The vast majority of movie cars are “extras,” automobiles needed to fill out a scene, not stars themselves. Casting for these extras is quite rigorous, for they must be authentic to the era and typical of the cars in the storyline. Some cars, however, have a specific relationship to the script or the leading characters, and take on a persona of their own: Think Christine, the 1958 Plymouth in the Stephen King novel and film of that name, and Eleanor, the Mustang in “Gone in 60 Seconds.”

The Buick Roadmaster Convertible we have the pleasure of offering here is believed to have been featured in “Rain Man,” the 1988 Barry Levinson Academy Award recipient starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. Three different 1949 Buicks are known to have been used in “Rain Man”, with the ex-Bob Pond example presented here believed to be one of the trio. Although largely associated with the film by oral tradition it displays the correct color and upholstery and is accompanied with an assortment of historical documentation and information on its history, notably the Buick has been featured in numerous articles and publications to this effect. While the Buick runs well, the undercarriage shows signs of use and road wear. It is equipped with a Dynaflow transmission, power brakes, power windows, heater and an AM radio with windshield header antenna.

The story of its use in the “Rain Man” film has traveled with the Buick for many years and it has always been widely regarded as having been in the movie. At the time of cataloging this has not been proven uncharacteristically, but further research is being executed to verify the authenticity of the car.

It has been featured in another film as a document from Hollywood Picture Cars certifies that it was used in the 1995 feature “Rough Magic,” starring Bridget Fonda. Included with the car is an issue of Buick Bugle, magazine of the Buick Club of America, with a feature article on the cars of “Rain Man,” and author’s research notes on the subject.