The movie, which was based on the comic book superhero Iron Man, became the box office hit of the year and earned more than 500 million dollars worldwide.

Downey Jr was so impressive in his role that the producers gave him the car as a thank you gift, Star magazine reported.

"Robert was shocked when they gave it to him. But he was so grateful and is so happy," Contactmusic quoted a source as telling the tabloid.

Robert John Downey, Jr. is an Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning American actor and musician. He became known during the late 1980s and early 1990s after a series of well-reviewed performances in Hollywood. More recent films include a number of supporting and lead roles, in Good Night, and Good Luck, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Zodiac, A Scanner Darkly, Tropic Thunder and Iron Man. films.

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