American car culture and movie culture go hand-in-hand, and the two industries have shaped each other over the past century to the point where one can't imagine the one without the other. We're talking Dom Toretto and his Dodge Charger, Eleanor, the Ford Mustang from Gone In 60 Seconds, and who could forget the stunning 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible from the 1988 multi-award-winning motion picture Rain Man? Legendary Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman is selling his classic Buick at the Bonhams Scottsdale Auction on January 27 at an estimated $150,000 to $250,000 (or about eight 2022 Buick Encore crossovers). Hoffman acquired the Buick Roadmaster after filming ended on Rain Man in 1988.

In the film, the car (one of two used in the movie) is described by Hoffman's character, the autistic savant brother Raymond as "a 1949 Buick Roadmaster straight eight, fireball eight. Only 8,095 production models." The Buick Roadmaster was restyled for 1949 and featured a power output of 150 horsepower and a top speed of 110 mph. Unique styling elements such as the 'observation deck windshield', and the four 'Ventiports' on the front fenders gave the Roadmaster a look like no other at the time. The car offered for sale here was restored by Larry Payne after filming ended and made various appearances at Buick car club events but has rarely been spotted in more recent years. "The Buick's been in storage too long," says Hoffman. "It should be driven, enjoyed, and cherished."

Jakob Greisen, Bonhams Vice President, said: "This Roadmaster presents an extraordinary, truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the third character from the classic Rain Man movie. We are honored to have been entrusted with this special motorcar and are sure that it will be a hit with Buick enthusiasts and fans of Mr. Hoffman and Rain Man alike." A pre-sale viewing will take place on Tuesday 25 January, and Wednesday 26 January between 9 AM and 6 PM at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Hoffman will surely be counting on a big figure for his Fireball Eight, but the winner of the bids will likely have an even bigger smile.