Thame man wins ‘iconic' Fast & Furious car worth £150,000 7th September
Sep 2023
Matt Jones, from Thame in Oxfordshire, has scooped the sought-after Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 which is seen racing through the streets in 2 Fast 2 Furious and was driven by the late actor Paul Walker. Mr Jones, who works for a graphic printing company, was named this week’s Dream Car Competition winner by online competition firm Best of the Best (BOTB) and was ambushed at his workplace by presenter Christian Williams who surprised him with the news.
“It feels unbelievable to have won. As soon as I saw the car in the film I thought what an amazing vehicle it was and I wanted one,” Mr Jones said. “It is an iconic car with legendary status and I am in complete shock that I have actually won it.” Luck was clearly on his side as the long-time BOTB player almost didn’t enter this week’s competition. “I usually limit myself on how many times I enter, but I’m so glad I entered this week now,” he continued. "I have played the competition for about six years and have come close a few times.“As soon as I spotted it I thought I had to play for it, but I never expected to see Christian’s face.”
The surprise couldn’t have come at a better time for Mr Jones who is celebrating his 27th birthday on September 12. Known for its tuning potential, the Nissan Skyline GT-R features an i6 Turbo engine, 276bhp, and a top speed of 165mph. The car has become notable through pop culture appearing in video games such as suc Need for Speed, Forza, and Gran Turismo as well as its Fast & Furious appearances.
Mr Williams said: “A massive congratulations to Matt for winning this amazing vehicle. It must be one of the most iconic cars ever. “It’s got all the nostalgic feel to watching one in the Fast & Furious films and I am sure Matt can’t wait to get behind the wheel and drive about in it.”
BOTB hands over the keys to a dream car each week as well as a lifestyle prize. Winners have also bagged Rolex watches, holidays, and motorbikes in recent months. The company, listed on the stock market, was founded by William Hindmarch in 1999 and has given away more than £ 53m worth of cars so far clocking up its 500th winner in 2019. The company uses former professional footballers to judge the competition independently each week, alongside current and former referees.
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