"Dividend Policy."
 
   
LISTING AND MAINTENANCE CRITERIA FOR SECURITIES; PENNY STOCK RULES
    
 
   
     Application has been made for quotation of the Common Stock and Warrants on
the Nasdaq Stock Market's SmallCap Market and for listing on the Boston Stock
Exchange upon completion of this offering. In the event that the Common Stock or
Warrants are not accepted for quotation on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or for
listing on the Boston Stock Exchange, an investor would likely find it difficult
to dispose of the Common Stock or Warrants or to obtain current quotations as to
their value. There can be no assurance that the Company in the future will meet
the requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or the
Boston Stock Exchange with respect to the Common Stock or Warrants. If the
Common Stock or the Warrants fail to maintain such listings, the market value of
the Common Stock and Warrants likely would decline and purchasers in this
offering likely would find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain
accurate quotations as to the market value of, the Common Stock and Warrants.
    
 
   
     In addition, if the Company fails to maintain Nasdaq SmallCap Market
listing for its securities, and no other exclusion from the definition of a
"penny stock" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act") is available, then any broker engaging in a transaction in the
Company's securities
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
   
would be required to provide any customer with a risk disclosure document,
disclosure of market quotations, if any, disclosure of the compensation of the
broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account
statements showing the market values of the Company's securities held in the
customer's accounts. The bid and offer quotation and compensation information
must be provided prior to effecting the transaction and must be contained on the
customer's confirmation. If brokers become subject to the "penny stock" rules
when engaging in transactions in the Company's securities, they would become
less willing to engage in such transactions, thereby making it more difficult
for purchasers in this offering to dispose of Common Stock and Warrants. See
"Financial Statements."
    
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
 
   
     This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements including statements
regarding, among other items, the Company's business strategies, continued
growth in the Company's markets, and anticipated trends in the Company's
business and the industry in which it operates. The words "believe," "expect,"
"anticipate," "intends," "forecast," "project," and similar expressions identify
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely
on the Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual results
could differ materially from these forward-looking statements, as a result of
the factors described under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere herein, including among
others, regulatory or economic influences. In light of these risks and
uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information
contained in this Prospectus will in fact transpire or prove to be accurate. All
subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the
Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their
entirety by this section.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 850,000 shares of
Common Stock and the 850,000 Warrants offered hereby are estimated to be
$4,100,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses. The Company anticipates that the net proceeds will be used
substantially as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   PERCENT OF
                   APPLICATION OF NET PROCEEDS                  DOLLAR AMOUNT     NET PROCEEDS
    ----------------------------------------------------------  -------------     ------------
    <S>                                                         <C>               <C>
    Repay debt(1).............................................   $ 1,500,000            37%
    Increase marketing and promotion(2).......................     1,000,000            24%
    Enhance existing products and develop new products(3).....       600,000            15%
    Improve facilities(4).....................................       250,000             6%
    Improve tooling and fixtures(5)...........................       250,000             6%
    General corporate purposes................................       500,000            12%
                                                                  ----------           ---
              Total...........................................   $ 4,100,000           100%
                                                                  ==========           ===
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) The Company intends to use $1,500,000 of the net proceeds to repay certain
    promissory notes privately issued by the Company on July 1, 1996 (the
    "Bridge Notes"). See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
    Resources -- Bridge Financing Notes." The Bridge Notes are due in full on
    June 30, 1998 or earlier in certain circumstances, including within 30 days
    following this offering. The Bridge Notes bear interest at the rate of 8%
    per annum payable on June 30 of each year. The Company used $779,727 of the
    proceeds from the issuance of the Bridge Notes to satisfy a $1,110,216
    obligation to one of its creditors. See "Certain Transactions."
    
 
   
(2) The Company intends to increase its marketing, advertising, and promotional
    efforts, including an increased emphasis on the sponsorship of professional
    and amateur drag race events, increased public relation efforts, and the
    development of distinctive point-of-purchase displays. In addition, the
    Company will pursue licensing arrangements to feature its brand names on
    high-quality automotive aftermarket and other products. See
    "Business -- Strategy."
    
 
   
(3) The Company intends to adapt its current selection of wheels and accessories
    to fit additional vehicle models, makes, and years. In addition, the Company
    intends to continue to increase its product development efforts. Such
    product development efforts will include the research of new technologies,
    such as carbon fiber race wheels, new coating processes, and new bonding
    techniques.
    
 
(4) The Company intends to upgrade its facilities, improve its manufacturing and
    computer systems, improve its material handling operations, and install a
    new telephone system.
 
   
(5) The Company intends to acquire new machinery and assembly equipment,
    machinery to automate certain processes, new tooling and fixtures, and new
    bar coding and boxing machinery.
    
 
   
     Pending the uses described herein, the net proceeds may be applied to
reduce the debt outstanding under the Credit Facility with Norwest. The
foregoing represents the Company's present intentions with respect to the
allocation of the proceeds of this offering based upon its present plans and
business conditions. However, the occurrence of certain unforeseen events or
changed business conditions could result in the application of the proceeds of
this offering in a manner other than as described in this Prospectus. In this
regard, although the Company is not currently a party to any agreement or
understanding with respect to any prospective acquisition, the Company may use
portions of the net proceeds to finance acquisitions of complementary
businesses, products or technologies, or other assets, if attractive
opportunities arise. See "Risk Factors."
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
   
                                    DILUTION
    
 
     Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per share
after the offering from the amount of cash paid by investors for the shares of
Common Stock. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of total
tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of
Common Stock issued and outstanding.
 
   
     The net tangible book value of the Common Stock at September 30, 1996,
assuming conversion on that date of certain of the Company's outstanding notes
that will be automatically converted into 359,722 shares of Common Stock upon
the consummation of this offering, was approximately $1,452,279, or $1.13 per
share. After giving effect to the sale of the 850,000 shares of Common Stock
offered hereby (at the initial public offering price of $6.00 per share, and
after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering
expenses payable by the Company) and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, and assuming no other changes in the net tangible book value after
September 30, 1996, the Company's pro forma net tangible book value at September
30, 1996 would have been approximately $5,552,279, or $2.59 per share. This
represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $1.46
per share to existing stockholders and an immediate decrease in pro forma net
tangible book value to new investors of $3.41 per share. The following table
illustrates the per share dilution:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                    <C>       <C>
    Initial public offering price per share..............................            $6.00
      Net tangible book value per share before this offering.............  $1.13
      Increase per share attributable to new investors...................  $1.46
                                                                           -----
    Net tangible book value per share after this offering................            $2.59
                                                                                     -----
    Dilution per share to new investors..................................            $3.41
                                                                                     =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The following table summarizes, as of September 30, 1996, the differences
in the total consideration and the average price per share of Common Stock paid
or contributed by existing stockholders and the total consideration and the
average price per share of Common Stock to be paid by investors in this
offering:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SHARES PURCHASED          TOTAL CONSIDERATION        AVERAGE
                                         ---------------------     -----------------------     PRICE PER
                                          NUMBER       PERCENT       AMOUNT        PERCENT       SHARE
                                         ---------     -------     -----------     -------     ---------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>
Existing stockholders(1)...............  1,290,305       52.0%     $ 6,675,245       52.4%       $5.17
Exercise of outstanding warrants and
  options(2)...........................    340,063       13.7%     $   963,125        7.6%       $2.83
New investors(3).......................    850,000       34.3%     $ 5,100,000       40.0%       $6.00
                                         ---------      -----      -----------      -----
          Total........................  2,480,368      100.0%     $12,738,370      100.0%
                                         =========      =====      ===========      =====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Assumes conversion of certain of the Company's outstanding notes that are
    automatically convertible into 359,722 shares of Common Stock upon
    completion of this offering.
 
   
(2) Includes the following items: (i) 122,063 shares of Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise of Class A Warrants at an exercise price of $1.43 per share;
    (ii) 24,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Class B
    Warrants at an exercise price of $0.36 per share; (iii) 126,000 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Class C Warrants at an exercise price
    of $3.25 per share; (iv) 11,900 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of Non-Employee Director Options at an exercise price of $5.14 per
    share; and (v) 55,600 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    Employee Options and Non-Employee Director Options at an exercise price of
    $5.60 per share. See "Description of Securities."
    
 
   
(3) Assumes that neither the 850,000 Warrants offered hereby nor the
    Representative's Warrants are exercised.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
   
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
    
 
   
     The Company has never paid or declared any cash dividends on the Common
Stock and does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. It is
the current policy of the Company's Board of Directors to retain any earnings to
finance the operations of the Company's business. In addition, the Company's
Credit Facility with Norwest prohibits the payment of dividends by the Company
without the prior written consent of Norwest.
    
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth (i) the actual capitalization of the Company
at September 30, 1996, and (ii) the pro forma capitalization of the Company,
which assumes the conversion of certain of the Company's outstanding notes that
will be automatically converted into 359,722 shares of Common Stock upon the
completion of this offering, as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the
850,000 shares of Common Stock and the 850,000 Warrants offered hereby and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom in the manner described in
"Use of Proceeds."
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
                                                                         -----------------------
                                                                                      PRO FORMA
                                                                         ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED
                                                                         -------     -----------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                           FOR SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>
Long-term debt.........................................................  $ 8,934       $ 5,584
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; none
     issued and outstanding............................................       --            --
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 930,583
     issued and outstanding, actual; 2,140,305 issued and outstanding,
     pro forma, as adjusted(1).........................................        1            13
Additional paid-in capital.............................................    4,862        10,800
Accumulated deficit....................................................   (6,012)       (6,012)
                                                                         -------       -------
          Total stockholders' equity (deficit).........................   (1,149)        4,801
                                                                         -------       -------
          Total capitalization.........................................  $ 7,785       $10,385
                                                                         =======       =======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) Includes 359,722 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of
    certain of the Company's outstanding notes that will be automatically
    converted upon the completion of this offering. Excludes shares of Common
    Stock issuable upon the exercise of (i) the 850,000 Warrants offered hereby;
    (ii) the Representative's Warrants; (iii) outstanding options and warrants
    to purchase up to 340,063 shares of Common Stock; and (iv) the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option. See "Management -- Option Grants," "Description of
    Securities," and "Underwriting."
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     The following selected statements of operations data for each of the years
in the two-year period ended December 31, 1995, and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1995, are derived from the Financial Statements and Notes thereto
included elsewhere herein audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants. The unaudited selected statements of operations
data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 and 1996, and the
unaudited balance sheet data as of September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996 as
adjusted, are derived from unaudited financial statements of the Company, which
have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and, in
the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's
financial position and results of operations. The results of operations for any
interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a
full fiscal year. The following data is qualified in its entirety by, and should
be read in conjunction with, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the Financial Statements of the Company
and related Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                     YEARS ENDED              NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                    DECEMBER 31,                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                 -------------------     ---------------------------
                                                  1994        1995          1995            1996
                                                 -------     -------     -----------     -----------
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales......................................  $20,270     $22,936       $18,375         $16,056
                                                 -------     -------       -------         -------
Gross profit...................................    3,103       2,646         2,564           2,082
                                                 -------     -------       -------         -------
Selling, general and administrative expenses...    3,888       2,912         2,159           1,963
Amortization of excess of fair value of assets
  acquired over cost...........................     (738)       (738)         (553)           (553)
                                                 -------     -------       -------         -------
Income (loss) from operations..................      (47)        472           958             673
Interest and other expenses, net...............    1,510       1,165           891             582
                                                 -------     -------       -------         -------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
  extraordinary item...........................   (1,557)       (693)           67              91
Provision for income taxes.....................       --          --            --               3
                                                 -------     -------       -------         -------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item........   (1,557)       (693)           67              88
Extraordinary item.............................    1,107          --            --             330
                                                 -------     -------       -------         -------
Net earnings (loss)............................  $  (450)    $  (693)      $    67         $   418
                                                 =======     =======       =======         =======
Income (loss) per common equivalent share
  before extraordinary item....................  $ (1.38)    $  (.60)      $   .06         $   .07
                                                 =======     =======       =======         =======
Net earnings (loss) per common and common
  equivalent share.............................  $ (0.40)    $ (0.60)      $  0.06         $  0.35
                                                 =======     =======       =======         =======
Net earnings (loss) per common
  share -- assuming full dilution..............     --(1)       --(1)      $  0.05         $  0.28
                                                                           =======         =======
Weighted average common and common equivalent
  shares outstanding...........................    1,124       1,158         1,152           1,178
                                                 =======     =======       =======         =======
Weighted average common shares outstanding --
  assuming full dilution.......................     --(1)       --(1)        1,444           1,470
                                                                           =======         =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
                                                                          --------------------------
                                                         DECEMBER 31,                   PRO FORMA
                                                             1995         ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED(2)
                                                         ------------     -------     --------------
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................................    $  8,353       $ 7,154        $  9,254
Total assets...........................................      13,966        12,652          15,252
Long-term debt(3)......................................      10,531         8,934           5,584
Excess of fair value of assets acquired over cost......       1,475           922             922
Stockholders' equity (deficit).........................      (1,604)       (1,149)          4,801
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Amounts are not disclosed as the impact of options, warrants, and the
    convertible debt was anti-dilutive.
 
   
(2) Adjusted to give effect to (i) the conversion of certain of the Company's
    outstanding notes that will be automatically converted into 359,722 shares
    of Common Stock upon the completion of this offering, and (ii) the sale by
    the Company of the 850,000 shares of Common Stock and the 850,000 Warrants
    offered hereby and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.
    See "Use of Proceeds."
    
 
(3) Does not include excess of fair value of assets acquired over cost. See Note
    3 of Notes to Financial Statements. See Notes 9, 10, 11 and 16 of Notes to
    Financial Statements for a description of the Company's long-term debt and
    lease obligations.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
     The following discussion and analysis provides information regarding the
Company's financial position as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and September 30,
1995 and 1996, and its results of operations for the years ended December 31,
1994 and 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996. This
discussion should be read in conjunction with the preceding "Selected Financial
Data" and the Company's Financial Statements and related Notes thereto and other
financial data appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. In the opinion of
management, such unaudited interim data reflect all adjustments, consisting only
of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly present the Company's
financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The
results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of
results expected for a full fiscal year. For information relating to factors
that could affect future operating results, see "Risk Factors." Any
forward-looking statements included in this Prospectus should be considered in
light of such factors, as well as the information set forth below.
    
 
INTRODUCTION
 
   
     The Company designs, produces, and sells high-quality custom vehicle wheels
and wheel accessories. The Company possesses one of the most widely recognized
brand names in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Company markets a wide
selection of custom wheels and components that are designed to appeal to
automotive enthusiasts who desire to modify the styling, design, or performance
of their cars, trucks, or vans. CRAGAR sells its wheel products in the
automotive aftermarket through a national distribution network of value-added
resellers, including tire and automotive performance warehouse distributors and
retailers and mail order houses.
    
 
   
     Traditionally, the Company's ten largest customers have accounted for a
substantial portion of the Company's gross sales. During the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, the Company's ten largest customers accounted for a total of
approximately 75.5% of the Company's gross sales. During 1995 and for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996, the Company's largest customers were Super
Shops (23.6% of gross sales in 1995 and 26.6% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996), J. H. Heafner Company, Inc. (11.8% of gross sales in 1995
and 12.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996), and B&R Wholesale Tire
(9.5% of gross sales in 1995 and 8.6% for the nine months ended September 30,
1996). There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain or
increase the level of its sales in the future to these or other customers. As a
result of the Company's decision not to meet competitors' pricing on steel
wheels, the Company expects sales of steel wheels to J. H. Heafner Company, Inc.
to decrease in the future.
    
 
   
     The Company was formed in 1992 to acquire in a leveraged buyout certain
assets, including the accounts receivable, inventory, property, equipment,
patents, trademarks, and copyrights, from the Wheel and Tire Division of Mr.
Gasket Company, Inc., which had filed for reorganization. The fair value of the
net assets acquired exceeded the final purchase price, and, accordingly, the
fair value of the property and equipment, patents, trademarks, and copyrights
acquired was reduced to zero. The remaining balance of $3,687,341 was classified
as excess of fair value of assets acquired over cost (commonly referred to as
negative goodwill) and is being amortized to income over five years using the
straight-line method ($737,468 per annum through December 31, 1997).
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
of net sales represented by certain items included in the Company's Statements
of Operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NINE MONTHS
                                                              YEAR ENDED       ENDED SEPTEMBER
                                                              DECEMBER 31            30
                                                            ---------------   -----------------
                                                             1994     1995     1995      1996
                                                            ------   ------   -------   -------
<S>                                                         <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales.................................................   100.0%   100.0%   100.00%   100.00%
Costs of goods sold.......................................    84.7     88.5      86.0      87.0
                                                            ------   ------   -------   -------
Gross profit..............................................    15.3     11.5      14.0      13.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses..............   (19.2)   (12.7)    (11.8)    (12.2)
Amortization of excess of fair value of assets acquired
  over cost...............................................     3.6      3.2       3.0       3.4
                                                            ------   ------   -------   -------
Income (loss) from operations.............................    (0.3)     2.0       5.2       4.2
Interest and other expenses, net..........................    (7.4)    (5.0)     (4.8)     (3.6)
Extraordinary gain........................................     5.5      0.0       0.0       2.1
                                                            ------   ------   -------   -------
Net earnings (loss).......................................    (2.2)    (3.0)      0.4       2.7
                                                            ======   ======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
 
     Net sales consist of gross sales less discounts, returns, and allowances.
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 were $16,056,074 compared
to $18,374,847 for the same period in 1995. The decrease in net sales was
attributable, in part, to the fact that the Company sold a large amount of
excess inventory in 1995 compared to 1996. In addition, the Company accrued a
larger amount of cash rebates and discounts during the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 versus the same period in 1995. Other factors contributing to
the decrease in net sales included the loss of a significant customer as a
result of its acquisition by a wheel distributor that historically has purchased
wheels from one of the Company's competitors, a reduction in purchases from
another customer pending a change in ownership, and an overall reduction in
sales in the performance segment of the automotive aftermarket.
 
     Gross profit is determined by subtracting cost of goods sold from net
sales. Costs of goods sold consists primarily of the costs of labor, aluminum,
steel, raw materials, overhead, and material processing used in the production
of the Company's products. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 was $2,082,036 versus $2,564,422 for the same period in 1995. As a
percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased in the 1996 period, compared to
the same period in 1995, from 14.0% to 13.0%. This decrease was attributable to
increased returns, rebates, and allowances during 1996 versus the same period in
1995.
 
   
     In order to increase gross profit, the Company is focusing on reducing its
costs, with particular emphasis on the selected outsourcing of certain product
and component manufacturing. Beginning in April 1996, the Company began
purchasing fully assembled steel wheels through a formal supply arrangement with
one of its vendors. Approximately 16.8% of the Company's gross sales during the
first nine months of 1996 were attributable to the sale of steel wheels. See
"Business -- Products." Late in the second quarter of 1996, the Company began
using machine shops in California to process certain components that had
previously been manufactured in California, shipped to Phoenix for additional
processing, and then shipped back to California for certain processing. The
Company anticipates that the resulting reduction of in-bound freight costs and
the reduction in inventory levels will lead to lower costs.
    
 
   
     Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses consist primarily of
commissions, marketing expenses, promotional programs, salaries and wages,
product development expenses, office expenses, accounting and legal expenses,
and general overhead. These expenses for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 were $1,962,508 compared to $2,159,321 for the same period in 1995. The
9.1% reduction in such expenses was primarily due to the impact of cost saving
efforts implemented by the Company during the fourth quarter of 1995, including
reduced advertising expenses and decreased utilization of employee overtime. The
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
   
Company expects that future SG&A expenses will increase in absolute amounts and
possibly in proportion to net sales resulting, in part, from anticipated
increases in costs associated with advertising and marketing promotional
activities, increased product development activities, the hiring of additional
personnel, and compliance with the reporting and other requirements of a public
company.
    
 
   
     Interest and other expenses, net, for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1996 were $582,058 compared to $890,703 for the same period in 1995. In
1996, the Company recognized a one-time gain in the amount of approximately
$287,000 in connection with the sale of polishing assets that the Company had
operated in Mexicali, Mexico as well as other equipment. In connection with the
Company's repurchase of a promissory note on July 1, 1996 in the amount of
approximately $1.1 million, the Company recognized an extraordinary gain in the
amount of $330,000. See "Certain Transactions."
    
 
     Because of its carry-forward losses from previous years, the Company had no
income tax provision in 1995 and had a $3,344 provision for alternative minimum
taxes in the first nine months of 1996.
 
   
     Net earnings for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 were
$417,716 compared to $67,499 for the same period in 1995, an increase of
$350,217. Of this increase, $157,895 was attributable to reductions in the
allowance for doubtful accounts and inventory obsolescence reserves resulting
from routine periodic adjustments and transactions. Net earnings for each of the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996, and September 30, 1995, included
$553,101 of negative goodwill. See " -- Introduction."
    
 
COMPARISON OF THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1994
 
     Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $22,935,773 compared to
$20,269,936 for the same period in 1994, an increase of $2,665,837, or 13.2%.
The Company attributes this increase to additional product offerings in 1995
compared to 1994, continued growth of its customer base, and more efficient
distribution of its product to its customers.
 
   
     Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $2,646,426 compared
to $3,103,386 for the same period in 1994, a decrease of $456,960, or 14.7%. As
a percent of sales, gross margin decreased to 11.5% in 1995 from 15.3% in 1994.
In part, this decrease in gross profit was attributable to increased reserves
for accrued rebates, cash discounts, allowances, and returns, and to a program
to reduce excess inventory. In addition, this decrease was attributable to
increases in metal prices. Currently, the Company does not purchase forward
contracts for metals and, therefore, any future increase in metals prices could
adversely affect the Company's gross profit. The Company has entered into a
supply agreement to purchase fully assembled steel wheels, at agreed upon
prices, designed to improve the gross profit for this portion of its business.
    
 
   
     SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $2,912,393 compared
to $3,887,756 for the same period in 1994, a decrease of 25.1%. The Company
attributes this decrease in part to a reduction in the Company's administrative
and sales staffs as well as a reduction in outside sales representatives. In
fiscal 1995, professional and consulting expenses declined approximately
$190,000 compared to fiscal year 1994. In addition, the Company reduced
marketing and promotional expenses in 1995 compared to 1994 by approximately
$126,000. The Company had a write-off for bad debts of approximately $317,000 in
1994 compared to approximately $55,000 in 1995.
    
 
   
     Interest and other expenses, net, for the year ended December 31, 1995 were
$1,165,257 compared to $1,509,647 for the same period in 1994, a decrease of
$344,390, or 22.8%. In part, this decrease in 1995 relative to 1994 was
attributable to a reduction in interest expense resulting from the Company's
replacement of its former primary credit facility with the Norwest Credit
Facility, which generally has more favorable terms. In addition, interest
expense decreased in 1995 as a result of a recapitalization in which certain of
the Company's promissory notes were contributed to capital. See "Certain
Transactions." As a result of this recapitalization, the Company realized an
extraordinary gain of $1,107,232 in 1994.
    
 
     The net loss for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $693,756 compared to
$449,317 for the same period in 1994, a difference of 54.4%. Net loss for each
of these years includes $737,468 of negative goodwill.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
   
In addition, the net loss for 1995 was reduced by $358,187 as a result of the
reductions in the allowance for doubtful accounts and inventory obsolescence
reserves resulting from routine periodic adjustments and transactions.
    
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company historically has financed its activities primarily from cash
flows from operations, credit arrangements with financial institutions,
operating leases for equipment, and loans and equity infusions from its
principal stockholders and investors. See "Certain Transactions." There can be
no assurance that the Company's cash flow will be sufficient to finance its
operations as currently planned or that it will be able to supplement its cash
flow with externally generated funds.
 
  Revolving Credit Facility
 
   
     In April 1995, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility
("Credit Facility") with Norwest Business Credit, Inc. ("Norwest"). The Credit
Facility currently has a maximum commitment of $9.5 million, subject to certain
restrictions with respect to the collateral borrowing base. The Credit Facility
expires April 15, 1998 and is secured by the Company's accounts receivable,
inventories, intangible assets, and property and equipment. Interest is due
monthly at the prime rate plus 2.25%. As of September 30, 1996, the outstanding
balance under the Credit Facility was approximately $5.4 million, and the
remaining amount available to be borrowed thereunder was approximately $612,000.
    
 
   
     The Credit Facility requires the maintenance of certain specified financial
ratios. As of September 30, 1996, the Company was in default under various
covenants of the Credit Facility, including the debt service covenant. On
November 22, 1996, Norwest granted a waiver with respect to these defaults and
modified certain of the covenants under the Credit Facility. See "Risk
Factors -- Covenant Defaults; Dependence on External Financing."
    
 
  1993 Junior Notes
 
     At September 30, 1996, the Company had outstanding $1,500,000 of
convertible junior investor notes (the "1993 Junior Notes"). The 1993 Junior
Notes are collateralized by accounts receivable, inventories, and property and
equipment, subject to and subordinate to the existing security interests of
Norwest. The 1993 Junior Notes mature in September 1998. The 1993 Junior Notes
bear interest at 8%, which is due annually in September.
 
   
     On December 15, 1994, the Company issued a $350,000 promissory note (the
"$350,000 Note"), on terms similar to the 1993 Junior Notes, in order to fund
the Company's obligation to one of its creditors. On the consummation of this
offering, the 1993 Junior Notes and the $350,000 Note will automatically convert
into 359,722 shares of the Company's Common Stock. See "Certain Transactions."
    
 
  Bridge Financing Notes
 
   
     On July 1, 1996, the Company issued $1,500,000 in aggregate principal
amount of uncollateralized bridge financing notes (the "Bridge Notes"). The
Bridge Notes are due in full on the earlier of June 30, 1998 or 30 days
following the consummation of this offering. The Bridge Notes bear interest at
8% per annum payable on June 30 of each year. See "Certain Transactions." The
Company intends to use a portion of the proceeds of this offering to repay the
Bridge Notes in full. See "Use Of Proceeds."
    
 
   
     At December 31, 1995, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $6,429,645.
During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company used $1,974,977 in cash
from its operating activities. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the
Company's operating activities provided $527,922 of cash. The Company's
operating activities provided $882,876 of cash for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996.
    
 
     Based on the Company's operating plan, management believes that the
proceeds from this offering and anticipated cash flow from operations will be
sufficient to meet the Company's anticipated operating and capital needs for at
least the next 12 months from the date of this Prospectus. See "Use of
Proceeds." In the future, however, the Company may require additional financing.
No assurance can be given of the Company's
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
   
ability to obtain such financing on favorable terms, if at all. If the Company
is unable to obtain additional financing, its ability to meet its current and
future revenue growth plans could be materially and adversely affected.
    
 
SEASONALITY
 
   
     Historically, the Company has experienced higher revenue in the first two
quarters of the year than in the latter half of the year. The Company believes
that this results from seasonal buying patterns resulting, in part, from an
increased demand for certain automotive parts and accessories associated with
more favorable weather conditions, and the fact that many of its ultimate
customers have added liquidity from income tax refunds during the first half of
the year.
    
 
INFLATION
 
     Increases in inflation generally result in higher interest rates. Higher
interest rates on the Company's borrowings would decrease the profitability of
the Company. To date, general price inflation has not had a significant impact
on the Company's operations; however, increases in metal prices have from time
to time, and could in the future, adversely affect the Company's gross profit.
See "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Comparison of the Year Ended December 31,
1995 and the Year Ended December 31, 1994."
 
ACCOUNTING MATTERS
 
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of"
(SFAS No. 121), which the Company will adopt for its fiscal year ending December
31, 1996, requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles
to be held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of asset may not be
recoverable. In the opinion of management, the adoption of SFAS No. 121 will not
have any material effect on the Company.
 
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123), establishes financial accounting
standards for stock-based employee compensation plans. These plans include all
arrangements by which employees receive shares of stock or other equity
instruments of the employer or the employer incurs liabilities to employees in
amounts based on the price of the employer's stock. Examples include stock
purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights.
SFAS No. 123 also applies to transactions in which an entity issues its equity
instruments to acquire goods or services from nonemployees. These transactions
must be accounted for, or at least disclosed in the case of options, based on
the fair value of the consideration received or the equity instruments issued,
whichever is the more reliable measure. The Company will adopt the disclosure
requirements of SFAS No. 123 for its fiscal year ending December 31, 1996.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
   
     The Company designs, produces, and sells high-quality, custom vehicle
wheels and wheel accessories. The Company believes that the CRAGAR name is one
of the most widely recognized brand names in the automotive aftermarket
industry. The Company's broad selection of products is designed to appeal to a
wide range of automotive enthusiasts who desire to modify the styling, design,
or performance of their cars, trucks, or vans. The Company sells its wheel
products in the automotive aftermarket through a national distribution network
of value-added resellers, including tire and automotive performance warehouse
distributors and retailers, and mail order houses. Major resellers include Super
Shops, J. H. Heafner Company, Inc., and B & R Wholesale Tire.
    
 
   
     In order to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers, the Company offers a
wide selection of custom wheels. CRAGAR's products include entry-level custom
steel wheels, wire and spoked wheels that are popular with urban and inner city
consumers, chrome plated, one-piece cast aluminum wheels designed to appeal to
the luxury automobile owner, and race wheels that are used by both amateur and
professional race drivers. The Company's wheels feature classic designs that
have been sold under the CRAGAR name since the 1960s as well as contemporary
designs that reflect continually changing consumer preferences. The Company
sells its products under a variety of brand names, including CRAGAR, CRAGAR
Lite, Keystone Klassic, S/S, Star Wire, TRU-CRUISER, and TRU-SPOKE.
    
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
  Size and Growth of Industry
 
   
     The automotive wheel industry is generally divided into two segments,
original equipment wheels and custom aftermarket wheels, which together
accounted for approximately $2.0 billion in manufacturer sales during 1994. Of
this amount, the custom wheel segment, in which the Company operates,
represented manufacturer sales of approximately $650 million, an annual increase
of 15.5% over the total of $420 million achieved in 1991.
    
 
   
     The Company attributes the continuing growth in the custom wheel segment of
the automotive wheel industry to several factors, including (i) increased sales
of domestic cars, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks, which have resulted
in greater numbers of vehicles in use and, consequently, more potential
consumers of automotive aftermarket products such as the Company's wheels; (ii)
increased average vehicle life, which the Company believes contributes to
greater demand for automotive aftermarket products, such as custom wheels, as
vehicle owners seek to enhance the appearance of older vehicles; and (iii)
increased sales of custom wheels through tire dealers, performance retailers,
and other specialty automotive outlets. The Company believes that the desire of
many vehicle owners for individuality in the appearance and styling of their
vehicles will lead to continued growth in the custom wheel market, since the
installation of custom wheels represents one of the easiest, least expensive,
and quickest ways for such owners to dramatically alter their vehicles'
appearance.
    
 
  Product Offerings
 
   
     The custom wheel market is generally divided into six product categories:
one-piece aluminum wheels (representing 36% of the market); performance racing
wheels (20%); two-piece aluminum wheels (16%); steel wheels (14%); wire wheels
(10%); and composite wheels (4%). These product categories are differentiated by
the material content of the wheel, the level of technology necessary to produce
the wheel, price, target customer, styling attributes, and applications. See
" -- Products." While the Company offers products in each of these product
categories, the Company believes that the market for one and two-piece aluminum
wheels has grown substantially relative to the other categories of wheels and
will continue to do so in the future.
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
  Product Distribution
 
   
     Custom wheel manufacturers and assemblers may sell their products to
wholesalers (such as large warehouse distribution centers), directly to product
retailers (such as tire and auto parts dealers and performance automotive
centers), or directly to the public via mail order, sales outlets, or direct
telemarketing. A number of the Company's competitors have taken a step toward
vertical integration by establishing company-owned warehouse distribution
centers that can sell their products to retailers or directly to the public. To
spread the overhead costs associated with establishing these company-owned
distribution centers, such centers often carry competitors' products. The
Company sells its products through distribution centers operated by its
competitors, such as American Racing Equipment, Inc. and Prime Wheel-Golden
Wheel. See " -- Distribution, Sales, and Marketing -- Product Distribution."
    
 
  Fragmented Nature of Industry
 
   
     The Company believes that the custom wheel industry is highly fragmented,
with only a few companies holding market share in excess of 10%. Like the
Company, most of its competitors do not manufacture their own wheels, but
purchase the wheel components from third parties for later assembly and sale to
the public. Unlike the Company, however, most of its competitors do not offer a
full line of custom wheel products nor have an established brand identity. The
Company believes that the fragmented nature of the custom wheel market offers an
opportunity for certain competitors, such as the Company, to act as market
consolidators through the acquisition of other custom wheel companies or product
lines that can complement their existing operations. See " -- Business
Strategy."
    
 
     The industry data presented herein is derived from information obtained
from the Specialty Equipment Market Association and Lang Market Resources, Inc.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
   
     The Company's objective is to become the premier supplier of custom wheels
and wheel accessories in the automotive aftermarket. The Company will seek to
achieve this objective by pursuing the following strategies:
    
 
  Increase Marketing Efforts
 
   
     The Company intends to increase its marketing, advertising, and promotional
efforts to further enhance and leverage the strength of the CRAGAR brand name.
Promotional efforts will include an increased emphasis on the Company's
relationships with drag race drivers and teams and on the sponsorship of
professional and amateur drag race events sanctioned by the National Hot Rod
Association ("NHRA"). Additionally, public relations campaigns will be conducted
in trade publications, racing magazines, and consumer magazines. The Company
also intends to develop distinctive point-of-purchase displays directed to end
consumers. As a means to leverage the strength of its brand names, the Company
will pursue licensing arrangements for its brand names to be featured on
high-quality automotive aftermarket and other products.
    
 
  Expand Product Distribution
 
   
     The Company intends to expand its product distribution capabilities in
underserved markets, such as California, southern Florida, New England, and the
northwestern United States, and to broaden its customer base to include major
tire distributors that supply both national and local retail tire stores.
Historically, the Company has focused its distribution efforts on selected
domestic markets, which are served by value-added resellers specializing in
selling high-performance automotive aftermarket parts and accessories. The
Company also is exploring implementation of a national accounts program in which
it would sell products directly to mass merchandisers that require factory
direct service. The Company is in the process of establishing a redistribution
arrangement necessary to serve these national account prospects as well as
certain local and regional areas not serviced by its current warehouse
distributors. In addition, CRAGAR will seek to develop and enhance relationships
with distributors in selected foreign countries, such as Japan, Mexico, Russia,
Australia, and Germany, where it believes it currently enjoys significant brand
name recognition.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
  Enhance Existing Product Lines; Develop New Products
 
   
     The Company plans to enhance its existing product lines by adapting its
wheels and accessories to fit additional vehicle models, makes, and years and to
develop new product lines to meet changing consumer demands. In addition, the
Company intends to continue to increase its product development efforts with
increased emphasis on products for trucks and sport utility vehicles. In this
regard, during the past two years the Company introduced its CRAGAR Lite wheel
line, introduced a series of one-piece aluminum wheels, and significantly
broadened its TRU;SPOKE line with three new wheel designs and a new line of
accessories. The Company also is test marketing a new line of custom wheels that
feature distinctive wheel coatings, such as camouflage, marble, and simulated
carbon fiber.
    
 
   
  Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and Alliances
    
 
   
     The Company plans to pursue strategic acquisitions and alliances to
capitalize on the substantial fragmentation of the market for custom wheels and
wheel accessories and the difficulty of market participants in maintaining
product selection broad enough to meet customer demands resulting from the
increase in the variety of domestic and imported vehicle makes and models.
Acquisition or alliance candidates will be selected based on their potential to
broaden the Company's product lines or enlarge its product offerings, expand the
geographical scope of its distribution network into new or underserved markets,
enhance the Company's marketing, distribution or product development
capabilities, or reduce unit costs. The Company currently has no specific
agreements or understandings with respect to any acquisitions or alliances.
    
 
  Improve Operating Efficiencies
 
   
     The Company intends to improve its operating efficiencies by enhancing its
assembly and materials handling through plant upgrades, the purchase of new
equipment, and the implementation of more sophisticated inventory management and
by outsourcing certain of its production processes. The Company has begun to
selectively outsource the processing, assembly, and manufacturing of some of its
custom wheels, components, and accessories, and expects to explore further
outsourcing in the future. The Company believes that the outsourcing of selected
products and processing operations will enable it to devote a greater percentage
of its resources to product design, marketing, and distribution, and to shift
certain inventory, warranty, and other risks to its suppliers.
    
 
PRODUCTS
 
   
     CRAGAR offers a large variety of custom wheels, which can be divided into
six general categories: (i) wire or spoked wheels; (ii) composite wheels, known
as Legacy and CRAGAR Lite wheels; (iii) steel wheels; (iv) race wheels; (v)
street steel wheels; and (vi) one-piece cast aluminum wheels. In addition, the
Company offers a full line of wheel accessories, including lug nuts, spacers,
bolts, washers, spinners, and hubcaps.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
     The following table provides sales and other information about the
Company's major product lines:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             % OF 1996        % OF 1995            TYPE OF
       PRODUCT LINE         GROSS SALES*     GROSS SALES         CONSTRUCTION            CUSTOMER NICHE
- --------------------------  ------------     -----------     --------------------     ---------------------
<S>                         <C>              <C>             <C>                      <C>
Wire or Spoked Wheels.....      20.0%            24.2%       Steel spokes             Urban and inner city
                                                             attached to inner        consumers
                                                             steel hub and outer
                                                             steel rim or felly
Composite, Legacy, and
  CRAGAR Lite Wheels......      23.7%            17.8%       Inner cast aluminum      Nostalgia car and
                                                             disc welded to outer     current line truck
                                                             steel rim                owners
Steel Wheels..............      16.8%            16.7%       Inner steel disc         Low-end consumers of
                                                             welded to outer          all types of vehicles
                                                             steel rim
Race Wheels...............      16.6%            15.8%       Two outer aluminum       Pro and amateur race
                                                             rim halves welded        drivers and
                                                             together with            performance car
                                                             aluminum center or       owners
                                                             spacer
Street Steel Wheels.......       8.7%             8.5%       Three piece steel        Hot rod and race
                                                             and aluminum center      enthusiasts with cars
                                                             welded to outer          and trucks
                                                             steel rim
One-piece Cast Aluminum
  Wheels..................       7.8%             7.8%       Cast one-piece           Low and high-end
                                                             aluminum with            consumers of all
                                                             machined, painted,       types of vehicles
                                                             or chrome finish
Wheel Accessories.........       4.6%             4.6%       Steel and aluminum       All types of
                                                             hub caps, lug nuts,      consumers and
                                                             spinners, locks,         vehicles
                                                             spacers
Miscellaneous.............       1.8%             4.6%       Excess wheels and        N/A
                                                             accessories
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* For nine months ended September 30, 1996, unaudited.
 
  Wire or Spoked Wheels
 
   
     CRAGAR offers a complete line of chrome plated wire or spoked wheels. The
Company sells most of these products under the TRU-SPOKE brand name, although it
offers a spoked wheel product using patented technology, called the Star Wire,
which is sold under the CRAGAR brand name. Wire wheels are high-end, niche
products that are sold to a limited group of vehicle owners. Recently, CRAGAR
introduced a new look for the TRU-SPOKE brand name, incorporating a new
decorative medallion and spinner and several new wheel styles, including wheels
with diamond spokes, a wheel with 102 spokes, a wheel with sixteen  5/8-inch
(fat) spokes, and a lower priced wheel with 13 pairs of spokes. From time to
time, CRAGAR also supplies other companies with wire wheels under private label.
    
 
  Composite, Legacy, and CRAGAR Lite Wheels
 
   
     Composite wheels consist of a chrome plated die cast aluminum center welded
to a chrome plated rolled steel outer rim. CRAGAR patented the process of
attaching the aluminum center to the steel rim in 1964. In addition to the
Company's popular S/S and SS/T composite wheels, the Company in 1995 purchased
the exclusive rights to manufacture and market the Keystone Klassic, one of the
most popular wheels in
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
   
automotive history. The Company believes this product solidifies CRAGAR's Legacy
Line to include the most popular nostalgia wheels in the market. The Company
recently introduced 16 and 17 inch versions of its S/S wheel.
    
 
     Another addition, introduced in 1995, was the Company's development (with
patent pending technology) of the CRAGAR Lite wheel line using a new
light-weight steel rim. While over 30% lighter than conventional rims, these
light-weight rims are stronger than conventional rims because the rims are made
of high-strength alloy steel. The CRAGAR Lite rim improves ride stability,
reduces wheel vibrations, lessens wear on the suspension, and enhances fuel
economy. The Company currently has two CRAGAR Lite styles, both used for
front-wheel drive vehicles. The Company recently has introduced new sizes and
bolt circle configurations of its CRAGAR Lite wheels.
 
  Steel Wheels
 
   
     CRAGAR steel wheels have been sold for over 30 years. While aluminum has
slowly been replacing steel as the major wheel material, the Company continues
to sell large quantities of steel wheels, which represent a less costly option
for many consumers. The Company currently has a supply arrangement to purchase
fully assembled steel wheels. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." From time to time, CRAGAR also
supplies other companies with steel wheels for resale under private labels.
    
 
  Race Wheels
 
   
     CRAGAR race wheels are higher-priced, three-piece, lightweight, polished
aluminum wheels. These wheels are used by professional drag racers, who are
sometimes provided CRAGAR wheels without charge in return for their promotion of
CRAGAR and for displaying a CRAGAR sticker on their cars. The Super Race and the
Super Star are the Company's two highest-end professional race wheels.
    
 
     The Company also sells race wheels to amateur racers, professional racers,
and individuals who want the look of the race wheel for street use. The race
wheels for this product category are the Dragstar and the Super Lite II. In
addition, the Company has introduced a series of race wheels with billet centers
for street use.
 
  Street Steel Wheels
 
     The Company sells chrome plated steel, look-alike versions of its race
wheels. The Street Star is a lower-priced copy of the Dragstar, and the Street
Lite is a copy of the SuperLite II.
 
  One-Piece Cast Aluminum Wheels
 
   
     The Company currently offers several styles of one-piece cast aluminum
wheels. One category of one-piece cast aluminum wheels consists of high-end,
chrome-plated or silver-painted wheels with innovative styling. The styles are
designed for CRAGAR's "muscle car" or "hot rod" niche, including classic
Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds, and Monte Carlos. In addition, these wheels are
also popular with owners of high-end European and Japanese cars. These wheels
are currently purchased from manufacturers in the Philippines and the United
States.
    
 
   
     Another category of one-piece cast aluminum wheels consists of the Hammer,
Star, Blade, and Modular styles. These styles have been on the market for many
years and are available from almost all of the Company's domestic and foreign
competitors. These wheels have become "commodity" items and provide relatively
small gross margins. These wheels are currently purchased from manufacturers in
China and the United States.
    
 
  Wheel Accessories
 
   
     The Company offers a large and varied line of accessories, including
hubcaps, medallions, lug nuts, washers, steel locks, spinners, beadlock rings,
and trim rings. Accessories are sold both packaged and loose.
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
The packaging is either in boxes or shrink wrap with paper board. Most of these
accessories are sourced from the Far East.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
   
     The Company currently offers a broad spectrum of products that are designed
to fit a wide variety of automobiles, vans, and trucks. The Company plans to
leverage these product lines by adapting its wheels and accessories to fit
additional vehicle models, makes, and years. In addition, the Company intends to
increase its product development efforts with increased emphasis on products for
trucks and sport utility vehicles. In this regard, during the past two years the
Company introduced its CRAGAR Lite Wheel line and significantly broadened its
TRU;SPOKE line with three new wheel designs and a new line of accessories. The
Company is test marketing a new line of custom wheels that feature distinctive
wheel coatings, such as camouflage, marble, and simulated carbon fiber.
    
 
     To enhance its product development efforts, the Company plans to engage an
experienced outside consultant to assist the Company's current in-house product
development staff. In addition, the Company plans to supplement its existing
product development staff with the addition of one or more new employees with
product development experience.
 
DISTRIBUTION, SALES AND MARKETING
 
  Product Distribution
 
     The Company currently sells its products through the following distribution
channels:
 
          Warehouse Distributors.  The Company sells its products to warehouse
     distributors that sell to tire dealers, automotive performance retailers,
     service stations, and specialty boutiques. These customers include J. H.
     Heafner Company, Inc., B & R Wholesale Tire and Wheel, and Keystone
     Automotive Warehouse. Automotive aftermarket warehouse distributors often
     stock a full selection of high-quality merchandise. The Company believes
     that warehouse distributors will continue to be an important factor in the
     Company's penetration of new geographic areas. Sales to warehouse
     distributors accounted for 46.2% and 38.1%, respectively, of the Company's
     gross sales in 1995 and in the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
 
          Tire Dealers and Automotive Performance Retailers.  The Company sells
     its custom wheels and other products to major tire and automotive
     performance retailers, including Discount Tire and Super Shops, which
     specialize in selling high-performance aftermarket automotive parts and
     accessories throughout the United States. The Company believes that tire
     dealers have experienced success with "combination" sales of tires with
     custom wheels and that automotive performance retailers serve as an
     important link to automotive enthusiasts. Tire dealers and automotive
     performance retailers, two traditionally separate channels, are beginning
     to overlap in their product coverages. Gross sales to tire dealers and
     automotive performance retailers accounted for 36.1% and 39.6%,
     respectively, of the Company's gross sales in 1995 and in the nine months
     ended September 30, 1996.
 
          Mail Order Outlets.  The Company sells its products to mail order
     catalog houses, including Atech Motorsports, Buckeye Sales, and ASAP, for
     resale to the public. The Company believes that inclusion of its products
     in large mail-order catalogs will continue to be a significant factor in
     promoting the brand-name recognition of the Company's products and
     increasing direct sales to consumers. Sales to mail order outlets accounted
     for 12.1% and 14.2%, respectively, of the Company's gross sales in 1995 and
     in the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
 
          International Distributors.  The Company sells to exporters and
     directly to distributors in select foreign countries. International sales
     accounted for approximately 5.4% and 6.2%, respectively, of the Company's
     gross sales in 1995 and in the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
 
   
     The Company intends to increase its distribution capabilities in
underserved markets, such as California, southern Florida, New England, and the
northwestern United States and to broaden its customer base to
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
   
include more major tire distributors that supply both national and local retail
tire stores. The Company is also exploring implementation of a national accounts
program in which it would sell products directly to mass merchandisers that
require factory direct service. The Company is in the process of establishing a
redistribution arrangement necessary to serve these national account prospects
as well as certain local and regional areas not currently serviced by its
current warehouse distributors. In addition, CRAGAR will seek to develop and
enhance relationships with distributors in select foreign jurisdictions, such as
Japan, Mexico, Russia, Australia and Germany, where it believes it currently
enjoys significant brand-name recognition.
    
 
  Sales and Marketing
 
     As of September 30, 1996, the Company employed six individuals in its sales
and marketing department and retained four independent representative agencies.
The Company's sales and marketing employees are responsible for implementing
marketing plans and sales programs, providing technical advice and customer
service, handling customer inquiries, following up on shipments to customers,
informing customers of special promotions, coordinating the Company's trade
shows, and providing other types of customer service. The Company plans to hire
an executive to coordinate the Company's marketing efforts.
 
   
     As one of its marketing programs, the Company is a sponsor for all
professional and amateur drag race events sanctioned by the NHRA. The Company
sponsors cars carrying the CRAGAR logo in all three professional categories,
including the Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock divisions. Among the many well-
known drivers and teams that CRAGAR has relationships with include Kenny
Bernstein (1996 Top Fuel Champion), Warren Johnson (multi-year Pro Stock
Champion) and Larry Dixon (1995 Rookie of the Year); team owners such as Joe
Gibbs (former NFL Super Bowl coach), and Don "The Snake" Prudhomme (legendary
driver and former champion); and teams with major sponsors, such as McDonald's,
Budweiser, Miller Genuine Draft, Skoal Bandit, ProLong, GM Performance Parts,
and Mac Tools.
    
 
   
     Outside sales representatives typically interface directly with the
Company's customers. These individuals approach the Company's customers on a
frequent basis to solicit orders. These sales representatives either earn a
commission on each sale or receive a flat monthly retainer. Sales
representatives work with a particular internal salesperson and together deal
with each customer in order to facilitate high levels of service.
    
 
   
     In 1995, the Company's ten largest customers accounted for a total of
approximately 70.4% of its gross sales, with Super Shops, J. H. Heafner Company,
Inc., and B & R Wholesale Tire accounting for 23.6%, 11.8%, and 9.5% of gross
sales, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company's
ten largest customers accounted for a total of approximately 75.5% of gross
sales, with Super Shops accounting for 26.6%, J. H. Heafner Company, Inc. 12.3%,
and B & R Wholesale Tire 8.6%. The Company does not have any long-term
contractual relationships with any of its major customers. As a result of the
Company's decision not to meet competitors' pricing on steel wheels, the Company
expects sales of steel wheels to J. H. Heafner Company, Inc. to decrease in the
future. See "Risk Factors -- Dependence on Key Customers."
    
 
     The Company's standard payment terms generally provide for payment by its
customers no later than the 25th day of the month following the month of the
invoice, with a 2% discount offered for payments made by the 10th day of the
month. Certain customers receive longer terms, and at certain times of the year
terms are offered which have in the past extended to as much as 210 days from
the date of invoice.
 
PRODUCTION
 
   
     The Company assembles most of its products at its facility in Phoenix,
Arizona. While outside vendors manufacture most of the component parts used in
the Company's products, the Company undertakes certain basic production
operations, including bending spokes on presses; de-flashing various components;
piercing rims, hubs, and fellies for wire and spoked wheels; dimpling rims for
wire wheels; and machining a variety of components. In recent periods, the
Company has begun to outsource selectively the processing, assembly, and
manufacture of some of its custom wheels, components, and accessories, and
expects to explore the further outsourcing of product production in the future.
The Company believes that the outsourcing of selected products and processing
operations will enable it to devote a greater percentage of its resources to
product
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
   
design, marketing, and distribution and to shift certain inventory, warranty,
and other risks to its suppliers. In addition, the Company intends to improve
its own production operations through plant improvements, the purchase of new
equipment, and the implementation of enhanced inventory management.
    
 
   
     The Company maintains its own in-house testing facility for its wheels. The
Company also utilizes independent test laboratories for all its wheels, which
certify their results relating to load ratings, cornering fatigue, and radial
fatigue.
    
 
COMPETITION
 
   
     The market for the Company's products is highly competitive and fragmented
with over 100 domestic and foreign sellers of custom wheels. Competition is
based primarily on product selection (including style and vehicle fit), product
availability, quality, design innovation, price, payment terms, and service.
Competition in the custom wheel market is intense, and the Company believes that
several major wheel manufacturers, such as American Racing Equipment, Inc.,
Prime Wheel-Golden Wheel, Progressive Custom Wheels, Inc., Ultra Custom Wheel
Co., and Superior Industries International, as well as suppliers to major
automobile manufacturers, pose significant competition because of their
substantial resources.
    
 
   
     The level and source of the Company's competition varies based on product
category. Cast aluminum wheels comprise the largest portion of the custom wheel
market. There are numerous competitors in the cast wheel market, including
American Racing Equipment, Inc., Prime Wheel-Golden Wheel, Progressive Custom
Wheels, Inc., Ultra Custom Wheel Co., Superior Industries International, and
certain smaller domestic companies as well as numerous foreign manufacturers.
Most of these companies also make composite wheels. In race wheels, the Company
has two major competitors, Weld Racing, Inc. and Center Line Performance Wheels.
The largest wire wheel competitors include Roadster Wheels, Inc., Crown Wire
Wheel Co., and Dayton Wheel Products, Inc. In steel wheels, competitors include
Mangels Wheels, Unique Wheel, Inc., American Racing Equipment, Inc., and
Greenball Corp.
    
 
FACILITIES
 
   
     The Company's executive offices, product development, sales, accounting,
computer, production, and distribution facilities are currently housed in a
leased industrial building. The 167,000 square foot facility is located in
Phoenix, Arizona. The lease expires in June 2003, and the Company has a right of
first refusal to purchase the property. The Company believes that the facility
is adequate for its current operations and those contemplated by the Company in
the foreseeable future.
    
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
   
     The Company markets its custom wheels and products under a variety of brand
names designed to capitalize on its reputation. The Company believes that its
trademarks, most importantly CRAGAR, are critical to its business. The Company
also owns the rights to certain design and other patents and also relies on
trade secrets and proprietary know-how, which it seeks to protect, in part,
through confidentiality and proprietary information agreements. The Company has
also entered into agreements with its vendors to restrict the use of technology
provided by the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's
patents will preclude the Company's competitors from designing competitive
products, that the proprietary information or confidentiality agreements with
employees and others will not be breached, that the Company's patents will not
be infringed, that the Company would have adequate remedies for any breach or
infringement, or that the Company's trade secrets will not otherwise become
known to or independently developed by competitors.
    
 
PRODUCT RETURNS AND WARRANTIES
 
     Historically, the Company's wheels have been sold with a limited one-year
warranty from the date of purchase. The Company's warranties generally provide
that, in the case of defects in material or workmanship, the Company, at its
option, will either replace or repair the defective product without charge. The
Company currently maintains product liability insurance for its products, with
limits of $1.0 million per occurrence and
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
   
$2.0 million in the aggregate, per annum. Such coverage is becoming increasingly
expensive. There can be no assurance that the Company's insurance will be
adequate to cover future product liability claims or that the Company will be
able to maintain adequate liability insurance at commercially reasonable rates.
See "-- Legal Proceedings."
    
 
   
     The Company maintains stock adjustment and warranty return policies. Stock
adjustment returns represent returns of factory-fresh products that are returned
into inventory for future resale. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
stock adjustment returns were approximately $405,000 compared to approximately
$582,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995. Product returns were
approximately $276,000 and approximately $151,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995, respectively.
    
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
     As of September 30, 1996, the Company had 95 employees, a majority of whom
were full-time employees, and six independent contractors. Employment levels
vary during the course of a year due to the seasonality of the Company's
business. See "Risk Factors -- Variability in Operating Results; Seasonality."
The Company considers its employee relations to be good. None of the Company's
employees are represented by unions.
    
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
   
     The Company is one of four defendants in an action in the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, entitled Patricia Ellerholz
v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., instituted on December 20, 1995. Ms. Ellerholz
alleges, among other things, that her husband, Brian Ellerholz, was killed on
January 8, 1993 while attempting to disassemble a two-piece drag racing wheel.
The plaintiff in this case is seeking damages of $5.5 million plus an
unspecified amount of punitive damages. Any losses to the Company resulting from
this case will not be covered by product liability insurance. The Company
believes that the wheel was manufactured and sold by another party and that the
Company is not a "successor corporation" to the entity that manufactured and
sold the wheel. Accordingly, the Company has filed a Motion For Summary Judgment
asking the Court to dismiss the Company as a defendant in the action. While the
Company is defending itself vigorously in this matter, there can be no assurance
that the ultimate resolution of this case will not result in a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition.
    
 
     The Company also is involved in routine litigation incidental to the
conduct of its business. Except for the matter referred to in the preceding
paragraph, there are currently no material pending proceedings to which the
Company is a party or to which any of its property is subject.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The directors and executives officers of the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                     AGE                      POSITION
- ------------------------------------------  ---     ------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>     <C>
                                            40      President, Chief Executive Officer, and
Michael L. Hartzmark, Ph.D................          Director
Michael Miller............................  38      Chief Operating Officer
Anthony W. Barrett........................  48      Vice President of Sales Operations
Sidney Dworkin(1)(2)......................  75      Director
Mark Schwartz(1)(2).......................  46      Director
Donald McIntyre(1)(2).....................  72      Director
Ed Faber(1)...............................  63      Director
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Member of Audit Committee
 
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
 
   
     Dr. Hartzmark joined the Company as a full-time employee in May 1993 and
has served as its President and Chief Executive Officer since June 4, 1993 and
as a director since January 1, 1993. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Hartzmark
was an economic consultant (as President of EconOhio Corporation) and a
financial consultant (as President of MDA Financial, Inc.). EconOhio wrote
business plans for and provided advice to a variety of companies. MDA provided
financial consulting services to small and medium-size companies, as well as
assistance to oil and gas and real estate limited partnerships. From 1987 to
1989, Dr. Hartzmark was Senior Economist at Lexecon Inc. a Chicago-based
economics and law consulting firm. Dr. Hartzmark was the John M. Olin Visiting
Scholar at the University of Chicago and an Assistant Professor at the
University of Michigan. He has also worked for the Treasury Department and the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Dr. Hartzmark earned his M.A. and Ph.D.
degrees in economics at the University of Chicago. He holds a B.A. in economics
from the University of Michigan.
    
 
   
     Mr. Miller joined the Company as a full-time employee in November 1996
after serving as a consultant to the Company for three months. He has over 16
years of experience with manufacturing companies working either as a senior
executive or consultant. From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Miller was employed by Form
Rite, a $110 million supplier of fluid handling systems to Ford, GM, Chrysler,
Mercedes, Nissan, and TRW. He assisted with the sale of the company to Siebe
plc., a large British firm. Prior to the sale, he had worldwide responsibility
for sales and engineering efforts. Mr. Miller was Vice President of Operations
for Mr. Gasket and had operating responsibility for CRAGAR from 1988 to 1992. He
joined Mr. Gasket from the consulting practice of Deloitte & Touche after
completing a restructuring project at CRAGAR Industries. Mr. Miller has a B.S.
in Business Administration from the University of Albany and a Master of
Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology.
    
 
   
     Mr. Barrett joined the Company in August 1995. In addition to serving as
Vice President of Sales Operations, Mr. Barrett also serves as the Company's
principal financial and accounting officer. He has over 25 years of experience
in manufacturing and extensive experience in finance and accounting, operations,
sales, marketing and production. From 1980 to 1993, Mr. Barrett served as Vice
President -- Finance, Vice President -- Retail Operations and Vice
President -- Canadian Operations at F.E. Myers, a manufacturer and assembler of
pumps. His responsibilities included overseeing finance, production, operations,
and sales. Prior to 1980, Mr. Barrett worked for 10 years for ITT. Mr. Barrett
holds a B.A. from Malone College.
    
 
     Mr. Dworkin has served as a director of the Company since December 1994.
Mr. Dworkin served as President and Chairman of the Board of Revco Drugstore
Company, Inc. until October 1987. Mr. Dworkin currently serves on the Boards of
approximately ten companies, including a number of large public corporations.
These include General Computer Corporation, which was sold in 1995 (where he was
Chairman of the Board), Comtrex Systems, Inc. (where he was Chairman of the
Board), Northern International Technologies, CCA Industries, Interactive
Technologies, Inc. (a manufacturer of pet supplies), Marbledge
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
   
Group, Inc., Powerhorse, Overdrive Systems, Inc., and Neutrogena (prior to its
sale). He is also owner and Chairman of the Board of Advanced Modular Company, a
privately held manufacturer of modular buildings. His experiences range across a
multitude of industries including, among others, pharmaceuticals, computer
hardware and software, modular housing, and consumer products.
    
 
   
     Mr. Schwartz has served as a director of the Company since January 1993.
Mr. Schwartz is President of G&S Metal Products, Inc., one of the largest
producers of consumer metal products in the United States. The company's
headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio include a major manufacturing facility. G&S
Metal Products sells its products to many major retailers (including K-Mart,
Target, and WalMart), many through private label programs. Mr. Schwartz is also
President of G&S Machine Tools, Inc. and Vice President of Porcelen, Inc. Mr.
Schwartz has extensive export and import experience.
    
 
   
     Mr. McIntyre has served as a director of the Company since June 1996. Mr.
McIntyre is currently active nationally in merger and acquisition field in
association with Chapman Associates. He is also interim CEO of Capital Electric
Group. From 1964 to 1981, he was Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of
Custom Products Corporation, a multi-plant manufacturing and distribution
company. Mr. McIntyre currently serves on the boards of several companies,
including Capital Electric Group, the Joray Corporation, and Watkins Shepard
Inc. Mr. McIntyre holds a B.S. from Iowa State University and attended
post-graduate courses at Michigan State University and Drake.
    
 
   
     Mr. Faber has served as a director of the Company since November 1996. Mr.
Faber currently consults with small, emerging companies on a variety of
corporate matters, including turnaround strategies. From 1991 to 1992 he served
as President and Chief Executive Officer of SuperCuts, Inc., where he was
responsible for organizing and executing a successful initial public stock
offering. From 1990 until the company was sold in 1991, Mr. Faber served as Vice
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dataphaz. In 1976, Mr. Faber was the
founding President of Computerland Corporation. He retired from Computerland
Corporation in 1983, but rejoined that company in 1985 to serve as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer until 1987 when the company was sold. He remained as
Vice Chairman until 1990. Mr. Faber currently serves on the Boards of Integrated
Circuits Engineering Corp. and Cotelligent Systems. Mr. Faber holds a degree in
Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and was an officer in the
United States Marine Corps.
    
 
   
     Directors are elected annually to serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Executive
officers are elected annually by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of
Directors.
    
 
KEY EMPLOYEES
 
   
     The Company has identified Tony Cortes, Kent Rogers, and David Bratset as
key employees.
    
 
   
     Tony Cortes, age 34, joined CRAGAR in 1982 as an assembly worker and has
served as Production Manager since June 1993.
    
 
   
     Kent Rogers, age 46, serves as the Director of Material Control and
Information Services. Mr. Rogers joined the Company in August 1994 and has over
19 years of experience in utilizing various types of computer hardware platforms
and a variety of integrated computer software packages. As Director of
Management Information Systems at Syntellect, Inc. from 1989 to 1994, Mr. Rogers
created the Information Systems Department for a $50 million interactive voice
response products manufacturer. He also directed Syntellect's Customer Support
Department. From 1987 to 1988, Mr. Rogers was a District Industry Specialist for
Unisys, assisting the company in the sales and implementation of its financial,
purchasing, order entry, inventory control, and manufacturing control products.
From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Rogers was an independent systems consultant, in which
capacity he evaluated, recommended, trained, and implemented various financial
accounting, distribution, plant maintenance, and manufacturing control software
systems. From 1979 to 1985, Mr. Rogers worked for Hewlett Packard as a Senior
Systems Engineer, installing and implementing the company's software packages.
Mr. Rogers holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Angelo State University.
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
   
     David Bratset, age 49, serves as the Director of Administrative Services.
Mr. Bratset joined the Company in September 1995. He has had a varied
background, focused primarily on finance, accounting, and human resources. From
1994 to 1995, Mr. Bratset was Business Manager for Christensen & Associates, an
investor relations consulting firm, with a full range of responsibilities,
including management of accounting, human resources, management information
systems, and administrative services. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. Bratset was the
Controller of Dynamic Information Corporation, From 1978 to 1992, Mr. Bratset
was Vice President of Administration at the Thunder Group. From 1969 to 1978,
Mr. Bratset was Corporate Headquarters Manager at Zytron Corporation. Mr.
Bratset holds a B.A. in Business Administration/Accounting from the University
of California, Berkeley.
    
 
BOARD COMMITTEES
 
     The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Dworkin, Schwartz, and
McIntyre. The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives, and other
forms of compensation for officers and other employees, administers incentive
compensation and benefit plans, including the Company's 1996 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan and the Company's 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Option
Plan, and recommends policies relating to such plans.
 
     The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Dworkin, Schwartz, McIntyre, and
Faber. The Audit Committee will meet periodically with management and the
Company's independent auditors and will review the results and scope of the
audit and other services provided by the Company's independent auditors, the
Company's internal auditing procedures, and the adequacy of internal controls.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION AND NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
     The Company pays all non-employee directors $1,000 for attendance at the
Company's quarterly meetings of directors, which it plans to increase to $1,500
after the completion of this offering. The Company also pays all non-employee
directors $250 for any committee meetings attended. In addition, directors may
be reimbursed for certain expenses in connection with attendance at board and
committee meetings.
    
 
   
     On June 10, 1996, pursuant to the Company's Non-Employee Directors' Stock
Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), the Company granted options to purchase
9,800 shares of the Company's Common Stock to those persons who were directors
of the Company as of May 31, 1996. All options were granted with an exercise
price of $5.14 per share. Pursuant to the terms of the Directors' Plan, Mark
Schwartz received 2,800 options; Sidney Dworkin, Victor Scaravilli, and Phyllis
Froimson each received 2,100 options; and Donald McIntyre received 700 options.
Mr. Scaravilli and Ms. Froimson are not currently directors of the Company, but
were directors on May 31, 1996. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors
granted James Schoke, a former director of the Company, an option to purchase
2,100 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.14 per
share and an option to purchase 2,100 shares of Common Stock at $5.60 per share,
effective as of June 10, 1996 and November 9, 1996, respectively. The option
grants to Mr. Schoke were in recognition of Mr. Schoke's service to the Company
as a Board member and were on substantially the same terms as the option grants
under the Directors' Plan. The Directors' Plan currently provides that each non-
employee director will be granted options to purchase 700 shares of Common Stock
at fair market value on the date of grant, which will vest after each such full
year of service, except that the aggregate number of options granted by the
Company under the Directors' Plan may not exceed 35,000.
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table summarizes all compensation paid or accrued by the
Company for services rendered during the year ended December 31, 1995 by the
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. No other executive officer of
the Company had compensation in excess of $100,000 for the periods indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  ANNUAL
                                                                               COMPENSATION
                                                                             ----------------
                        NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                          YEAR     SALARY
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----     -------
<S>                                                                          <C>      <C>
Michael L. Hartzmark, Ph.D.                                                  1995     $96,000
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director                             1994     $96,000
                                                                             1993     $72,000
</TABLE>
    
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors
established the levels of compensation for certain of the Company's executive
officers without the involvement of the Compensation Committee, as the
Compensation Committee had not yet been formed during that period. Dr.
Hartzmark, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, participated in
the deliberations regarding executive compensation that occurred during 1995.
The current members of the Company's Compensation Committee, who joined the
Compensation Committee effective as of September 27, 1996, are Messrs. Dworkin,
Schwartz, and McIntyre. None of these individuals were at any time during 1995
an officer or employee of the Company.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
     The Company's 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Employee
Option Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors in May 1996 and was approved
by the stockholders at the Company's annual meeting of stockholders in June
1996. The Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Employee Option Plan
on September 27, 1996, and the Company's stockholders approved the amendment
effective as of that same date. The purpose of the Employee Option Plan is to
attract and retain qualified personnel, provide additional incentives to
employees, officers, directors, and consultants of the Company, and promote the
success of the Company's business. Pursuant to the Employee Option Plan, the
Company may grant incentive and nonstatutory (nonqualified) stock options to key
employees, officers, directors, and consultants of the Company. A total of
210,000 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the
Employee Option Plan.
    
 
     The Compensation Committee has been delegated the authority by the Board to
select the key employees, officers, directors, and consultants of the Company to
whom stock options are granted (provided that incentive stock options only be
granted to employees of the Company), to interpret and adopt rules for the
operation of the Employee Option Plan, and to specify other terms of stock
options. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Employee Option Plan, the
Compensation Committee has the authority to designate the number of shares to be
covered by each option, determine whether an option is to be an incentive stock
option or a nonstatutory option, establish vesting schedules, specify the type
of consideration to be paid to the Company upon exercise and, subject to certain
restrictions, specify other terms of the options.
 
     The maximum term of options granted under the Employee Option Plan is ten
years. The aggregate fair market value of the stock with respect to which
incentive stock options are first exercisable in any calendar year may not
exceed $100,000 per incidence. Options granted under the Employee Option Plan
are nontransferable and generally expire three months after the termination of
an optionee's service to the Company. In general, if an optionee is permanently
disabled or dies during his or her service to the Company, such option may be
exercised up to 12 months following such disability or death.
 
     The exercise price of incentive stock options must equal the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of incentive
stock options granted to any person who at the time of grant owns stock
possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock must be at
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
least 110% of the fair market value of such stock on the date of grant and the
term of those options cannot exceed five years.
 
   
     On November 9, 1996, pursuant to the Employee Option Plan, the Company
issued an aggregate of 53,500 options to certain of the Company's employees,
including 20,000 to Michael L. Hartzmark, 6,500 to Anthony W. Barrett, and 8,000
to Michael Miller. Each option is exercisable at $5.60 to purchase one share of
Common Stock.
    
 
OPTION GRANTS
 
     The Company did not grant stock options or stock appreciation rights during
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
   
     See "-- Directors' Compensation and Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan" for information regarding option grants made as of June 10, 1996 and
November 9, 1996 to certain of the Company's current and former directors.
    
 
   
     See "-- Employee Stock Option Plan" for information regarding option grants
made as of November 9, 1996 to certain of the Company's employees.
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
   
     On December 15, 1994, Sidney Dworkin, a director and principal stockholder
of the Company, invested $500,000 in the Company in order to, among other
things, fund the Company's $360,000 installment due under a promissory note to
Performance Industries, Inc. (formerly Mr. Gasket) ("Performance"). This payment
related to debt owed by the Company to Mr. Gasket as a result of the Company's
acquisition of the CRAGAR brand name and certain other assets from Mr. Gasket.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Introduction." Of Mr. Dworkin's $500,000 investment, $150,000 was
made as a contribution to capital and the remaining $350,000 was made as a loan
to the Company. In consideration of the $150,000 capital contribution, Mr.
Dworkin received (i) 29,167 shares of Common Stock, (ii) 3,938 Class A Warrants,
each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at
$1.43, and (iii) a promissory note in the principal amount of $108,333 (the
"$108,333 Note"). The $108,333 Note bears interest at a rate of 15% per annum,
payable annually in five installments commencing January 1, 1995. In
consideration of the $350,000 loan to the Company, Mr. Dworkin received (a)
24,500 Class B Warrants, each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one share
of Common Stock at $0.36 per share, and (b) a promissory note in the principal
amount of $350,000 (the "$350,000 Note"). The $350,000 Note, which initially had
an interest rate of 1.5% per month through June 30, 1995, and 2% per month
thereafter until the outstanding principal balance is paid in full, was amended
by the parties on October 12, 1995, so that the Note currently bears interest at
8% per annum and matures on January 1, 1997. Pursuant to an amendment executed
by the parties on September 30, 1996 (as described below), the $350,000 Note
will automatically convert into 68,056 shares of Common Stock upon the
completion of this offering.
    
 
     In connection with the original capitalization of the Company, the Company
issued promissory notes (the "1992 Notes") to certain investors (the "1992 Note
Holders"). On December 14, 1994, as part of a plan of recapitalization (the
"Recapitalization"), all but one of the 1992 Note Holders entered into an
agreement with the Company to forgive all interest accrued on the 1992 Notes
through December 31, 1994. In addition, all of the 1992 Note Holders agreed on
January 31, 1995 to contribute to the capital of the Company the indebtedness
owed pursuant to the 1992 Notes. Certain principal stockholders who were also
1992 Note Holders that participated in the Recapitalization included (with
amount contributed in parenthesis): Michael L. Hartzmark, President, Director,
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company ($180,555); Dolores Hartzmark,
principal stockholder and mother of Michael L. Hartzmark ($361,110); Debra
Jacobs, principal stockholder and sister of Michael L. Hartzmark and daughter of
Dolores Hartzmark ($180,555); Sidney Dworkin, Director ($216,666); Elliot
Dworkin, son of Sidney Dworkin ($72,222); Mark Schwartz, Director ($361,110);
Harry Schwartz, principal stockholder and father of Mark Schwartz ($361,110);
and Edward R. Falkner ($144,444), Irving Davies ($144,444), James Schoke
($144,444), and Gerald Richter ($216,666). In addition, Mr. Dworkin, in
connection with the Recapitalization, contributed to the capital of the Company
the indebtedness owed pursuant to the $108,333 Note. Certain stockholders who
are not principal stockholders of the Company also participated in the
Recapitalization and contributed $866,664 as a group.
 
   
     On September 30, 1995, the Company entered into a First Note Amendment with
the holders of the 1993 Junior Notes. Pursuant to this Amendment, the Company
agreed to increase the interest rate on the 1993 Junior Notes from 6% to 8% per
annum. Also pursuant to this Amendment, the Company agreed to issue shares of
its Common Stock to holders of the 1993 Junior Notes, and the holders of the
1993 Junior Notes agreed to accept such Common Stock, in lieu of interest that
had accrued on the 1993 Junior Notes. Pursuant to this agreement, holders of the
1993 Junior Notes received 2,153 shares of the Company's Common Stock for every
$100,000 of interest payable. Among the holders of 1993 Junior Notes were the
following (with shares issued in parenthesis): Sidney Dworkin (10,245); Gerald
Richter (931); Edward R. Falkner (931), Elayne Schoke (931), James Schoke
(1,863), and Irving Davies (2,794), all of whom are principal stockholders of
the Company; and CN Partners (4,058) in which Lee Hartzmark, Harry Schwartz,
Gerald Richter, Edward R. Falkner, and Sidney Dworkin each have a 20% beneficial
interest.
    
 
   
     On June 20, 1996, Mr. Lee Hartzmark, father of Michael L. Hartzmark,
entered into an agreement with Performance (formerly Mr. Gasket, the seller of
the Cragar assets) whereby he was assigned the rights to an unsecured promissory
note and a non-compete agreement between Performance and the Company. The
unsecured promissory note and non-compete agreement had outstanding balances of
$1,066,098 and $44,118,
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
respectively, at June 20, 1996. Mr. Hartzmark paid Performance $700,000 in
consideration of the assignment. On July 1, 1996, the Company privately sold
Bridge Notes totaling $1,500,000 (as described above). A portion of the proceeds
from the Bridge Notes were used to pay the unsecured promissory note and non-
compete agreement obligations held by Mr. Hartzmark for $700,000, plus $79,727
for interest and service charges related to the assignment.
 
     On July 1, 1996, the Company obtained bridge financing totaling $1,500,000
(the "Bridge Financing"). Each lender that participated in the Bridge Financing
(collectively, the "Lenders") received from the Company, as consideration, (i)
the Company's promissory note in the principal amount of the Lender's investment
(the "Bridge Note"), and (ii) 8,400 Class C Warrants for each $100,000 the
Lender invested in connection with the Bridge Financing. Each Class C Warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company's Common Stock at an
exercise price of $3.25 per share. The Bridge Notes are due in full on the
earlier of June 30, 1998 or 30 days following this offering. Among the officers,
directors, and principal stockholders that participated in the Bridge Financing
are the following (with amount invested in parenthesis): Mark Schwartz,
($100,000); Irving Davies ($150,000); Edward R. Falkner ($200,000); and Harry
Schwartz ($100,000).
 
   
     See "Management -- Option Grants" for information regarding option grants
made on June 10, 1996 and November 9, 1996 to certain of the Company's employees
and existing and former directors.
    
 
     On September 30, 1996, the Company entered into a Second Note Amendment
with the holders of the 1993 Junior Notes and entered into a First Note
Amendment with Mr. Sidney Dworkin, the holder of the $350,000 Note. Pursuant to
both of these Amendments, provisions were added to the 1993 Junior Notes and the
$350,000 Note which provide that, upon the closing of the offering, (i) the
outstanding principal and interest under the 1993 Junior Notes will convert into
291,666 shares of the Company's Common Stock (19,444 shares per $100,000
principal amount) and (ii) the outstanding principal and interest under the
$350,000 Note will convert into 68,056 shares of the Company's Common Stock
(19,444 shares per $100,000 principal amount).
 
     Management believes that the foregoing transactions were consummated on
terms at least as favorable as could have been obtained in arms-length
transactions.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of November 21, 1996 by (i) each
person who is known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
the Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company's directors, (iii) the executive
officer named in the Compensation Table, and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the Company
believes that the beneficial owners of the Common Stock listed below, based on
information furnished by such owners, have sole investment and voting power with
respect to such shares, subject to community property laws where applicable.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER         PERCENT OF TOTAL(3)
                                                                    SHARES        ---------------------
                       NAME AND ADDRESS                          BENEFICIALLY      BEFORE       AFTER
                    OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)                         OWNED(2)       OFFERING     OFFERING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------  ------------     --------     --------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>          <C>
Michael L. Hartzmark, Ph.D.(4).................................      87,135          6.72%        4.06%
Mark Schwartz(5)...............................................     118,748          9.05%        5.49%
Sidney Dworkin(6)..............................................     319,591         24.09%       14.68%
Lee & Dolores Hartzmark(7).....................................     120,882          9.27%        5.61%
Debra Jacobs(8)................................................      87,135          6.72%        4.06%
Edward R. Falkner(9)...........................................      82,126          6.26%        3.80%
Irving Davies(10)..............................................      88,700          6.78%        4.11%
Gerald Richter(11).............................................      87,396          6.73%        4.07%
James & Elayne Schoke(12)......................................      76,100          5.87%        3.55%
Harry Schwartz(13).............................................     129,282          9.86%        5.98%
All executive officers and directors as a group (seven
  persons).....................................................     525,474         39.30%       24.73%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 (1) Unless otherwise noted, the address of each of the listed stockholders is
     4636 N. 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85031.
 
 (2) A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be
     acquired within 60 days from the date set forth above through the exercise
     of any option or warrant.
 
 (3) In calculating percentage ownership, all shares of Common Stock that the
     named stockholder has the right to acquire upon exercise of any option or
     warrant are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the
     percentage of Common Stock owned by such stockholder, but are not deemed
     outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of Common Stock
     owned by any other stockholder. Shares and percentages beneficially owned
     are based upon 1,290,305 shares outstanding before this offering, which
     assumes conversion of all convertible notes that will be automatically
     converted into 359,722 shares of Common Stock upon the completion of this
     offering. Accordingly, shares and percentages beneficially owned after the
     offering are based on 2,140,305 shares.
 
 (4) Dr. Hartzmark is deemed to be beneficial owner of MDA Financial, Inc. As a
     result, Dr. Hartzmark's beneficial interest includes 6,563 shares
     purchasable upon exercise of Class A Warrants and convertible notes that
     will automatically convert into 29,167 shares of Common Stock upon the
     completion of this offering.
 
 (5) Includes 13,125 shares purchasable upon exercise of Class A Warrants and
     8,400 shares purchasable upon exercise of Class C warrants.
 
   
 (6) Mr. Dworkin is deemed to be beneficial owner of a 20% interest in CN
     Partners. As a result, Mr. Dworkin's beneficial interest includes 11,813
     shares purchasable upon exercise of Class A warrants, 24,500 shares
     purchasable upon exercise of Class B warrants, and 184,722 shares of Common
     Stock issuable upon the conversion of notes that will be automatically
     converted upon the completion of this offering.
    
 
   
 (7) Each of Lee Hartzmark and Dolores Hartzmark may be deemed a beneficial
     owner of the other's shares of Common Stock. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzmark are
     deemed to be beneficial owners of a 20% interest in CN Partners. As a
     result, their interest includes 13,125 shares purchasable upon exercise of
     Class A warrants
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
     and 9,722 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of notes that
     will be automatically converted upon the completion of this offering.
 
   
 (8) Ms. Jacobs is deemed to be beneficial owner of MDA Financial, Inc. As a
     result, Ms. Jacobs's beneficial interest includes 6,563 shares purchasable
     upon exercise of Class A Warrants and 29,167 shares of Common Stock
     issuable upon the conversion of notes that will be automatically converted
     upon the completion of this offering.
    
 
   
 (9) Dr. Falkner is deemed to be beneficial owner of The Edward Falkner Trust
     and beneficial owner of a 20% interest in CN Partners. As a result, Dr.
     Falkner's beneficial interest includes 5,250 shares purchasable upon
     exercise of Class A Warrants, 16,800 shares purchasable upon exercise of
     Class C Warrants, and 19,444 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
     conversion of notes that will be automatically converted upon the
     completion of this offering.
    
 
   
(10) Includes 5,250 shares purchasable upon exercise of Class A Warrants, 12,600
     shares purchasable upon exercise of Class C Warrants, and 29,167 shares of
     Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of notes that will be
     automatically converted upon the completion of this offering.
    
 
   
(11) Mr. Richter is deemed to be beneficial owner of a 20% interest in CN
     Partners. As a result, Mr. Richter's beneficial interest includes 7,875
     shares purchasable upon exercise of Class A Warrants and 19,444 shares of
     Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of notes that will be
     automatically converted upon the completion of this offering.
    
 
   
(12) Each of James Schoke and Elayne Schoke may be deemed a beneficial owner of
     the other's shares of Common Stock. As a result, their interest includes
     5,250 shares purchasable upon exercise of Class A Warrants and 29,167
     shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of notes that will be
     automatically converted upon the completion of this offering.
    
 
   
(13) Mr. Schwartz is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a 20% interest in CN
     Partners. As a result, Mr. Schwartz's beneficial interest includes 13,125
     shares purchasable upon exercise of Class A Warrants, 8,400 shares
     purchasable upon exercise of Class C Warrants, and 9,722 shares of Common
     Stock issuable upon the conversion of notes that will be automatically
     converted upon the completion of this offering.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
   
     The Company is a Delaware corporation and its affairs are governed by its
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation ("Certificate of
Incorporation") and Bylaws and by the Delaware General Corporation Law. The
following description of the Company's capital stock is qualified in all
respects by reference to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws,
which have been filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part.
    
 
     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 5,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, and 200,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par
value. The Common Stock and Warrants offered hereby may only be purchased
together in this offering on the basis of one share of Common Stock and one
Warrant. The Common Stock and Warrants will be immediately separable and will
not be listed for trading as units.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
     The holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive
dividends out of assets legally available thereof at such times and in such
amounts as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, determine, subject to
any preferences which may be granted to the holders of Preferred Stock. Holders
of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters on which the
holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote. The Common Stock is not entitled
to preemptive rights and is not subject to redemption or conversion. Upon
liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Company, the assets (if any)
legally available for distribution to stockholders are distributable ratably
among the holders of the Common Stock after payment of all debt and liabilities
of the Company and the liquidated preference of any outstanding class or series
of Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares
of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this offering will be, when issued and
delivered, validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable. The rights,
preferences, and privileges of holders of Common Stock will be subject to the
preferential rights of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock that the
Company may issue in the future.
    
 
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
 
   
     In connection with this offering, the Company will issue 850,000 Warrants.
The Warrants are subject to the terms and conditions of a Warrant Agreement
between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant
Agent. The following description of the Warrants is qualified in all respects by
the Warrant Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. The shares of the Company's
Common Stock underlying the Warrants, when issued upon exercise thereof and
payment of the purchase price, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
    
 
   
     Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at
any time during the five years following the date of this Prospectus for $6.60,
subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, unless earlier redeemed, at
which time the Warrants will expire. The Warrants are redeemable in whole and
not in part by the Company upon 30 days notice at a price of $.10 per Warrant,
provided that the closing bid quotations of the Common Stock have averaged at
least $9.00 per share for a period of any 20 trading days ending on the third
day prior to the day on which the Company mails the notice of redemption to the
Warrant holders. In the event the Company gives notice of its intention to
redeem the Warrants, a holder would be forced to either exercise his Warrant
within 30 days of the notice of redemption or accept the redemption price. The
holders of the Warrants will have exercise rights until the close of business on
the date fixed for the redemption thereof. The number and kind of securities or
other property for which the Warrants are exercisable are subject to adjustment
upon the occurrence of certain events, including mergers, reorganizations, stock
dividends, stock splits, and recapitalizations. Holders of Warrants have no
voting, dividend, or other rights as stockholders of the Company with respect to
the shares underlying the Warrants, unless and until the Warrants are exercised.
    
 
     The Warrants may be exercised by filling out and signing the appropriate
form on the Warrants and mailing or delivering the Warrants to the Warrant Agent
in time to reach the Warrant Agent by the expiration date, accompanied by
payment in full of the exercise price for the Warrants being exercised in United
States
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
funds (in cash or by check or bank draft payable to the order of the Company).
Common Stock certificates will be issued as soon as practicable after exercise
and payment of the exercise price as described above.
 
REPRESENTATIVE'S WARRANTS
 
     The Company has agreed, upon completion of this offering, to sell to the
Representative for $.001 per warrant, the Representative's Warrants to purchase
85,000 shares of Common Stock and 85,000 Underlying Warrants. The
Representative's Warrants will be exercisable for a period of four years
commencing one year after the effective date of the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part. In addition, the Company will provide
certain demand and piggyback registration rights in connection with the
Representative's Warrants. See "Underwriting."
 
EXISTING WARRANTS
 
  Class A Warrants
 
   
     In connection with the original capitalization of the Company in 1992, the
Company issued 118,123 Class A Warrants. Each Class A Warrant entitles the
holder to purchase one share of the Common Stock at a price of $1.43 and is
exercisable at any time on or before December 31, 1999. In addition, on December
15, 1994, the Company issued 3,938 Class A Warrants. See "Certain Transactions."
As of the date of this Prospectus, none of the holders of the Class A Warrants
has exercised his Class A Warrants. The Class A Warrants contain provisions that
protect the holders against dilution by adjustment of the exercise price and the
number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Class A Warrants in certain
events, such as stock dividends and distributions, stock splits,
recapitalizations, mergers, or consolidations. Holders of Class A Warrants do
not possess any rights as stockholders of the Company prior to exercise.
    
 
  Class B Warrants
 
   
     On December 15, 1994, the Company issued 24,500 Class B Warrants. See
"Certain Transactions." Each Class B Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one
share of the Common Stock at a price of $0.36 and is exercisable at any time on
or before December 31, 1999. As of the date of this Prospectus, none of the
holders of the Class B Warrants has exercised his Class B Warrants. The Class B
Warrants contain provisions that protect the holders against dilution by
adjustment of the exercise price and the number of shares of Common Stock
subject to the Class B Warrants in certain events, such as stock dividends and
distributions, stock splits, recapitalizations, mergers, or consolidations.
Holders of Class B Warrants do not possess any rights as stockholders of the
Company prior to exercise.
    
 
  Class C Warrants
 
   
     On July 1, 1996, the Company issued 126,000 Class C Warrants. See "Certain
Transactions." Each Class C Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of
Common Stock at a price of $3.25 per share, exercisable before June 30, 2001.
See "Certain Transactions." As of the date of this Prospectus, none of the
holders of the Class C Warrants has exercised his Class C Warrants. The Class C
Warrants contain provisions that protect the holders against dilution by
adjustment of the exercise price and the number of shares of Common Stock
subject to the Class C Warrants in certain events, such as stock dividends and
distributions, stock splits, recapitalizations, mergers, or consolidations.
Holders of Class C Warrants do not possess any rights as stockholders of the
Company prior to exercise. Holders of Class C Warrants have been granted certain
registration rights. See "Shares Eligible For Future Sale -- Registration
Rights."
    
 
OPTIONS
 
   
     See "Management -- Option Grants" for information regarding option grants
made as of June 10, 1996 and November 9, 1996, to certain of the Company's
employees and existing and former directors. As of the date of this Prospectus,
none of the holders of such options has exercised his options.
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Board of Directors may, without further action of the stockholders of
the Company, issue shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and fix or
alter the rights or preferences thereof, including the voting rights, redemption
provisions (including sinking fund provisions), dividend rights, dividend rates,
liquidation preferences, conversion rights, and any other rights, preferences,
privileges, and restrictions of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock.
The rights of holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely
affected by, the rights of holders of any Preferred Stock that may be issued in
the future. No shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, and the Company has no
present plans to issue any such shares. The issuance of shares of Preferred
Stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of Common Stock and
could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control
of the Company or other corporate action.
 
DEBT SECURITIES
 
     For a discussion of the Company's outstanding debt securities, see
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
CERTAIN CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION PROVISIONS
 
   
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company's
directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of the
directors' fiduciary duty of care to the Company or its stockholders, except for
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or
its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involved
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 any improper personal benefit. This provision in the
Certificate of Incorporation does not eliminate the duty of care, and in
appropriate circumstances equitable remedies such as an injunction or other
forms of nonmonetary relief would remain available under Delaware law. This
provision also does not affect a director's responsibilities under any other
laws, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental
laws.
    
 
TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR AND WARRANT AGENT
 
     The stock transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is American
Stock Transfer Company.
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
     Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have 2,140,305 shares of
Common Stock outstanding, assuming conversion of outstanding notes which are
automatically convertible into 359,722 shares of Common Stock and excluding
exercise of currently outstanding options and warrants. In addition, the Company
will have outstanding 122,063 Class A Warrants, 24,500 Class B Warrants, 126,000
Class C Warrants, 9,800 Non-Employee Director Options, 53,500 Employee Options,
and 4,200 other options. Of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the 850,000
shares of Common Stock to be sold in this offering will be freely transferable
without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except
that any shares purchased by affiliates of the Company will be subject to the
limitations of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In addition, the 850,000
Warrants to be sold in this offering will be freely transferable without
restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except that any
Warrants purchased by affiliates of the Company will be subject to the
limitations of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining 1,290,305
outstanding shares of Common Stock and all of the outstanding warrants and
options will be "restricted securities" upon the completion of this offering as
that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
    
 
   
     In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned restricted securities
for at least two years, including persons who may be deemed "affiliates" of the
Company, would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of
securities that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the number of shares of
Common Stock then outstanding or the average weekly trading volume of the Common
Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the date an
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
order to sell is placed with respect to such sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also
subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements, and to the
availability of current public information about the Company. In addition, a
person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of the Company at any time
during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned the
securities proposed to be sold for at least three years, would be entitled to
sell such securities under Rule 144(k) without regard to the requirements
described above. The Company is unable to estimate the number of securities that
may be sold under Rule 144 since this will depend on the market price for the
Common Stock of the Company, the personal circumstances of the sellers, and
other factors.
 
   
     Directors, officers, and certain principal stockholders owning a total of
765,711 shares of Common Stock and 133,137 currently outstanding options will
sign lock-up agreements under which such holders will agree not to offer, sell,
or otherwise dispose of any of their shares of Common Stock that might otherwise
be eligible for sale for a period of 12 months after the date of this Prospectus
without the written consent of the Representative. All remaining stockholders of
the Company owning 524,594 shares of Common Stock and 206,926 presently
outstanding warrants and options have agreed to three-month lock-up periods.
Upon expiration of the lock-up agreements, such securities will be available for
sale in the public market subject to compliance with the limitations of Rule
144.
    
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock or Warrants. The Company can make no predictions as to the effect, if any,
that sales of shares of Common Stock or Warrants or the availability of Common
Stock or Warrants for sale will have on the market price prevailing from time to
time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of the Common Stock or Warrants
in the public market could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock
or Warrants and could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital
through an offering of its equity securities.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
   
     The holders of the Class C Warrants have been granted certain rights with
respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the Class C Warrants or
the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Class C Warrants.
Beginning 12 months after the completion this offering, the Company must, within
six months of receipt of requests for registration from holders of at least
63,000 shares of Common Stock (or warrants to acquire 63,000 shares of Common
Stock), use its best efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act
of such securities. See "Underwriting" for a description of certain registration
rights to be granted to the holders of the Representative's Warrants.
    
 
     The Company generally is required to bear all costs incurred in connection
with any such registrations, other than underwriting discounts and commissions.
The foregoing registration rights could result in substantial future expense to
the Company and could adversely affect any future equity or debt offerings of
the Company.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
   
     Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the
Underwriters named below, through their Representative, Dickinson & Co., have
severally agreed to purchase from the Company the following respective numbers
of shares of Common Stock and Warrants at the public offering price, less the
underwriting discounts and commissions, set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NUMBER OF
                                                                 SHARES            NUMBER OF
                                                             OF COMMON STOCK     WARRANTS TO BE
                          UNDERWRITER                        TO BE PURCHASED       PURCHASED
    -------------------------------------------------------  ---------------     --------------
    <S>                                                      <C>                 <C>
    Dickinson & Co.........................................
 
                                                                 -------             -------
              Total........................................      850,000             850,000
                                                                 =======             =======
</TABLE>
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
Underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the
Underwriters will purchase all Securities offered hereby if any are purchased.
 
   
     The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters
propose to offer the Securities to the public at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price
less a concession not in excess of $          per share of Common Stock and
$          per Warrant. After the initial public offering, the public offering
price, concessions, and other selling terms may be changed by the
Representative.
    
 
   
     The Company has agreed to pay underwriting discounts and commissions in the
aggregate of 10% of the initial public offering price of the Securities offered
hereby. The Company also has agreed to reimburse the Representative's expenses
on a non-accountable basis in the amount of 3% of the gross proceeds received
from the sale of the Securities. Any such expenses in excess of the expense
allowance will be borne by the Underwriters. To date, the Company has advanced
the Representative $25,000 with respect to non-accountable expenses.
    
 
   
     The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable not
later than 45 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 127,500
additional shares of Common Stock and 127,500 additional Warrants at the public
offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, set forth on
the cover page of this Prospectus. The Underwriters may exercise such option
only to cover over-allotments, if any. To the extent that the Underwriters
exercise such option, each of the Underwriters will have a firm commitment to
purchase approximately the same percentage thereof that the number of Securities
to be purchased by it shown in the above table bears to 850,000, unless the
Underwriters agree otherwise in writing, and the Company will be obligated,
pursuant to the option, to sell such Securities to the Underwriters. If
purchased, the Underwriters will offer for sale such additional shares of Common
Stock and Warrants on the same terms as those on which the 850,000 shares of
Common Stock and 850,000 Warrants are being offered.
    
 
     The Company has agreed, upon completion of this offering, to sell to the
Representative or its designees, for $.001 per warrant, Representative's
Warrants to purchase 85,000 shares of Common Stock and 85,000 Underlying
Warrants. The terms and conditions of the Underlying Warrants are identical to
those of the Warrants offered hereby except that the Underlying Warrants
included in the Representative's Warrants will not be subject to redemption by
the Company and are not exercisable until one year after the date of this
Prospectus. The Representative's Warrants will be exercisable for a four year
term, commencing one year after the effective date of the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus forms a part, at an exercise price
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
   
equal to 120% of the initial public offering price of the Securities offered
hereby. The Representative's Warrants will be restricted from sale, transfer,
assignment, or hypothecation except to the Underwriters and persons who are
officers or partners of the Underwriters. The number of shares of Common Stock
and Underlying Warrants covered by the Representative's Warrants and the
exercise price are subject to adjustment upon certain events to prevent
dilution.
    
 
   
     The Representative's Warrants will give the holders an opportunity to
profit from a rise in the market price of the Company's Common Stock to the
extent that the market price exceeds the exercise price of the Representative's
Warrants. Any profit realized by the Underwriters upon the sale of the
Representative's Warrants or the securities issuable thereunder may be deemed to
be additional underwriting compensation. If the Representative's Warrants are
exercised, the interest of the Company's stockholders will be diluted. It may be
more difficult for the Company to raise additional capital while the
Representative's Warrants are outstanding, and the holders of the
Representative's Warrants may be expected to exercise them when the Company, in
all likelihood, would be able to obtain needed additional capital by a new
offering of securities on terms more favorable than those provided for by the
Representative's Warrants.
    
 
   
     The Company has granted to the holders of the Representative's Warrants and
the underlying securities certain rights with respect to registration under the
Securities Act of the securities underlying the Representative's Warrants. For a
period of four years commencing one year following the date of this Prospectus,
either the Representative or the holders of not less than a majority of the
Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise of the Representative's Warrants
may require the Company to effect one registration under the Securities Act with
respect to the Common Stock underlying the Representative's Warrants and the
Underlying Warrants, and the Company is required to use its best efforts to
effect such registration. In addition, subject to certain limitations, in the
event the Company proposes to register any of its securities under the
Securities Act during the four-year period commencing one year after the
effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part, the holders of the Representative's Warrants and the underlying Common
Stock are entitled to notice of such registration and may elect to include the
Common Stock underlying the Representative's Warrants held by them in such
registration. The Company's out-of-pocket expenses associated with any
registration initiated upon the request of the Representative or the holders of
the Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise of the Representative's
Warrants will be reimbursed by the holders whose shares are included in such
registration. The registration of securities pursuant to the registration rights
applicable to the Representative's Warrants may impede future financing.
    
 
   
     Directors, officers, and certain principal stockholders of the Company
owning a total of 765,711 shares of Common Stock and 133,137 currently
outstanding options and warrants will sign lock-up agreements under which such
holders will agree not to offer, sell, or otherwise dispose of any of their
shares of Common Stock that might otherwise be eligible for sale for a period of
12 months after the date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of
the Representative. All remaining stockholders of the Company (owning 524,594
shares of Common Stock and 171,326 presently outstanding options and warrants)
have agreed to three-month lock-up periods.
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, for a period of five years from the
effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part, the Representative has the right to designate a person to serve on or as
advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to approval by the
Board.
    
 
   
     The Underwriting Agreement contains covenants of indemnity among the
Underwriters and the Company against certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and
controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
    
 
   
     The Representative has advised the Company that the Underwriters do not
intend to confirm sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary
authority.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
     Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Company's
Common Stock or the Warrants. The initial public offering price for the
Securities has been determined by negotiations between the Company and the
Representative of the Underwriters. Among the factors considered in such
negotiations were prevailing market conditions, the history and prospects of the
Company, the present state of the Company's development, the industry in which
it competes, an assessment of the Company's management, the market price for
securities of comparable companies at the time of the offering, and other
factors deemed relevant.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
   
     The validity of the Common Stock and Warrants offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., Phoenix, Arizona and for the
Underwriters by O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A.,
Phoenix, Arizona.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements of Cragar Industries, Inc., as of December 31,
1995 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1995,
have been included herein and in the registration statement, in reliance on the
report of KPMG Peat Marwick L.L.P., independent certified public accountants,
appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form SB-2 (herein, together with all
amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act with respect to the securities being offered pursuant to this
Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all information set forth in the
Registration Statement and exhibits and schedules thereto, certain parts of
which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. The Registration Statement may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 25049 and at the regional office of the Commission located at
5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036-3648. Copies
of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Room of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 25049. The
Commission maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports,
proxy, and information statements and other information regarding registrants,
such as the Company, that file electronically with the Commission. Statements
contained in this Prospectus concerning the provisions of any documents are not
necessarily complete and in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
   
     The Company will be subject to the informational requirements of the
Exchange Act and in accordance therewith will file reports and other information
with the Commission. The Company intends to furnish to its stockholders annual
reports containing financial statements audited by independent certified public
accountants following the end of each fiscal year.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Independent Auditors' Report..........................................................  F-2
Balance Sheets at December 31, 1995 and at September 30, 1996 (unaudited).............  F-3
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and for the
  nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited) and September 30, 1996
  (unaudited).........................................................................  F-4
Statements of Stockholders' Deficit for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995,
  and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited)..................  F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, and for the
  nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited) and September 30, 1996
  (unaudited).........................................................................  F-6
Notes to Financial Statements.........................................................  F-8
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   50
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
CRAGAR Industries, Inc.:
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of CRAGAR Industries, Inc.
as of December 31, 1995, and the related statements of operations, stockholders'
deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended
December 31, 1995. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of CRAGAR Industries, Inc. as
of December 31, 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
January 12, 1996, except for Note 9
  which is as of May 25, 1996
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   51
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                    DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                         1996
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,     -------------
                              ASSETS                                    1995
                                                                    ------------      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                 <C>              <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................................  $         --      $         --
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
     $150,626 in 1995 and $45,863 in 1996.........................     4,994,488         4,453,402
  Inventories, net................................................     7,380,142         6,894,467
  Current portion of non-trade receivables........................        87,500                --
  Prepaid expenses................................................        29,753           169,423
                                                                     -----------       -----------
     Total current assets.........................................    12,491,883        11,517,292
                                                                     -----------       -----------
Property and equipment, net.......................................     1,047,090           878,157
Non-trade receivables, less current portion.......................       102,619                --
Other assets, net.................................................       324,305           256,758
                                                                     -----------       -----------
                                                                    $ 13,965,897      $ 12,652,207
                                                                     ===========       ===========
  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable................................................  $  2,515,208      $  2,511,708
  Accrued expenses................................................       924,861         1,218,244
  Accrued interest................................................       124,044           215,308
  Current portion of capital lease obligations....................        61,573            66,574
  Current portion of long-term debt...............................       512,748           351,806
                                                                     -----------       -----------
     Total current liabilities....................................     4,138,434         4,363,640
                                                                     -----------       -----------
Note payable......................................................     7,300,895         5,411,182
Capital lease obligations, excluding current portion..............       177,341           126,560
Long-term debt, less current portion..............................       978,690         1,477,873
Subordinated investor debt, less current portion..................     1,500,000         1,500,000
Excess of fair value of assets acquired over cost.................     1,474,937           921,836
                                                                     -----------       -----------
     Total liabilities............................................    15,570,297        13,801,091
                                                                     -----------       -----------
Stockholders' deficit:
  Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 200,000 shares, no
     shares issued and outstanding................................            --                --
  Common stock, par value $.01; authorized 5,000,000 shares,
     930,583 shares at December 31, 1995 and 930,583 shares
     (unaudited) at September 30, 1996 issued and outstanding.....         1,329             1,329
  Additional paid-in capital......................................     4,823,916         4,861,716
  Accumulated deficit.............................................    (6,429,645)       (6,011,929)
                                                                     -----------       -----------
     Total stockholders' deficit..................................    (1,604,400)       (1,148,884)
                                                                     -----------       -----------
Commitments, contingencies and subsequent events..................
                                                                     -----------       -----------
                                                                    $ 13,965,897      $ 12,652,207
                                                                     ===========       ===========
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   52
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND THE
          NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                        ---------------------------            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                           1994            1995         ---------------------------
                                        -----------     -----------        1995            1996
                                                                        -----------     -----------
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales.............................  $20,269,936     $22,935,773     $18,374,847     $16,056,074
Costs of goods sold...................   17,166,550      20,289,347      15,810,425      13,974,038
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
  Gross profit........................    3,103,386       2,646,426       2,564,422       2,082,036
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses............................    3,887,756       2,912,393       2,159,321       1,962,508
Amortization of excess of fair value
  of assets acquired over cost........     (737,468)       (737,468)       (553,101)       (553,101)
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
  Income (loss) from operations.......      (46,902)        471,501         958,202         672,629
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Non-operating expenses, net:
  Interest expense, net...............    1,396,677       1,164,510         734,215         737,085
  Other, net..........................      112,970             747         156,488        (155,027)
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
     Total non-operating expenses.....    1,509,647       1,165,257         890,703         582,058
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
     Earnings (loss) before income
       taxes and extraordinary item...   (1,556,549)       (693,756)         67,499          90,571
Income taxes..........................           --              --              --           3,344
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
  item................................   (1,556,549)       (693,756)         67,499          87,227
Extraordinary item:
  Gain on forgiveness of debt.........    1,107,232              --              --         330,489
                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
     Net earnings (loss)..............  $  (449,317)    $  (693,756)    $    67,499     $   417,716
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Income (loss) per common equivalent
  share before extraordinary item.....  $     (1.38)    $      (.60)    $       .06     $       .07
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Earnings (loss) per common and common
  equivalent share....................  $      (.40)    $      (.60)    $       .06     $       .35
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding.......    1,123,884       1,158,428       1,151,868       1,178,182
                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Earnings (loss) per common shares --
  assuming full dilution..............                                  $       .05     $       .28
                                                                        ===========     ===========
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding -- assuming full
  dilution............................                                    1,443,534       1,469,848
                                                                        ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   53
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                      STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995
                    AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   COMMON STOCK
                              -----------------------     ADDITIONAL
                              NUMBER OF                    PAID-IN       ACCUMULATED     STOCKHOLDERS'
                                SHARES        AMOUNT       CAPITAL         DEFICIT          DEFICIT
                              ----------     --------     ----------     -----------     -------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>
Balances at January 1,
  1994......................   8,750,070     $ 12,500     $1,237,510     $(5,286,572)     $ (4,036,562)
One-for-ten reverse stock
  split.....................  (7,875,063)     (11,250)        11,250              --                --
Issuance of common stock
  for cash..................      29,166           42         41,625              --            41,667
Net loss for the year.......          --           --             --        (449,317)         (449,317)
                               ---------     --------      ---------      ----------        ----------
Balances at December 31,
  1994......................     904,173        1,292      1,290,385      (5,735,889)       (4,444,212)
Issuance of common stock....      26,410           37        175,208              --           175,245
Contribution of subordinated
  investor debt.............          --           --      3,358,323              --         3,358,323
Net loss for the year.......          --           --             --        (693,756)         (693,756)
                               ---------     --------      ---------      ----------        ----------
Balances at December 31,
  1995......................     930,583        1,329      4,823,916      (6,429,645)       (1,604,400)
Issuance of common stock
  warrants (unaudited)......          --           --         37,800              --            37,800
Net earnings (unaudited)....          --           --             --         417,716           417,716
                               ---------     --------      ---------      ----------        ----------
Balances at September 30,
  1996 (unaudited)..........     930,583     $  1,329     $4,861,716     $(6,011,929)     $ (1,148,884)
                               =========     ========      =========      ==========        ==========
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   54
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND THE
          NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEARS ENDED
                                                  DECEMBER 31,                   NINE MONTHS
                                           --------------------------        ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              1994            1995        --------------------------
                                           -----------     ----------        1995           1996
                                                                          ----------     -----------
                                                                          (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings (loss)....................  $  (449,317)    $ (693,756)    $   67,499      $ 417,716
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
     (loss) to net cash provided by (used
     in) operating activities:
     Provision for losses on accounts
       receivable........................      129,086       (232,960)      (101,611)      (104,763)
     Provision for obsolete and
       slow-moving inventory.............     (112,137)      (125,227)       126,110        (53,132)
     Gain on sale of property and
       equipment.........................     (155,417)            --             --       (287,000)
     Depreciation and amortization of
       property and equipment............      144,737        264,554        158,347        223,059
     Amortization of intangibles.........      268,630        161,131        129,808         95,337
     Amortization of excess fair value of
       assets acquired over cost.........     (737,468)      (737,468)      (553,101)      (553,101)
     Extraordinary gain on restructuring
       of debt...........................   (1,107,232)            --             --       (330,489)
     Increase (decrease) in cash
       resulting from changes in:
       Accounts receivable...............   (1,423,470)     1,073,704        762,979        645,849
       Inventories.......................      490,835       (114,248)      (619,127)       538,807
       Non-trade receivables.............     (281,300)        91,181         68,386         54,906
       Prepaid expenses..................      100,154         (5,755)       (43,371)      (139,670)
       Other assets......................      (26,433)       (95,700)       (95,700)       (27,790)
       Accounts payable and accrued
          expenses.......................      637,355        872,632        503,616        311,883
       Accrued interest..................      547,000         69,834         47,018         91,264
                                           -----------     ----------      ---------      ---------
          Net cash provided by (used in)
            operating activities.........   (1,974,977)       527,922        450,853        882,876
                                           -----------     ----------      ---------      ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment....     (272,075)      (179,296)      (131,502)       (54,127)
  Proceeds from the sale of property and
     equipment...........................      155,417             --             --        350,000
                                           -----------     ----------      ---------      ---------
          Net cash provided by (used in)
            investing activities.........     (116,658)      (179,296)      (131,502)       295,873
                                           -----------     ----------      ---------      ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                                                       Continued
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   55
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                    STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS -- (CONTINUED)
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND THE
          NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEARS ENDED
                                                 DECEMBER 31,                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                           -------------------------           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                              1994           1995        --------------------------
                                           ----------     ----------        1995           1996
                                                                         ----------     -----------
                                                                         (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net borrowings (repayments) on note
     payable.............................  $1,789,647     $   46,515     $  (64,318)    $(1,889,713)
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term
     debt................................     350,000         22,034         22,034       1,462,200
  Issuance of warrants...................          --             --             --          37,800
  Repayments of long-term debt...........    (348,191)      (507,207)      (382,500)       (743,256)
  Repayments of capital lease
     obligations.........................          --        (59,406)       (44,005)        (45,780)
  Proceeds from issuance of subordinated
     investor debt.......................     108,333             --             --              --
  Proceeds from issuance of common
     stock...............................      41,667             --             --              --
                                           ----------     ----------     ----------     -----------
     Net cash provided by (used in)
       financing activities..............   1,941,456       (498,064)      (468,789)     (1,178,749)
                                           ----------     ----------     ----------     -----------
     Increase (decrease) in cash.........    (150,179)      (149,438)      (149,438)             --
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
  period.................................     299,617        149,438        149,438              --
                                           ----------     ----------     ----------     -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
  period.................................  $  149,438     $       --     $       --     $        --
                                           ==========     ==========     ==========     ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
  information:
  Cash paid for interest.................  $  831,987     $  977,894     $  687,197     $   627,085
  Cash paid for income taxes.............          --             --             --          31,171
Noncash financing and investing
  activities:
  Sale of asset reducing accounts
     payable.............................          --             --             --         130,000
  Contribution of subordinated investor
     debt................................          --      3,358,323      3,358,323              --
  Issuance of common stock in exchange
     for accrued interest................          --        175,245        175,245              --
  Capital lease obligations incurred for
     new equipment.......................          --        240,370        240,370              --
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   56
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND THE
                NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (UNAUDITED)
                       AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
 
(1) DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
   
     CRAGAR Industries, Inc. (the Company) designs, produces and sells
composite, aluminum, steel and wire custom wheels and wheel accessories. It
markets and sells to automotive aftermarket distributors and dealers throughout
the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and other international markets.
    
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Cash Equivalents
 
     All short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three
months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents
include cash on hand and amounts on deposit with financial institutions.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories consist of raw materials and partially and fully assembled
custom specialty wheels. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.
Cost is determined using the average cost method. Market is based upon current
sales price less distribution and selling costs. Provisions are made currently
for obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Major improvements and
betterments are capitalized; maintenance repairs and minor replacements are
expensed as incurred. Depreciation on furniture, fixtures and equipment is
provided using the straight-line method over the economic lives of the assets
ranging from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements and equipment held
under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of the underlying lease
terms or the asset lives.
 
  Amortization of Organization Costs
 
     Organization costs are being amortized using the straight-line method over
five years.
 
  Amortization of Loan Costs
 
     Loan costs are being amortized using the interest method over the term of
the loan agreement.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109. Under the
asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized
for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The
effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   57
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customer.
Provisions are made currently for estimated product returns.
 
  Product Warranties
 
     Costs estimated to be incurred with respect to product warranties are
provided for at the time of sale based upon estimates derived from experience
factors.
 
  Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
     Earnings (loss) per share is based upon the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents after giving effect to a
one-for-ten reverse stock split on March 26, 1994 and the 7-for-1 stock split
(note 14). Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 83 (SAB 83), common stock and common stock equivalents issued
during the 12-month period prior to the Company's proposed initial public
offering have been included in the calculation as if they were outstanding for
all periods presented (even if antidilutive, using the treasury stock method at
an anticipated public offering price of $6.00 per share). A total of 35,371
common equivalent shares have been used in the primary and fully-diluted
earnings per share calculations pursuant to SAB 83. The fully diluted earnings
per share also gives effect to the conversion of the $1,500,000 convertible debt
and has not been presented for the 12 months ended December 31, 1994 and 1995
because it would be antidilutive.
 
  Use 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
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Unaudited Interim Financial Information
 
     The unaudited interim financial statements as of September 30, 1996 and for
the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 and 1996 reflect, in the opinion
of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments)
necessary to fairly present the results of operations, changes in cash flows,
and financial position as of and for the periods presented. The results for the
interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be
expected for the full year.
 
(3) ACQUISITION OF ASSETS
 
     The Company acquired the accounts receivable, inventories, property and
equipment, patents, trademarks and copyrights of the wheel and tire group of Mr.
Gasket Company, Inc. in a leveraged buyout on December 31, 1992. The acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the purchase price of
$10,602,097 was allocated to the assets acquired based upon their fair values at
the date of acquisition. The fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the
purchase price and, accordingly, the fair values of the property and equipment,
patents, trademarks and copyrights acquired were reduced to zero. The remaining
balance of $3,687,341 ("bargain purchase element") was classified as excess of
fair value of assets acquired over cost, and is being amortized to income over
five years using the straight-line method. The unamortized balance at December
31, 1995 was $1,474,937 and was $921,836 (unaudited) at September 30, 1996.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   58
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(4) INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                     1995             1996
                                                                 ------------     -------------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                          <C>              <C>
    Raw materials and supplies.................................   $5,451,092       $ 4,147,122
    Work-in-process............................................      395,761           940,378
    Finished goods.............................................    2,311,925         2,532,471
                                                                  ----------        ----------
                                                                   8,158,778         7,619,971
    Less allowance for obsolete and slow-moving inventory......      778,636           725,504
                                                                  ----------        ----------
                                                                  $7,380,142       $ 6,894,467
                                                                  ==========        ==========
</TABLE>
 
(5) NON-TRADE RECEIVABLES
 
     In February 1994, the Company established a services agreement with a
subcontractor in Mexico to provide plating services on a selection of the
Company's whole wheels, wheel components and accessories. Pursuant to the
services agreement, the Company advanced to the subcontractor $65,000 cash and
$240,300 of equipment to cover the costs and equipment requirements to
appropriately modify the subcontractor's plating line. The receivable of
$190,119 at December 31, 1995 was being paid via a $.25 to $.50 per unit
discount on the plating fees paid to the subcontractor as provided in the
services agreement.
 
   
     In July 1996, the Company terminated the services agreement with the
subcontractor in Mexico, and sold certain assets maintained in Mexico to a third
party for approximately $350,000 (unaudited). The assets had no book value at
the time of sale. In connection with the sale, the Company also wrote-off the
related non-trade receivable. The effect of this transaction resulted in a net
gain on the sale of approximately $287,000, which is included in other, net
non-operating income in the accompanying statement of operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996.
    
 
(6) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property and equipment consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                     1995             1996
                                                                 ------------     -------------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                          <C>              <C>
    Equipment..................................................   $  953,130       $   993,626
    Leasehold improvements.....................................      522,908           536,537
    Furniture and fixtures.....................................       37,081            37,081
                                                                  ----------        ----------
                                                                   1,513,119         1,567,244
    Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.............      466,029           689,087
                                                                  ----------        ----------
      Property and equipment, net..............................   $1,047,090       $   878,157
                                                                  ==========        ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   59
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(7) OTHER ASSETS
 
     Other assets consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                     1995             1996
                                                                 ------------     -------------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                          <C>              <C>
    Organization costs, net of accumulated amortization of
      $280,892 at December 31, 1995 and $351,115 (unaudited) at
      September 30, 1996.......................................    $187,260         $ 117,037
    Deferred loan costs, net of accumulated amortization of
      $23,750 at December 31, 1995 and $48,864 (unaudited) at
      September 30, 1996.......................................      71,250            53,636
    Deposits and other.........................................      65,795            86,085
                                                                   --------          --------
              Total other assets...............................    $324,305         $ 256,758
                                                                   ========          ========
</TABLE>
 
(8) ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
     Accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                     1995             1996
                                                                 ------------     -------------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                          <C>              <C>
    Accrual for stock adjustments, rebates, cash discounts,
      advertising and warranty.................................    $641,933        $   777,645
    Payroll and related benefits...............................      94,600            227,232
    Real estate, personal property and other taxes.............     114,594            107,037
    Professional fees..........................................      58,510             51,229
    Other......................................................      15,224             55,101
                                                                   --------         ----------
                                                                   $924,861        $ 1,218,244
                                                                   ========         ==========
</TABLE>
 
(9) NOTE PAYABLE
 
     Effective April 14, 1995, the Company entered into a credit agreement with
a new finance company. The maximum amount of credit available to the Company
under the new facility is $9,500,000, subject to certain restrictions with
respect to the collateral borrowing base. The loan is collateralized under a
security agreement, which includes accounts receivable, inventories, intangible
assets, and property and equipment. The loan bears interest based upon the prime
rate plus 1.25% (see amendment below). The loan agreement expires three years
from the effective date and contains no automatic renewal options. The balance
outstanding on this facility at December 31, 1995 was $7,300,895 and at
September 30, 1996 was $5,411,182 (unaudited). The Company had $372,446 and
$612,474 (unaudited) available on the line of credit at December 31, 1995 and
September 30, 1996, respectively.
 
     As of December 31, 1995, the Company was in violation of certain financial
covenants required under the credit agreement. The Company obtained a first
amendment to the credit agreement from the finance company, dated May 25, 1996,
which waived the Company's loan covenant violations as of December 31, 1995, as
well as restated the financial covenants for the remaining duration of the
credit agreement. Certain other modifications were also included in the
amendment, including a change to the interest rate. Effective December 1, 1995,
the loan bears interest at prime plus 2.25% (10.75% at December 31, 1995) and
may decrease to prime plus 1.25% if certain thresholds of net earnings and
adjusted net worth are met for the year ending December 31, 1996.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   60
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     As of September 30, 1996, the Company was in violation of certain of the
amended financial covenants (unaudited). On November 22, 1996, the financial
covenants were modified whereby the Company was in compliance. Management
expects that the Company will remain in compliance with the restated covenants
for the remainder of fiscal 1996.
    
 
(10) LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                           1995           1996
                                                                       ------------   -------------
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Unsecured promissory note bearing interest at 8%, payable in eight
  monthly installments of $60,000 including interest, totaling
  $480,000 annually, with a final payment of $34,367 including
  interest payable in May 1998. On December 15, 1994, $360,000 of the
  principal payment due in December 1994 was forgiven. The principal
  forgiveness resulted in an extraordinary gain net of tax of
  $153,902 for the year ended December 31, 1994......................   $1,066,098     $        --
Unsecured promissory notes to investors (bridge notes) bearing
  interest at 8% per annum, due the earlier of June 30, 1998 or 30
  days following an initial public offering. Common stock purchase
  warrants issued to investors to purchase 126,000 common shares
  valued at $.30 per warrant, amortized to interest expense through
  June 30, 1998......................................................           --       1,500,000
Unsecured promissory note to a stockholder bearing interest at 8% per
  annum, due in full on January 1, 1997, amended to allow for the
  conversion into 68,056 (unaudited) shares of common stock..........      350,000         350,000
Noninterest bearing $130,000 noncompete agreement with interest
  imputed at 9%, payable in monthly installments of $2,500, maturing
  January 1998.......................................................       56,798              --
Promissory note, bearing interest at 9%, payable in monthly
  installments of $777, maturing June 1998, secured by equipment.....       18,542          13,542
                                                                        ----------      ----------
          Total long-term debt.......................................    1,491,438       1,863,542
Less current portion.................................................      512,748         351,806
Less unamortized value assigned to warrants (note 12)................           --          33,863
                                                                        ----------      ----------
          Long-term debt, less current portion.......................   $  978,690     $ 1,477,873
                                                                        ==========      ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
     The annual maturities of long-term debt after December 31, 1995 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,
        -----------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>                                                                <C>
          1996...........................................................  $  512,748
          1997...........................................................     866,373
          1998...........................................................     112,317
          1999...........................................................          --
                                                                           ----------
                  Total annual maturities of long-term debt..............  $1,491,438
                                                                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
     On June 20, 1996, a stockholder of the Company entered into an agreement
with a creditor of the Company, whereby the stockholder was assigned the rights
to an unsecured promissory note and a non-compete agreement between the creditor
and the Company (unaudited). The unsecured promissory note had an outstanding
balance of $1,066,098 at June 20, 1996. The stockholder paid the creditor
$700,000 in consideration of said assignment.
 
     In July 1996, the Company obtained bridge notes from unrelated parties
totaling $1,500,000 (unaudited). The holders of the bridge notes were also
granted warrants to purchase 126,000 shares of common stock at an
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   61
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
exercise price of $3.25 a share. The Company valued the warrants at $3.55 a
share. A portion of the bridge note proceeds were used to pay the aforementioned
unsecured promissory note and non-compete agreement obligation held by a
stockholder for $700,000, plus $79,727 for interest and service charges related
to the assignment. The Company recognized a $330,489 extraordinary gain on the
transaction during the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
 
(11) SUBORDINATED INVESTOR DEBT
 
     Subordinated investor debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       DECEMBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                           1995           1996
                                                                       ------------   -------------
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Investor notes payable ("junior investor notes"), collateralized by a
  security interest in accounts receivable, inventories, and property
  and equipment, subject to and subordinate to the existing security
  interests of the finance company described in note 9. The notes
  bear interest at 6%, payable annually starting September 1994, with
  principal due in September 1995. This note was amended during 1995
  to extend the principal due as of September 1995 to September 1998.
  The note holders have the right to convert their notes into 291,666
  shares of $.01 par value common stock of the Company...............   $1,500,000     $ 1,500,000
                                                                        ----------      ----------
          Total subordinated investor debt...........................    1,500,000       1,500,000
Less current portion.................................................           --              --
                                                                        ----------      ----------
          Subordinated investor debt, less current portion...........   $1,500,000     $ 1,500,000
                                                                        ==========      ==========
</TABLE>
 
     The annual maturities of subordinated investor debt after December 31, 1995
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,
        -----------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>                                                                <C>
        1996.............................................................  $       --
        1997.............................................................          --
        1998.............................................................   1,500,000
                                                                           ----------
                  Total annual maturities of subordinated investor
                    debt.................................................  $1,500,000
                                                                           ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Total interest expense on subordinated investor debt was $577,500 and
$116,177 for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively, $65,429
(unaudited) and $90,000 (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
and 1996, respectively.
 
     On January 1, 1995, the outstanding indebtedness under the subordinated
investor notes (not including the junior investor notes) was contributed to the
capital of the Company in the amount of $3,358,323. No securities of the Company
or any other consideration was issued or delivered to the original investors in
connection with the contribution.
 
(12) OUTSTANDING WARRANTS
 
     At December 31, 1995, the Company has outstanding Class A warrants to
purchase 122,062.5 shares of the Company's common stock at $1.43 per share. The
warrants became exercisable on or after January 1, 1993 and expire December 31,
1999. The Company also has outstanding Class B warrants to purchase 24,500
shares of the Company's common stock at $.36 per share. These warrants become
exercisable on or after December 15, 1994 and expire December 31, 1999. In the
opinion of management, the exercise price of the warrants approximated their
fair value at the date of grant; therefore, no debt discount was recorded at the
date of grant.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   62
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, in connection with
obtaining bridge financing, the Company issued warrants to purchase 126,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share (unaudited).
Because the estimated fair value of such warrants exceeded the exercise price by
$.30 per share, the Company recorded additional paid-in capital and a debt
discount of $37,800. The debt discount is being amortized to interest expense
over the term of the related financing.
 
(13) PREFERRED STOCK
 
     On March 26, 1994, the Company authorized 200,000 shares of preferred
stock, $.01 par value, of which no shares were issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1995 or at September 30, 1996 (unaudited).
 
(14) COMMON STOCK
 
     On December 15, 1994, the Company issued 29,166 shares of common stock at
$1.43 per share for $41,667 cash.
 
     On September 30, 1995, the Company issued 26,410 shares of common stock at
$6.64 per share in exchange for accrued interest on the junior investor notes as
of September 30, 1995, in the amount of $175,245.
 
     On September 27, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 7-for-1
stock split and increased the authorized number of shares of common stock from
700,000 to 5,000,000 (unaudited) shares. All share and per share amounts have
been restated to reflect the effect of the stock split.
 
(15) INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company had no current or deferred income taxes for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995. The reconciliation of the expected income tax
expense (benefit) calculated at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% to the
actual income tax benefit per the financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   -----------------------
                                                                     1994          1995
                                                                   ---------     ---------
    <S>                                                            <C>           <C>
    Computed "expected" tax benefit..............................  $(529,227)    $(235,877)
    Gain on forgiveness of debt..................................    387,531            --
    Change in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets....    159,000       216,000
    State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax
      benefit....................................................    (15,100)      (30,800)
    Other, net...................................................     (2,204)       50,677
                                                                    --------      --------
                                                                   $      --     $      --
                                                                    ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
   
     The Company has net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 1995 of
approximately $2,151,000 for federal income tax purposes, which begin to expire
in 2010. In the event of a change in ownership pursuant to Internal Revenue
Service regulations, utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards may be
eliminated or significantly reduced.
    
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   63
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31,
1994 and 1995 are presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      -------------------------
                                                                         1994          1995
                                                                      -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>           <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful
     accounts.......................................................  $   229,000   $    60,000
  Inventories, principally due to allowance for obsolete and
     slow-moving inventory..........................................    1,059,000       593,000
  Differences in basis of assets upon acquisition, principally
     property and equipment and accounts receivable.................    1,219,000       806,000
  Net operating loss carryovers.....................................       57,000       860,000
  Rebates and sales discounts accrual...............................           --       133,000
  Other.............................................................       35,000        74,000
                                                                      -----------   -----------
          Total gross deferred tax assets...........................    2,599,000     2,526,000
Less valuation allowance............................................   (2,297,000)   (2,513,000)
                                                                      -----------   -----------
          Net deferred tax assets...................................      302,000        13,000
                                                                      -----------   -----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property and equipment, principally due to differences in
     depreciation...................................................      302,000        13,000
                                                                      -----------   -----------
          Total gross deferred liabilities..........................      302,000        13,000
                                                                      -----------   -----------
          Net deferred income taxes.................................  $        --   $        --
                                                                      ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 1994 and
1995 was $2,297,000 and $2,513,000, respectively. The net change in the total
valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 was an
increase of $159,000 and $216,000, respectively. In assessing the realizability
of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not
that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The
ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon generation of
future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences
become deductible.
 
(16) LEASES
 
     The Company is obligated under various capital leases for certain equipment
that expire at various dates during the next three years. The gross amount of
equipment and related accumulated amortization (included in property and
equipment, net) recorded under capital leases is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                           -------------------   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             1994       1995         1996
                                                           --------   --------   -------------
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
    Equipment............................................  $ 94,625   $334,996     $ 334,996
    Less accumulated amortization........................   (22,696)   (49,633)      (87,862)
                                                           --------   ---------    ---------
                                                           $ 71,929   $285,363     $ 247,134
                                                           ========   =========    =========
</TABLE>
 
     Amortization of equipment held under capital leases is included with
depreciation expense.
 
     The Company also leases office and warehouse facilities and various
equipment items under operating leases. The Company is responsible for all
occupancy costs, including insurance and utility costs. Minimum
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   64
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
future rental commitments for all noncancelable operating leases having original
or remaining lease terms in excess of one year and future minimum capital lease
payments as of December 31, 1995 are:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               CAPITAL      OPERATING
                      YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,                 LEASES        LEASES
        -----------------------------------------------------  --------     ----------
        <S>                                                    <C>          <C>
          1996...............................................  $ 99,162     $  319,952
          1997...............................................    95,295        327,213
          1998...............................................   112,997        327,213
          1999...............................................        --        321,977
          2000...............................................        --        336,255
             Thereafter......................................        --        814,604
                                                               --------     ----------
                  Total minimum lease payments...............   307,454     $2,447,214
                                                                            ==========
        Less amount representing interest (at rates ranging
          from 9% to 19.05%).................................    68,540
                                                               --------
        Present value of minimum capital lease payments......   238,914
        Less current portion of capital lease obligations....    61,573
                                                               --------
        Capital lease obligations, excluding current
          portion............................................  $177,341
                                                               ========
</TABLE>
    
 
     No renewal options are provided for in the operating lease agreements. In
the normal course of business, operating leases are generally renewed or
replaced by other leases. Total rental expense under operating leases with a
term in excess of one month was $527,325 and $414,131 for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively, and $293,544 (unaudited) and $291,105
(unaudited) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 and 1996.
 
(17) MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     The Company sold a substantial portion of its product to two customers in
1994, to two customers in 1995, and to two (unaudited) customers for the period
ended September 30, 1996. Sales amounts for 1994, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited) and
the related accounts receivable at December 31, 1994, 1995 and September 30,
1996 (unaudited) for these customers are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31,    
                                                       ---------------------     SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                         1994         1995          (UNAUDITED)
                                                       --------     --------     ------------------
                                                       PERCENT      PERCENT           PERCENT
                                                       OF SALES     OF SALES          OF SALES
                                                       --------     --------     ------------------
    <S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>
    Sales to major customers:
      Super Shops....................................    30.0%        23.6%             26.6%
      Heafner Tire...................................     1.9         11.8              12.3
      Keystone Automotive............................     9.8          3.7               4.0
                                                         ----         ----              ----
                                                         41.7%        39.1%             42.9%
                                                         ====         ====              ====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   65
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       PERCENT OF      PERCENT OF       PERCENT OF
                                                        ACCOUNTS        ACCOUNTS         ACCOUNTS
                                                       RECEIVABLE      RECEIVABLE       RECEIVABLE
                                                       -----------     -----------     -------------
    <S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>
    Accounts receivable from major customers:
      Super Shops....................................      46.4%           29.4%            43.5%
      Heafner Tire...................................        .4             8.6              4.7
      Keystone Automotive............................      14.5            10.8              8.3
                                                           ----            ----             ----
                                                           61.3%           48.8%            56.5%
                                                           ====            ====             ====
</TABLE>
 
(18) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 107 "Disclosure about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" requires disclosure of the fair value of certain
financial instruments. The following methods and assumptions were used by the
Company in estimating fair value disclosures for the financial instruments:
 
          Limitations -- Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in
     time and are based on relevant market information and information about the
     financial instrument; they are subjective in nature and involve
     uncertainties, matters of judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined
     with precision. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that
     could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire
     holdings of a particular instrument. Changes in assumptions could
     significantly affect these estimates.
 
          Since the fair value is estimated as of December 31, 1995, the amounts
     that will actually be realized or paid in settlement of the instruments
     could be significantly different.
 
          Current assets and current liabilities -- The amounts reported in the
     balance sheet approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these
     instruments.
 
          Long-term debt and investor subordinated debt -- The terms of the
     Company's long-term debt and subordinated debt approximate the terms in the
     market place at which they could be replaced. Therefore, the fair value
     approximates the carrying value of these financial instruments.
 
     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts
receivable. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial
institutions and generally limits the amount of credit exposure to the amount of
FDIC coverage. As described in note 1, the Company sells its products to
automotive aftermarket distributors and dealers throughout the United States,
Canada, Mexico, Australia and other international markets. The Company performs
ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition but does not
require collateral to support customer receivables. The Company establishes an
allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk
of specific customers, historical trends and other information.
 
     As of December 31, 1995, the Company had concentrations of credit risk
consisting of cash balances of approximately $50,517 over the FDIC coverage at
one financial institution.
 
(19) LITIGATION AND CLAIMS
 
     The Company is one of four defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit. The
plaintiff is seeking damages of $5,500,000 plus an unspecified amount of
punitive damages. The Company is defending itself vigorously in this matter. Any
costs to the Company resulting from this case will not be covered by product
liability insurance. Management of the Company is unable to determine the
ultimate loss that might result from this case and, accordingly, no provision
has been made in the accompanying financial statements for losses, if any, that
might result from this matter.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   66
 
                            CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The Company is involved in other claims arising in the normal course of
operations. Management believes the outcome of these matters will not have a
material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, therefore, no
provision has been made in the accompanying financial statements for losses, if
any, that might result from these matters.
 
(20) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
   
     Subsequent to December 31, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors and
stockholders formally approved the Company's stock option and restricted stock
plan and nonemployee director plan (plans), which permit the granting of options
to eligible employees and directors to purchase shares of the Company's common
stock. The plans reserve 245,000 shares of the Company's common stock for grant.
The plans provide that the options may be either incentive or nonincentive stock
options. The exercise price for the incentive stock options shall not be less
than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant and 85% of
the fair market value with respect to the nonincentive stock options. Options
granted under the plans must be exercised in whole or in part within 10 years of
the date of grant. The Company may also issue stock appreciation rights or
restricted stock under provisions of the plans with similar terms to the
incentive and nonincentive stock options. As of September 30, 1996, the Company
granted 11,900 options under the nonemployee director plan at an exercise price
of $5.14 a share and no options were granted under the restricted stock plan. On
November 9, 1996, the Company granted 53,500 options under the restricted stock
and option plan and 2,100 other options at an exercise price of $5.60 per share.
    
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   67
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
   
  NO DEALER, SALESMAN, OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, OR BY ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT RELATES
OR AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THOSE TO WHICH IT
RELATES IN ANY STATE TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
IN SUCH STATE. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT
THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
    
 
                               ------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Prospectus Summary....................    3
Risk Factors..........................    6
Use of Proceeds.......................   13
Dilution..............................   14
Dividend Policy.......................   15
Capitalization........................   15
Selected Financial Data...............   16
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.......................   18
Business..............................   23
Management............................   32
Certain Transactions..................   37
Principal Stockholders................   39
Description of Securities.............   41
Underwriting..........................   45
Legal Opinions........................   47
Experts...............................   47
Available Information.................   47
Index to Financial Statements.........  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
  UNTIL             , 1996, (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS.
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
                                 [CRAGAR LOGO]
 
   
                               850,000 SHARES OF
    
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                                      AND
 
                                850,000 WARRANTS

                              --------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              --------------------
 
                                DICKINSON & CO.

                                            , 1996

- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   68
 
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 24.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     The Company's Bylaws provide that the corporation shall to the fullest
extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or
may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the
extent that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader
indemnification rights than such law permitted the corporation to provide prior
to such amendment), indemnify and hold harmless any person who was or is a
party, or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that such person
is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including
service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "Indemnitee")
against expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys' fees, judgments,
fines, excise taxes or penalties paid in connection with the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and amounts paid in settlement)
reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith;
provided, however, that except as provided in this Section with respect to
proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the corporation shall
indemnify any such Indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof)
initiated by such Indemnitee only if such proceeding or part thereof was
authorized by the board of directors of this corporation.
 
     The right to indemnification conferred in the Company's Bylaws includes the
right to be paid by the corporation the expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition;
provided, however, that, if the Delaware General Corporation Law requires, an
advancement of expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in his capacity as a director
or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by
such Indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit
plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking, by
or on behalf of such Indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall
ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is not
further right to appeal that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified
for such expenses under this section or otherwise. The rights to indemnification
and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section shall be contract
rights and such rights shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a
director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators.
 
   
     If a claim under the two preceding paragraphs of this Section is not paid
in full by the corporation within 60 days after a written claim has been
received by the corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of
expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 20 days, the Indemnitee
may at any time thereafter bring suit against the corporation to recover the
unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit,
or in a suit brought by the corporation to recover an advancement of expenses
pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to be
paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit
brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but
not in a suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of
expenses) and (ii) in any suit brought by the corporation to recover an
advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the corporation
shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the
Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in
the Delaware General Corporation Law. Neither the failure of the corporation
(including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its
stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such
suit that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances
because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
the Delaware General Corporation Law, nor an actual determination by the
corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its
stockholders) that the Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of
conduct shall create a presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the
applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the
Indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to
enforce a right
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   69
 
to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the
corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an
undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be
indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses under this Section or otherwise
shall be on the corporation.
 
     The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that indemnification is
permissible only when the director, officer, employee, or agent acted in good
faith and in a manner reasonable believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful. The
Delaware General Corporation Law also precludes indemnification in respect of
any claim, issue, or matter as to which an officer, director, employee, or agent
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and only to the
extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine that, despite such adjudication of liability but in view
of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
 
ITEM 25.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                         <C>
    Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee.....................    $  4,261
    Nasdaq and Boston Stock Exchange Filing Fees............................       7,291
    NASD Fee................................................................       1,929
    Printing Expenses.......................................................      75,000
    Legal Fees and Expenses.................................................     150,000
    Accounting Fees and Expenses............................................      95,000
    Blue Sky Filing Fees and Expenses.......................................      25,000
    Warrant Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees........................       3,000
    Representative's Non-accountable Expense Allowance......................     155,550
    Miscellaneous...........................................................      49,469
                                                                                --------
      Total.................................................................    $566,500*
                                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Estimated
 
ITEM 26.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
     Since September 30, 1993, the Company has sold the following unregistered
securities:
 
   
          1. On September 30, 1993, the Company privately sold for cash
     $1,500,000 principal amount of 6% convertible subordinated secured
     promissory notes (the "1993 Junior Notes") to certain accredited and
     sophisticated investors. The 1993 Junior Notes will be automatically
     converted upon the closing of this offering into approximately 291,666
     shares of Common Stock. The purchasers of the 1993 Junior Notes were David
     Atkins; CN Partners, L.P.; Phyllis Cohen; Anthony Dalessio; Irving Davies;
     Sidney Dworkin; Edward R. Falkner; Julius Kramer; MDA Financial, Inc.;
     Kenneth Reichle; Gerald Richter; James Schoke; Elayne Schoke; and Donald
     Shapiro.
    
 
          2. On December 15, 1994, the Company issued to Mr. Sidney Dworkin
     29,167 shares of Common Stock, 3,937.5 Class A Warrants, and a promissory
     note in the principal amount of $108,333 (the "$108,333 Note") in exchange
     for $150,000 cash. Each Class A Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one
     share of Common Stock at $1.43, exercisable at any time before December 31,
     1999. The $108,333 Note had an interest rate of 15% per annum, payable
     annually in five installments commencing January 1, 1995. On January 31,
     1995, Mr. Dworkin contributed the $108,333 Note to the capital of the
     Company.
 
          3. On December 15, 1994, the Company issued to Mr. Sidney Dworkin
     24,500 Class B Warrants and a promissory note in the principal amount of
     $350,000 (the "$350,000 Note") in exchange for
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   70
 
     $350,000 cash. Each Class B Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one
     share of Common Stock at $0.36, exercisable at any time on or before
     December 31, 1999. The $350,000 Note bears interest at a rate of 8% per
     annum, payable monthly through January 1, 1997. The $350,000 Note is
     automatically convertible upon the closing of this offering into 68,056
     shares of the Company's Common Stock.
 
          4. On September 30, 1995, the Company agreed to issue shares of its
     Common Stock to the holders of the 1993 Junior Notes, and the holders of
     the 1993 Junior Notes agreed to accept such Common Stock, in lieu of paying
     interest that had accrued on the 1993 Junior Notes. Pursuant to that
     agreement, each holder of the 1993 Junior Notes received 15,070 shares of
     the Company's Common Stock for every $100,000 of interest payable. In
     aggregate, 26,409 shares of Common Stock were issued for $175,245. The
     holders of the 1993 Junior Notes were the same accredited and sophisticated
     investors as set forth above in paragraph 1.
 
          5. On June 10, 1996, pursuant to the Company's Non-Employee Directors'
     Stock Option Plan, the Company granted options to current and former
     members of the Board of Directors to purchase 9,800 shares of the Company's
     Common Stock. All options were granted with an exercise price of $5.14 per
     share. The options were issued to Mark Schwartz, Sidney Dworkin, Donald
     McIntyre, Phyllis Froimson, and Victor Scaravilli. Also, effective June 10,
     1996, the Company's Board of Directors granted James Schoke, a former
     director of the Company, an option to purchase 2,100 shares of the
     Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.14 per share.
 
   
          6. On July 1, 1996, the Company sold securities totaling $1,500,000 to
     certain accredited and sophisticated investors. In consideration thereof,
     each investor received from the Company (i) the Company's promissory note
     in the principal amount of the investor's individual investment (the
     "Bridge Note"), and (ii) Class C Warrants, in the amount of 8,400 warrants
     for each $100,000 the investor individually invested. Each Class C Warrant
     entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company's Common Stock at
     $3.25, exercisable at any time before June 30, 2001. These Bridge Notes and
     Class C Warrants were sold to the following investors: Hymie Akst; Michael
     Bushey; Central Fill Pharmacy; Inc.; Irving Davies; Melvin Gershman, IRA;
     Edward R. Falkner; Marvin Kogod; Marc Loveman, IRA; Beno Michel; Kenneth M.
     Reichle, Jr.; Robert M. Rosin; Royal Bank of Scotland; RFD Associates,
     Ltd.; Harry Schwartz; Mark Schwartz; Paul T. Sciarrino; Wesley Wood.
    
 
          7.  On November 9, 1996, pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock
     Option Plan, the Company granted options to current employees to purchase
     53,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock. All options were granted with
     an exercise price of $5.60 per share. The options were issued to Michael L.
     Hartzmark, David Bratset, Tony Barrett, Ed Chavez, Tony Cortes, Bob
     Deyoung, Michael Miller, and Kent Rogers. In addition, the Company's Board
     of Directors granted James Schoke, a former director of the Company, an
     option to purchase 2,100 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an
     exercise price of $5.60 per share.
 
   
     Each transaction described above was deemed exempt from registration under
the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act as transactions not
involving any public offering.
    
 
ITEM 27.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER                                       DESCRIPTION
    ------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <C>          <S>
      1.1        Deleted
      1.2        Form of Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and Dickinson & Co.*
      3.1        Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant
                 filed with State of Delaware on October 1, 1996*
      3.2        Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   71
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER                                       DESCRIPTION
    ------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <C>          <S>
      4.1        Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant
                 (filed as Exhibit 3.1)*
      4.2        Form of Certificate representing Common Stock*
      4.3        Form of Warrant Agreement*
      4.4        Form of Warrant Certificate (attached as Exhibit A to Form of Warrant
                 Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.3)*
      4.5        Deleted
      4.6        Deleted
      4.7        Form of 1993 Convertible Subordinated Secured Note of the Registrant, dated
                 September 30, 1993*
      4.7 (a)    Form of First Note Amendment to 1993 Convertible Subordinated Secured Note
                 of the Registrant, dated September 30, 1995*
      4.7 (b)    Form of Second Note Amendment to 1993 Convertible Subordinated Secured Note
                 of the Registrant*
      4.8        $350,000 Promissory Note of the Registrant, dated December 15, 1994, issued
                 to Sidney Dworkin*
      4.8 (a)    Agreement between Registrant and Sidney Dworkin, dated October 12, 1995,
                 amending the terms and conditions of the $350,000 Promissory Note*
      4.8 (b)    First Note Amendment to the $350,000 Promissory Note of the Registrant
                 issued to Sidney Dworkin*
      4.9        Form of 1996 Unsecured Promissory Bridge Note of the Registrant*
      4.10       Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of April 14, 1995, executed by and
                 between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit, Inc.*
      4.10(a)    Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of September 19, 1995,
                 executed by and between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit, Inc.*
      4.10(b)    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of             , 1996,
                 executed by and between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit, Inc.*
      4.10(c)    Waiver and Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated November 20,
                 1996, executed by and between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit, Inc.*
      4.11       Form of Class A Stock Purchase Warrant Certificate*
      4.12       Form of Class B Stock Purchase Warrant Certificate*
      4.13       Form of Class C Stock Purchase Warrant Certificate*
      4.14       Form of Stock Option/Restricted Stock Grant for grants made pursuant to
                 either or both the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee Directors'
                 Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.1 and the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996
                 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan filed as Exhibit 10.2*
      4.15       Form of Representative's Warrant Agreement, dated , 1996, by and between the
                 Registrant and Dickinson & Co.**
      5.1        Opinion of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. regarding the legality of the Securities
                 and Representative's Warrants being registered*
     10.1        CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan*
     10.1 (a)    First Amendment to the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee Directors'
                 Stock Option Plan, dated October 1, 1996*
     10.2        CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan*
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   72
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT
    NUMBER                                       DESCRIPTION
    ------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <C>          <S>
     10.2 (a)    First Amendment to the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and
                 Restricted Stock Plan, dated October 1, 1996*
     10.3        Commercial Lease, dated February 5, 1993, executed by and between Registrant
                 and Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company*
     10.4        Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, executed by and between
                 Registrant and Tony Barrett*
     10.5        Purchase Program, dated January 24, 1996, executed by and between Registrant
                 and Super Shops*
     10.6        Form of 1992 Promissory Note of Registrant, dated December 31, 1992, issued
                 in connection with Registrant's original capitalization*
     10.6 (a)    Form of First Note Amendment of 1992 Promissory Note of Registrant, dated
                 September 30, 1994*
     10.6 (b)    Form of Agreement to Forgive Interest, dated December 14, 1994, executed by
                 and between Registrant and certain holders of 1992 Promissory Notes of
                 Registrant*
     10.6 (c)    Form of Letter, dated February 16, 1995, issued by Registrant to (i) holders
                 of the 1992 Promissory Notes of Registrant, and (ii) holder of the $350,000
                 Note of Registrant, whereby holders of the Notes agreed to contribute to
                 capital the 1992 Notes and the $350,000 Note*
     10.7        $108,333 Promissory Note of Registrant, dated December 15, 1994, issued to
                 Sidney Dworkin*
     10.7 (a)    Form of Letter, dated February 16, 1995, issued by Registrant to (i) holders
                 of the 1992 Promissory Notes of Registrant, and (ii) holder of the $350,000
                 Note of Registrant, whereby holders of the Notes agreed to contribute to
                 capital the 1992 Promissory Notes and the $350,000 Note (attached as Exhibit
                 10.6(c))*
     10.8        Cognovit Promissory Note dated September 30, 1993, executed by Registrant
                 and payable to Performance Industries, Inc.*
     10.8 (a)    Cross Receipt executed by and between Lee Hartzmark and Registrant in
                 connection with Assignment of Cognovit Promissory Note*
     10.9        Wheel & Component Purchase Agreement dated April 3, 1996, executed by and
                 between Registrant and Titan Wheel International, Inc.*
     10.10       Redistribution Agreement dated November 7, 1996, executed by and between
                 Registrant and RELCO Corp.*
     11.1        Computation of Earnings Per Share*
     21          List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant*
     23.1        Consent of Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P (included in Exhibit 5.1)*
     23.2        Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants
     24          Power of Attorney (included on signature page of Registration Statement)*
     27          Financial Data Schedule*
     99.1        Deleted
     99.2        Deleted
     99.3        Form of Lock-Up Agreement, executed by and between the Registrant and
                 certain of the Registrant's security-holders (included in Exhibit 1.2).*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * Previously filed
 
** To be filed
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   73
 
ITEM 28.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide the Underwriter at
the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
     this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the
     form of prospectus field 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.
 
          (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, each post effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
     be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
     offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
     deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to: (i)
     including any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act
     of 1933; (ii) reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
     the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent
     post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this
     Registration Statement; (iii) include any material information with respect
     to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
     Statement or any material change to such information in the registration
     statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
     new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
     the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   74
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Phoenix, State of Arizona, on the 27th day of November, 1996.
    
 
                                          CRAGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                              Michael L. Hartzmark
                                            President and Chief Executive
                                              Officer
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 has been signed
by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SIGNATURE                               TITLE                      DATE
- ------------------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------
<C>                                         <S>                             <C>
/s/                                         President, Chief Executive       November 27, 1996
- ------------------------------------------  Officer, and Director
           Michael L. Hartzmark             (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/                                         Vice President of Operations     November 27, 1996
- ------------------------------------------  (Principal Financial and
            Anthony W. Barrett              Accounting Officer)
                        *                   Director                         November 27, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
              Sidney Dworkin
                        *                   Director                         November 27, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
             Donald McIntyre
                        *                   Director                         November 27, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
              Mark Schwartz
/s/                                         Director                         November 27, 1996
- ------------------------------------------
                 Ed Faber
                 *By: /s/
- ------------------------------------------
           Michael L. Hartzmark
             Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   75
 
                                 EXHIBITS INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                NUMBERED
NUMBER                                    DESCRIPTION                                   PAGES
- ------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>          <S>                                                                     <C>
  1.1        Deleted...............................................................
  1.2        Form of Underwriting Agreement, dated                , 1996, by and
             between Registrant and Dickinson & Co.* ..............................
  3.1        Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
             Registrant filed with State of Delaware on October 1, 1996*...........
  3.2        Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.........................
  4.1        Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
             Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.1)*....................................
  4.2        Form of Certificate representing Common Stock*........................
  4.3        Form of Warrant Agreement*............................................
  4.4        Form of Warrant Certificate (attached as Exhibit A to Form of Warrant
             Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.3)*......................................
  4.5        Deleted...............................................................
  4.6        Deleted...............................................................
  4.7        Form of 1993 Convertible Subordinated Secured Note of the Registrant,
             dated September 30, 1993*.............................................
  4.7 (a)    Form of First Note Amendment to 1993 Convertible Subordinated Secured
             Note of the Registrant, dated September 30, 1995*.....................
  4.7 (b)    Form of Second Note Amendment to 1993 Convertible Subordinated Secured
             Note of the Registrant*...............................................
  4.8        $350,000 Promissory Note of the Registrant, dated December 15, 1994,
             issued to Sidney Dworkin*.............................................
  4.8 (a)    Agreement between Registrant and Sidney Dworkin, dated October 12,
             1995, amending the terms and conditions of the $350,000 Promissory
             Note*.................................................................
  4.8 (b)    First Note Amendment to the $350,000 Promissory Note of the Registrant
             issued to Sidney Dworkin*.............................................
  4.9        Form of 1996 Unsecured Promissory Bridge Note of the Registrant*......
  4.10       Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of April 14, 1995, executed by
             and between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit, Inc.*.............
  4.10(a)    Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of September 19,
             1995, executed by and between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit,
             Inc.*.................................................................
  4.10(b)    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of           , 1996,
             executed by and between Registrant and Norwest Business Credit,
             Inc.* ................................................................
  4.10(c)    Waiver and Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated November
             20, 1996, executed by and between Registrant and Norwest Business
             Credit, Inc.* ........................................................
  4.11       Form of Class A Stock Purchase Warrant Certificate*...................
  4.12       Form of Class B Stock Purchase Warrant Certificate*...................
  4.13       Form of Class C Stock Purchase Warrant Certificate*...................
  4.14       Form of Stock Option / Restricted Stock Grant for grants made pursuant
             to either or both the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee
             Directors' Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.1 and the CRAGAR
             Industries, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan filed as
             Exhibit 10.2*.........................................................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   76
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                NUMBERED
NUMBER                                    DESCRIPTION                                   PAGES
- ------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>          <S>                                                                     <C>
  4.15       Form of Representative's Warrant Agreement, dated           , 1996, by
             and between the Registrant and Dickinson & Co.**......................
  5.1        Opinion of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. regarding the legality of the
             Securities and Representative's Warrants being registered*............
 10.1        CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
             Plan*.................................................................
 10.1 (a)    First Amendment to the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee
             Directors' Stock Option Plan, dated October 1, 1996*..................
 10.2        CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and Restricted Stock
             Plan*.................................................................
 10.2 (a)    First Amendment to the CRAGAR Industries, Inc. 1996 Stock Option and
             Restricted Stock Plan, dated October 1, 1996*.........................
 10.3        Commercial Lease, dated February 5, 1993, executed by and between
             Registrant and Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company*...............
 10.4        Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, executed by and between
             Registrant and Tony Barrett*..........................................
 10.5        Purchase Program, dated January 24, 1996, executed by and between
             Registrant and Super Shops*...........................................
 10.6        Form of 1992 Promissory Note of Registrant, dated December 31, 1992,
             issued in connection with Registrant's original capitalization*.......
 10.6 (a)    Form of First Note Amendment of 1992 Promissory Note of Registrant,
             dated September 30, 1994*.............................................
 10.6 (b)    Form of Agreement to Forgive Interest, dated December 14, 1994,
             executed by and between Registrant and certain holders of 1992
             Promissory Notes of Registrant*.......................................
 10.6 (c)    Form of Letter, dated February 16, 1995, issued by Registrant to (i)
             holders of the 1992 Promissory Notes of Registrant, and (ii) holder of
             the $350,000 Note of Registrant, whereby holders of the Notes agreed
             to contribute to capital the 1992 Promissory Notes and the $350,000
             Note*.................................................................
 10.7        $108,333 Promissory Note of Registrant, dated December 15, 1994,
             issued to Sidney Dworkin*.............................................
 10.7 (a)    Form of Letter, dated February 16, 1995, issued by Registrant to (i)
             holders of the 1992 Promissory Notes of Registrant, and (ii) holder of
             the $350,000 Note of Registrant, whereby holders of the Notes agreed
             to contribute to capital the 1992 Promissory Notes and the $350,000
             Note (attached as Exhibit 10.6(c))*...................................
 10.8        Cognovit Promissory Note dated September 30, 1993, executed by
             Registrant and payable to Performance Industries, Inc.*...............
 10.8 (a)    Cross Receipt executed by and between Lee Hartzmark and Registrant in
             connection with Assignment of Cognovit Promissory Note*...............
 10.9        Wheel & Component Purchase Agreement dated April 3, 1996, executed by
             and between Registrant and Titan Wheel International, Inc.* ..........
 10.10       Redistribution Agreement dated November 7, 1996, executed by and
             between Registrant and RELCO Corp.* ..................................
 11.1        Computation of Earnings Per Share*....................................
 21          List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant*...............................
 23.1        Consent of Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P (included in Exhibit 5.1)*...........
 23.2        Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
             accountants...........................................................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   77
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT                                                                                NUMBERED
NUMBER                                    DESCRIPTION                                   PAGES
- ------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<C>          <S>                                                                     <C>
 24          Power of Attorney (included on signature page of Registration
             Statement)*...........................................................
 27          Financial Data Schedule*..............................................
 99.1        Deleted...............................................................
 99.2        Deleted...............................................................
 99.3        Form of Lock-Up Agreement, executed by and between the Registrant and
             certain of the Registrant's security-holders (included in Exhibit
             1.2).*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * Previously filed
 
** To be filed
<PAGE>   78
                                   APPENDIX A

                   DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL

Location:       Inside Front cover of the Prospectus
Item:           Photographs
Description:    The photographs appearing on the inside front cover of the
                Prospectus are, beginning with the center photograph and then
                moving clockwise from the upper left hand corner, of the
                following types of wheels: (a) CRAGAR Legacy S/S Super Sport
                Series 08/61, (b) CRAGAR LITE Three Spoke Series 230,
                (c) CRAGAR Racing Super Star Series 44, (d) TRU~SPOKE Wire
                Wheels TRU~CRUISER Series 16/716, and (e) CRAGAR One-Piece
                Aluminum Split Five Spoke Series 247. The photographs appearing
                on the back cover of the Prospectus depict certain of CRAGAR's
                wheels used for drag racing.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 3.2

                             Cragar Industries, Inc.

                                    * * * * *

                          AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS

                                    * * * * *


                                   ARTICLE I.

                                     OFFICES

              Section 1. The registered office shall be in the City of
Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

              Section 2. The corporation may also have offices at such other
places both within and without the State of Delaware as the board of directors
may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.

                                   ARTICLE II.

                            MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

              Section 1. All meetings of the stockholders for the election of
directors shall be held in the City of Phoenix, State of Arizona, at such place
as may be fixed from time to time by the board of directors, or at such other
place either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from
time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.
Meetings of stockholders for any other purpose may be held at such time and
place, within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be stated in the notice
of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

              Section 2. Annual meetings of stockholders, commencing with the
year 1994, shall be held on the 15th day of February, if not a legal holiday,
and if a legal holiday, then on the next secular day following, at 10 A. M. , or
at such other date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the
board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which they shall
elect by a plurality vote a board of directors, and transact such other business
as may properly be brought before the meeting.

              Section 3. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place,
date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote
at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the
meeting.

              Section 4. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the
corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of
stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the
meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each
stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.
Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose
germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least
ten days prior to the meeting, either
<PAGE>   2
at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be
specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place
where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the
time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be
inspected by any stockholder who is present.

              Section 5. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose
or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the certificate of
incorporation, may be called by the president and shall be called by the
president or secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the board of
directors, or at the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority in
amount of the entire capital stock of the corporation issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the
proposed meeting.

              Section 6. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place,
date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting
is called, shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date
of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

              Section 7. Business transacted at any special meeting of
stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.

              Section 8. The holders of a majority of the stock issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by
proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the
transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the
certificate of incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or
represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to
vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to
adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at
the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned
meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented any business may be
transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally
notified. If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the
adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of
the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to
vote at the meeting.

              Section 9. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of
the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or
represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting,
unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the statutes or of
the certificate of incorporation, a different vote is required in which case
such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

              Section 10. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation each stockholder shall at every meeting of the stockholders be
entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of the capital stock
having voting power held by such stockholder, but no proxy shall be voted on
after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

              At all elections of directors of the corporation each stockholder
having voting power shall be entitled to exercise the right of cumulative voting
as provided in the certificate of incorporation.

              Section 11. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting
of stockholders of the corporation, or any action which may be taken at any
annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in
writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of
outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be
necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares
entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of
the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent
shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.

                                  ARTICLE III.

                                    DIRECTORS

              Section 1. The number of directors which shall constitute the
whole board shall be five. The directors shall be elected at the annual meeting
of stockholders, except as provided in Section 2 of this Article, and each
director elected shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified.
Directors need not be stockholders.

              Section 2. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting
from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a
sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the
next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and shall
qualify, unless sooner displaced. If there are no directors in office, then an
election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. If, at the
time of filling any vacancy or any newly created directorship, the directors
then in office shall constitute less than a majority of the whole board (as
constituted immediately prior to any such increase), the Court of Chancery may,
upon application of any stockholder or stockholders holding at least ten percent
of the total number of the shares at the time outstanding having the right to
vote for such directors, summarily order an election to be held to fill any such
vacancies or newly created directorships, or to replace the directors chosen by
the directors then in office.

              Section 3. The business of the corporation shall be managed by or
under the direction of its board of directors which may exercise all such powers
of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute
or by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws directed or required
to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

                       MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

              Section 4. The board of directors of the corporation may hold
meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of
Delaware.

              Section 5. The first meeting of each newly elected board of
directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be fixed by the vote of
the stockholders at the annual meeting and no notice of such meeting shall be
necessary to the newly elected directors in order legally to constitute the
meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. In the event of the failure of the
stockholders to fix the time or place of such first meeting of the newly elected
board of directors, or in the event such meeting is not held at the time and
place so fixed by the stockholders, the meeting may be held at such time and
place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
for special meetings of the board of directors, or as shall be specified in a
written waiver signed by all of the directors.

              Section 6. Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held
without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be
determined by the board.

              Section 7. Special meetings of the board may be called by the
president on no days' notice to each director, either personally or by mail or
by telegram; special meetings shall be called by the president or secretary in
like manner and on like notice on the written request of two directors unless
the board consists of only one director; in which case special meetings shall be
called by the president or secretary in like manner and on like notice on the
written request of the sole director.

              Section 8. At all meetings of the board a majority of directors
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a
majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum
shall be the act of the board of directors, except as may be otherwise
specifically provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If a
quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the board of directors the
directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without
notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

              Section 9. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of
incorporation or these by-laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at
any meeting of the board of directors or of any committee thereof may be taken
without a meeting, if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be,
consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the board or committee.

              Section 10. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of
incorporation or these by-laws, members of the board of directors, or any
committee designated by the board of directors, may participate in a meeting of
the board of directors, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall
constitute presence in person at the meeting.

                             COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS

              Section 11. The board of directors may, by resolution passed by a
majority of the whole board, designate one or more committees, each committee to
consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The board may
designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may
replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.

              In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the
member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from
voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint
another member of the board of directors to act at the meeting in the place of
any such absent or disqualified member.

              Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of
the board of directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority
of the board of directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
corporation, and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all
papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
power or authority in reference to amending the certificate of incorporation,
(except that a committee may, to the extent authorized in the resolution or
resolutions providing for the issuance of shares of stock adopted by the board
of directors as provided in Section 151(a) fix any of the preferences or rights
of such shares relating to dividends, redemption, dissolution, any distribution
of assets of the corporation or the conversion into, or the exchange of such
shares for, shares of any other class or classes or any other series of the same
or any other class or classes of stock of the corporation) adopting an agreement
of merger or consolidation, recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or
exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation's property and assets,
recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the corporation or a
revocation of a dissolution, or amending the by-laws of the corporation; and,
unless the resolution or the certificate of incorporation expressly so provide,
no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to
authorize the issuance of stock or to adopt a certificate of ownership and
merger. Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be
determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the board of directors.

              Section 12. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its
meetings and report the same to the board of directors when required.

                            COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

              Section 13. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of
incorporation or these by-laws, the board of directors shall have the authority
to fix the compensation of directors. The directors may be paid their expenses,
if any, of attendance at each meeting of the board of directors and may be paid
a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the board of directors or a stated
salary as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the
corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members
of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending
committee meetings.

                              REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

              Section 14. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of
incorporation or by law, any director or the entire board of directors may be
removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of shares entitled
to vote at an election of directors.

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                                     NOTICES

              Section 1. Whenever, under the provisions of the statutes or of
the certificate of incorporation or of these bylaws, notice is required to be
given to any director or stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal
notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, addressed to such
director or stockholder, at his address as it appears on the records of the
corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be
given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail.
Notice to directors may also be given by telegram.

              Section 2. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the
provisions of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation or of these
by-laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled
to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed
equivalent thereto.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                                   ARTICLE V.

                                    OFFICERS

              Section 1. The officers of the corporation shall be chosen by the
board of directors and shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary and a
treasurer. The board of directors may also choose additional vice-presidents,
and one or more assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers. Any number of
offices may be held by the same person, unless the certificate of incorporation
or these by-laws otherwise provide.

              Section 2. The board of directors at its first meeting after each
annual meeting of stockholders shall choose a president, one or more
vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer.

              Section 3. The board of directors may appoint such other officers
and agents as it shall deem necessary who shall hold their offices for such
terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be
determined from time to time by the board.

              Section 4. The salaries of all officers and agents of the
corporation shall be fixed by the board of directors.

              Section 5. The officers of the corporation shall hold office until
their successors are chosen and qualify. Any officer elected or appointed by the
board of directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the board of directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the
corporation shall be filled by the board of directors.

                                  THE PRESIDENT

              Section 6. The president shall be the chief executive officer of
the corporation, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the board
of directors, shall have general and active management of the business of the
corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the board of
directors are carried into effect.

              Section 7. He shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts
requiring a seal, under the seal of the corporation, except where required or
permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the
signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the board of
directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation.

                               THE VICE-PRESIDENTS

              Section 8. In the absence of the president or in the event of his
inability or refusal to act, the vice-president (or in the event there be more
than one vice-president, the vice-presidents in the order designated by the
directors, or in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their
election) shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting, shall
have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
president. The vice-presidents shall perform such other duties and have such
other powers as the board of directors may from time to time prescribe.


                      THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
              Section 9. The secretary shall attend all meetings of the board of
directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of
the meetings of the corporation and of the board of directors in a book to be
kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees
when required. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of
the stockholders and special meetings of the board of directors, and shall
perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or
president, under whose supervision he shall be. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal of the corporation and he, or an assistant secretary, shall have
authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed,
it may be attested by his signature or by the signature of such assistant
secretary. The board of directors may give general authority to any other
officer to affix the seal of the corporation and to attest the affixing by his
signature.

              Section 10. The assistant secretary, or if there be more than one,
the assistant secretaries in the order determined by the board of directors (or
if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election) shall,
in the absence of the secretary or in the event of his inability or refusal to
act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary and shall
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors
may from time to time prescribe.

                     THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS

              Section 11. The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate
funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and
disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and shall deposit all moneys
and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation in
such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors.

              Section 12. He shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may
be ordered by the board of directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements, and shall render to the president and the board of directors, at
its regular meetings, or when the board of directors so requires, an account of
all his transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the
corporation.

              Section 13. If required by the board of directors, he shall give
the corporation a bond (which shall be renewed every six years) in such sum and
with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the board of directors
for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration
to the corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal
from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of
whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the
corporation.

              Section 14. The assistant treasurer, or if there shall be more
than one, the assistant treasurers in the order determined by the board of
directors (or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their
election) shall, in the absence of the treasurer or in the event of his
inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the
treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the
board of directors may from time to time prescribe.

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                             CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES

              Section 1. The shares of the corporation shall be represented by a
certificate or shall be uncertificated. Certificates shall be signed by, or in
the name of the corporation by, the chairman


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
or vice-chairman of the board of directors, or the president or a
vice-president, and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, or the secretary
or an assistant secretary of the corporation.

              Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to
represent any partly paid shares, or upon the books and records of the
corporation in the case of uncertificated partly paid shares, shall be set forth
the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid
thereon shall be stated.

              If the corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one
class of stock or more than one series of any class, the powers, designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of
each class of stock or series thereof and the qualification, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or
summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the corporation shall
issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided that, except as
otherwise provided in section 202 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, in
lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back
of the certificate which the corporation shall issue to represent such class or
series of stock, a statement that the corporation 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 or restrictions of such
preferences and/or rights.

              Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of
uncertificated stock, the corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof
a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated
on certificates pursuant to Sections 151, 156, 202 (a) or 218 (a) or a statement
that the corporation 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 or restrictions of such preferences and/or
rights.

              Section 2. Any of or all the signatures on a certificate may be
facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or
whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased
to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is
issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he were
such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

                                LOST CERTIFICATES

              Section 3. The board of directors may direct a new certificate or
certificates or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate
or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When
authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates or uncertificated
shares, the board of directors may, in its discretion and as a condition
precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate or certificates, or his legal representative, to advertise
the same in such manner as it shall require and/or to give the corporation a
bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be
made against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have
been lost, stolen or destroyed.

                                TRANSFER OF STOCK


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
              Section 4. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent
of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by
proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer, it shall be
the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled
thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.
Upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered owner of
uncertificated shares such uncertificated shares shall be canceled and issuance
of new equivalent uncertificated shares or certificated shares shall be made to
the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be recorded upon the books
of the corporation.

                               FIXING RECORD DATE

              Section 5. In order that the corporation may determine the
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or
any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing
without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other
distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in
respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any
other lawful action, the board of directors may fix, in advance, a record date,
which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of
such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. A
determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a
meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting: provided,
however, that the board of directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned
meeting.

                             REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS

              Section 6. The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the
exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to
receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and
assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall
not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such
share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have
express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of
Delaware.

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

                                    DIVIDENDS

              Section 1. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation,
subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, if any, may be
declared by the board of directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant
to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital
stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation.

              Section 2. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside
out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as
the directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a
reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for
repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation, or for such other
purpose as the directors shall think conducive to the interest of the
corporation, and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the
manner in which it was created.

                                ANNUAL STATEMENT


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
              Section 3. The board of directors shall print at each annual
meeting, and at any special meeting of the stockholders when called for by vote
of the stockholders, a full and clear statement of the business and condition of
the corporation.

                                     CHECKS

              Section 4. All checks or demands for money and notes of the
corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or
persons as the board of directors may from time to time designate.

                                   FISCAL YEAR

              Section 5. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by
resolution of the board of directors.

                                      SEAL

              Section 6. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the
name of the corporation, the year of its organization and the words "Corporate
Seal, Delaware". The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be
impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

              Section 7. The corporation shall to the fullest extent
authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent
that such amendment permits the corporation to provide broader indemnification
rights than such law permitted the corporation to provide prior to such
amendment), indemnify and hold harmless any person who was or is a party, or is
threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was
a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including
service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "Indemnitee")
against expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys' fees, judgments,
fines, excise taxes or penalties paid in connection with the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and amounts paid in settlement)
reasonably incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith;
provided, however, that except as provided in this Section with respect to
proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the corporation shall
indemnity any such Indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof)
initiated by such Indemnitee only if such proceeding or part thereof was
authorized by the board of directors of this corporation.

              The right to indemnification conferred in this Section shall
include the right to be paid by the corporation the expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its
final disposition; provided, however, that, if the Delaware General Corporation
Law requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in his
capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which
service was or is rendered by such Indemnitee, including, without limitation,
service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the
corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such Indemnitee, to repay all
amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial
decision from which there is not further


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
right to appeal that such Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such
expenses under this section or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and to
the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section shall be contract rights
and such rights shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a
director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators.

              If a claim under the two preceding paragraphs of this Section is
not paid in full by the corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim
has been received by the corporation, except in the case of a claim for an
advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty
(20) days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the
corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or
in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the corporation to recover an
advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee
shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such
suit. In (I) any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to
indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the Indemnitee to
enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) and (ii) in any suit brought by
the corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of
an undertaking, the corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon
a final adjudication that the Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for
indemnification set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law. Neither the
failure of the corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal
counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the
commencement of such suit that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in
the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law, nor an actual
determination by the corporation (including its board of directors, independent
legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the Indemnitee has not met such
applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the Indemnitee
has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit
brought by the Indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the
Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of
expenses hereunder, or brought by the corporation to recover an advancement of
expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the
Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses
under this Section or otherwise shall be on the corporation.

              The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses
conferred in this Section shall not be exclusive of any other rights which any
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the corporation's
certificate of incorporation, as it may be amended or restated from
time-to-time, any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or
otherwise.

              The corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain
insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee
or agent of the corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise (including an employee benefit plan) against any
expense, liability or loss, whether or not the corporation would have the power
to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the
Delaware General Corporation Law.

              For purposes of this Section , references to the "corporation"
shall include any subsidiary of this corporation from and after the acquisition
thereof by this corporation, so that any person who is a director, officer,
employee or agent of such subsidiary after the acquisition thereof by this
corporation shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this
Section as such person would have had such person served in such position for
this corporation.


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
              The corporation may, to the extent authorized from time-to-time by
the board of directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement
of expenses to any employee or agent of the corporation to the fullest extent of
the provisions of this Section with respect to the indemnification and
advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the corporation.

              Any repeal or modification of this Section 7 shall not adversely
affect any right or protection of a director, officer, or agent of the
corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                                   AMENDMENTS

              Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed or
new by-laws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the board of directors,
when such power is conferred upon the board of directors by the certificate of
incorporation at any regular meeting of the stockholders or of the board of
directors or at any special meeting of the stockholders or of the board of
directors if notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new
by-laws be contained in the notice of such special meeting. If the power to
adopt, amend or repeal by-laws is conferred upon the board of directors by the
certificate of incorporation it shall not divest or limit the power of the
stockholders to adopt, amend or repeal by-laws.


                                       12

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.2


                    [LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]





                             ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors
Cragar Industries, Inc.:


We consent to the use of our report included in the Form SB-2 Registration
Statement for Cragar Industries, Inc. and to the reference to our firm under
the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.


                                      KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
   
November 26, 1996
    


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission