They’re hoping the cash will “rain” down.
A 1949 Buick Roadmaster from the 1988 Oscar-winning film “Rain Man” — owned by star Dustin Hoffman — is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000 at an auction in Arizona this week.
In the Barry Levinson-helmed road drama, Tom Cruise portrays collectibles dealer Charlie Babbitt who inherits the vehicle that was the center of a longtime estrangement with his father.
Hoffman, who won an Academy Award for best actor as his elder brother who is an autistic savant, has owned one of the two cars used in the movie since production wrapped.
“The Buick’s been in storage too long,” Hoffman said about his rarely seen automobile equipped with a 150 horsepower eight-cylinder engine. “It should be driven, enjoyed, and cherished.”
Restyledin 1949, the Buick Roadmaster convertible was one of General Motors most expensive models.
“The car had a very strong visual presence in the film and was featured throughout,” said Levinson, the owner of the second Roadmaster. “It became a character. Dustin, Tom Cruise, and the ’49 Buick. In essence, the car had ‘third billing.'”
Bonham’s auction will take place at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan. 27.
“Rain Man” won the best picture Oscar in 1989. Levinson scored a trophy for best director and Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow for best screenplay.
The American Film Institute ranks the film No. 63 among the 100 most inspiring films in 100 years.
