1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by 
reference in this registration statement of our report dated March 6, 1998 
included in Group 1 Automotive, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 1997 and to all references to our Firm included or incorporated by 
reference in this registration statement.


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Houston, Texas
December 23, 1998