Nirmal Santilal from Wembley won a £65,000 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in BOTB’s Spot the Ball Dream Car Competition, but he is tempted to take the cash instead and use it to transform his 2005 Mustang into a high-powered showpiece.
Mr Santilal, 35, said: “I wasn’t expecting you today.
“I watch the winner videos all the time, but I never expected to be the next one.
“I’m speechless.
“It’s amazing.
“I see these cars all the time because I’m part of Mustang groups.
“The feel of the V8 engine is unique.
“Once you’ve heard it, you can’t get it out of your head.”
BOTB presenter Christian Williams surprised Mr Santilal at his home to deliver the news and due to vehicle availability on the day, the BOTB team turned up with a Mustang Mach 1.
Mr Santilal was offered either the Dark Horse or the cash equivalent.
As a Mustang superfan, he regularly attends car meets, shows, and races.
He said the cash could help him upgrade his Mustang to produce between 800 and 900 brake horsepower.
Mr Santilal said: “There’s a whole list.
“Everything needs to be upgraded.
“There’s a specific plan for the madness.”
The Mustang Dark Horse is powered by a V8 engine with nearly 500 horsepower and a top speed of 168mph.
During the surprise visit, a passing motorist stopped to congratulate Mr Santilal, telling Christian that he regularly plays BOTB himself and hoped he would be the next lucky winner.
Mr Williams said: “This was such a brilliant reveal.
“You could see how much Mustangs mean to Nirmal.
“They are incredible-looking cars and the sound of them is addictive.”
BOTB co-presenter Katie Knight said choosing the cash would allow Mr Santilal to build something truly one-of-a-kind.
She said: “Choosing to modify his own Mustang instead of taking a brand-new one would mean he gets to build something truly unique and I’m sure he would have an incredible amount of fun doing it.”
BOTB gives away dream cars and lifestyle prizes every week.
It is currently offering the chance to win a luxury four-bedroom home in Essex worth £1.25 million.
