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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We have issued our report dated March 1, 1996, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of The Coast Distribution System and
Subsidiaries (the Company) included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1995. We hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of said report in the Company's Registration Statements on Forms S-8
(File Nos. 33-10769, 33-15322, 33-18696, 33-64582 and 33-86072, effective
December 12, 1986, June 25, 1987, December 1, 1987, June 17, 1993 and November
8, 1994, respectively) and on Form S-3 (File No. 33-33780, effective March 9,
1990).


GRANT THORNTON LLP


/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

San Jose, California
March 1, 1996



