AN Ealing car enthusiast, now living in Greece, won a new BMW 530e M Sport worth more than £50,000, plus another £10,000 in cash, in an online competition.
Philip Pangalos was stunned when BOTB presenter Christian Williams video-called to give him the news.
“Am I dreaming?” Philip asked when Christian showed him the wheels he’ll be driving soon.
Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, BOTB has given away more than £32m worth of prizes, including supercars, cash and holidays.
The 57-year-old journalist, who now lives in Athens, has loved cars all of his life and even owned a Ferrari as a youngster.
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“When I was young and had just started working, I was doing pretty well and treated myself to an old 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB,” he said.
“It was the best car in the world. I just loved driving it!
“Over the years, I’ve played in the competition for all sorts of cars, but I’ve got a family now and I wanted something we could travel with, as well as something that’s hybrid and green.”
Philip has spent the past few months in lockdown with his wife Vanessa, their eight-year-old son Anthony and dog Pluto.
“It’s been a tough few months for all of us and this just couldn’t have come at a better time, he said.
“It’s my wife’s 50th birthday in September and we’re hoping to travel around Europe. What better than to do that in this new car!”
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