Oxfordshire dad wins £40k dream car with £30k cash prize

Gary Collin, from Bicester, scooped a brand-new Volkswagen Golf GTI worth £40,000 along with a £30,000 cash prize after winning BOTB’s weekly Dream Car Competition.

The lucky winner had just got on his bike after leaving work when BOTB presenter Christian Williams intercepted him with the exciting news and revealed his stunning prize, which was parked up nearby.

Completely caught off guard by the surprise reveal, Gary said: “It’s amazing.”

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The dad revealed he had specifically chosen to play for the Volkswagen Golf GTI because of its connection to a special year in his life.

“I played for the Golf GTI because it was launched in 1976, which is the same year I was born,” he explained.

The iconic hot hatch is renowned for blending sports-car performance with everyday practicality and remains one of the most recognisable performance cars on the road.

As part of the surprise, Christian invited Gary to sit behind the wheel and explore the vehicle before unveiling an additional surprise. Hidden in the boot was a tax-free £30,000 cash prize.

“Happy days! I’m buzzing,” he said when he spotted the cash. “That’s Disneyland sorted.”

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Christian said: “Gary had literally just finished work and was on his bike when I stopped him, so he had absolutely no idea what was about to happen.

“His reaction was brilliant. He was genuinely shocked, and you could see the excitement building as he realised he’d won the Golf GTI.

“Then when we opened the boot and revealed the extra £30,000 cash prize, that took things to another level.

“The Golf GTI is such an iconic car. It’s a wicked car to drive, it’s practical, has plenty of power and is one of those cars that appeals to people of all ages.

“I loved hearing why Gary chose it. The fact it launched in the same year he was born made it a really personal choice, which makes the win even more special.”

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Founded in 1999, BOTB has awarded more than £100 million in prizes to lucky winners across the UK, including dream cars, luxury holidays and life-changing cash prizes.

BOTB hands over the keys to a dream car each week, while also offering players the option of a cash alternative and a range of lifestyle prizes.

It is also currently offering people the chance to win a luxury three-bedroom home in Central London worth £1.2 million in a competition costing just £1.

Founded in 1999, BOTB has given away prizes to over 637,000 people, including £155m-worth of cars so far.