Dustin Hoffman’s 1949 ‘Rain Man’ Buick Roadmaster Convertible For Sale
The 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible from the film Rain Man and owned by Dustin Hoffman is up for sale.
It’s the obvious star of the film and is essentially the reason for the main characters meeting, so it plays an integral part of the plot. This one is made that little bit more special. Even though there were two used in the film, this one was acquired by Hoffman at the end of filming and has hardly been seen in his 34 year ownership.
The story in the film is based around a road trip with Hoffman and co-star Tom Cruise who meet at the settlement of their father’s estate. Cruise inheriting the car and little else. The two decided to drive back to Los Angeles from Cincinnati, the two brothers bonding over the trip in the car.
Hoffman even got a Academy Award® for Best Actor.
One of the two Roadmasters used in the movie, the Buick was described in the film by Raymond: “It’s a 1949 Buick Roadmaster straight eight, fireball eight. Only 8095 production models.”
The car will be heading to the Scottsdale auction with Bonhams at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa on the 27th of January, 2022.
In 1949 the Roadmaster was restyled and retained its position as the flagship model which it held since the 1930s. Powerful and elegant, the Fireball 8 was increased to 150 bhp, from 110, in this new model. New visual clues were the ‘observation deck’ curved windshield, the sweepspear side mouldings and the four Ventiports on the front fenders.
After the filming Hoffman had to have the car and promptly bought it. Director Barry Levinson bought the other one.
The restoration has been carried out by Larry Payne of California and was shown at a 1989 Buick Car Club event. Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man Buick has remained in his ownership for the past 34 years and has rarely been seen in public.
“The Buick’s been in storage too long,” says Hoffman, “It should be driven, enjoyed, and cherished.”
“The car had a very strong visual presence in the film and was featured throughout. It became a character. Dustin, Tom Cruise, and the ’49 Buick. In essence, the car had ‘third billing’.” Barry Levinson, Director, Rain Man.
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