'RAIN MAN' ROADMASTER'MAKES DEBUT AT 2016 AMELIA CONCOURS

December 17, 2015 by Amelia Island Concours

A late entry in the 21st Annual Amelia Island Concours Post War American Production class will no doubt set off an avalanche of movie clichés on March 16, 2016.

The 1949 Buick convertible, one of two used to make the film 'Rain Man', will make its international concours debut after a restoration by Wayne Carini of the Velocity Channel's 'Chasing Classic Cars' for 'Rain Man' Director Barry Levinson.

The 1988 film 'Rain Man' tells the story of Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), a self-involved car dealer in financial turmoil who learns that his estranged father has died and bequeathed his entire fortune to his older son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), who is autistic. All that Cruise's character inherits are his father's prized rosebushes and the '49 Buick Roadmaster convertible. Raymond's refusal to fly on any airline besides Qantas launches the brothers on a cross-country road trip starring the Sequoia Cream Buick Roadmaster convertible with a red leather interior.

Dustin Hoffman won an Oscar for his portrayal of Raymond 'Rain Man' Babbitt, along with Barry Levinson for his direction of the Best Picture classic.

The Buick convertible had a modified rear suspension to hold the extra weight of the camera equipment plus the cameraman who filmed from the trunk. 'The '49 is a Buick styling landmark,' said Bill Warner, founder and Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours. 'The VentiPort' -- the 'holes' in the fenders -- debuted with the 1949's and with the 'Sweep Spear', is still part of Buick's design DNA. But what people will always remember best about the '49 is 'Rain Man'. We're very pleased to have one of Wayne's (Carini) restorations on the field again.'

The 21st Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance tickets are going fast. Don't miss out. Visit www.ameliaconcours.org to purchase tickets to the various events occurring at and around The 21st Annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

About The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Now in its third decade, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, 'The Amelia' draws over 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show's Foundation has donated over $2.75 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc., Spina Bifida of Jacksonville, The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Shop with Cops, and other deserving charities. The 21st annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 11-13, 2016. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org.