A grandfather from Staffordshire has spoken of his shock after winning a £132,000 Mercedes AMG G-63 from a competition which cost him less than £1.
Julian Boote, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he couldn't believe what he was hearing when he won an online car competition.
The former heavy goods vehicle driver spent just 24p to win the Mercedes AMG G-6 and admitted that he didn't even know he had won until he saw it in front of him.
When he saw the green Mercedes SUV parked outside his home, the 65-year-old exclaimed: "You're joking!"
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Julian Boote with his family celebrating his BOTB win of the Mercedes AMG G-63
BOTB
Boote was met outside his house by presenter Christian Williams, who told him he had won the BOTB competition.
He added: "I've never won anything. I'm so overwhelmed – to win something like this just doesn’t happen to us.
"I've always looked at these cars and thought how amazing they look. Now I feel like a footballer!"
The Mercedes AMG G-63 has a torque of up to 850 Nm, acceleration from zero to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 137mph.
The Mercedes AMG G-63 has a list price of £132,000
MERCEDES
The boxy SUV comes packed with a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, and the perfect balance of rugged capability and high-end luxury.
The lucky driver had entered a handful of BOTB competitions previously, but was lost for words when he found out he had won the £132,000 car.
Boote, who is a father of three and grandfather of seven, found out that his wife was in on the secret that he was successful.
He joked that he wondered why his family was at his house, adding that he thought his wife felt guilty for keeping the secret from him.
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However, he admitted that he had a tough decision to make, having considered the massive cash alternative following a tough 12 months.
He added: "It's life-changing and has certainly come at the right time. We've had a pretty bad year."
"As much as I wanted the car and could see myself driving up and down the road in it, the cash will mean a lot to us."
Boote, who is currently semi-retired and is expected to fully retire later this year, recently sold his old motorhome.
Boote admitted that he considered taking the cash equivalent after a tough 12 months
MERCEDES
Ever since selling the vehicle, he admitted that he regretted it, noting that getting a new one would allow him to enjoy retirement properly.
After winning the BOTB competition, he said he plans to travel the UK and Europe in it, to take advantage of his freedom and make the most of retired life.
Commenting on the victory, Christian Williams said: "Julian's reaction was absolutely brilliant - he was completely speechless! The G63 is a showstopper of a vehicle and one of our most popular prizes, so it was a pleasure to surprise such a lovely winner.
"Whether he keeps the car or takes the cash for a motorhome, I'm just thrilled that this prize will make his retirement even more enjoyable. What a way to start the next chapter!"