Car enthusiast wins new wheels worth £50k

A London car enthusiast living in Greece has won a brand-new BMW 530e M Sport worth more than £50,000, plus another £10,000 in cash, thanks to dream car competition, BOTB.

Philip Pangalos, who’s been playing the game for more than 10 years, was left stunned when BOTB presenter Christian Williams video called to give him the good news.

“Am I dreaming?” Philip asked when Christian showed him the brand new wheels he’ll be driving soon.

“I have been playing BOTB and watching the winners videos for more than 10 years, it’s an ongoing joke with my family who will help with the surprise if I ever won. I just can’t believe it’s actually happened!”

Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, BOTB has given away over £32m worth of prizes, including supercars, cash and holidays.

The 57-year-old journalist, who is originally from Ealing, London but now lives in Athens, Greece, has loved cars all of his life and even owned a Ferrari as a youngster.

“When I was young and had just started working, I was doing pretty well and treated myself to an old 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB. 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 including the dream 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.

“To win the BMW 530e M Sport is just a dream, I honestly had to pinch myself. It’s state-of-the-art, the technology is fantastic, it’s beautiful to look at and will fit us really well.”

Philip has spent the past few months in lockdown with his wife Vanessa, their eight-year-old son Anthony and dog Pluto at their home in Athens.

“It’s been a tough few months for all of us and this just couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s my wife’s big 50th birthday in September and we’re hoping to travel around Europe – what better than to do that in this new car.”

BOTB presenter Christian Williams, who surprises winners all over the world every week, was thrilled to give Philip the news.

“It was great to surprise Philip after seeing that he’d been playing with us for such a long time. I’m sure the family will have a fantastic time travelling around Europe in their new wheels.”

Listed on the stock market, BOTB has a high-profile stand at airports although most people play online at BOTB.com.

To see Philip’s shock reaction alongside a host of other lucky winners, head over to BOTB.com.