The brand new car was totaled in 24 hours
By Kate Northrop
PONTYPRIDD, United Kingdom — Call it a stroke of bad luck or plain recklessness, a South Wales man totaled his brand-new car just one day after winning it in a lottery.
Adam Griffiths was the lucky winner of a bright Palma Red 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-320 in a drawing conducted by Dream Car Giveaways on Apr. 26, 2021, but his luck didn't last very long. After crashing it and damaging it beyond repair, the prize he possessed briefly is no more.
"Andy Griffiths was straight over today to collect this stunning Evo IX he won in last night's draw," Dream Car Giveaways announced on social media. "A lovely example this way, which I'm sure he will get many happy miles from!"
Unfortunately, the car didn't get many "happy miles" before being totaled.
The crash happened in Pontypridd in South Wales with the driver and passenger sustaining minor injuries. The driver allegedly lost control of the car, which resulted in the crash.
Photos show the front of the car completely destroyed, the bumper demolished and the hood upturned. The engine and suspension components were reportedly severely damaged.
Griffiths received plenty of scathing backlash on social media after writing about the accident and posting pictures of the aftermath on Facebook. He quickly removed the post when it garnered more negative attention than he anticipated.
At the time he received his prize, the sports sedan had 70,000 miles on its record and full-service history, featuring 6 speed manual transmission and a black leather-Alcantara interior. The soaring price of the car in Japan reflects how popular it is in the country, where it is considered one of the best-performing vehicles.
Dream Car Giveaways described the car having been "presented in truly stunning condition, benefiting from a few very mild modifications whilst still running standard power meaning for excellent drivability."
While Griffith's post is no longer public, users migrated over to Dream Car Giveaways' social media platforms to voice their thoughts, some wishing the unlucky winner well and others ridiculing his carelessness. Some users even compared him to infamous lottery winner Michael Carroll, who blew part of his £9.7million (US$14.5 million) prize holding demolition derbies at his home.
"To the bloke that won the Evo IX... if you're reading this mate I really hope you're ok and have a speedy recovery!" one commenter wrote. "Hope you're ok. We all have a heavy foot at times don't we! However it happened, at least you're still alive."
(Click to display full-size in gallery)
(Click to display full-size in gallery)
With all due respect: Mitsubishi Lancer with 70,000 on the odometer, wouldn't lose a night sleep, now if he totaled a Lamborghini..
A 2006 Mits with 70,000 miles for a lottery prize???
A true Homer Simpson moment: "Woo-hoo!! D'oh!!"
I used to own a Mitsubishi. Those engines will run forever if you take care of them. This could have been a car he could have passed down to his kids if he chose to. I can see why so many people were angry at him, you get a free car that did not cost you a dime and the next day you total it and then post it on social media? People are thinking, what a waste! This guy was a knuckle head.
He may have left the Mayberry ABC store with Otis Campbell!
Adam should have SOLD the prize car at a profit. Instead, he decided to drive the car. Karma...
Guess a few of you dont know much about cars! Its an EVO!
Geez, I feel sorry for this prize car winner and his passenger. I wish everybody involved in the car crash a rapid recovery!
I'm curious, does anybody know the value of that prize car when won?
Used cars for prizes now!?!?
As crappy as my state's lotto is, I'm surprised they aren't starting this. Instead of $1,000 cash you get a 1989 Ford Tempo!!!
This lancer FQ-360 features a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. It's a highly collectible and a rare performance vehicle. The last British-only Lancer Evo FQ 440 MR does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and can outcorner a Nissan GTR.
Read up on it here https://www.supercars.net/blog/2006-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-ix-fq-360/
Guess not.
Why are Mitsubishi Evo's so expensive?
This is because of its phenomenally high speed and its quick acceleration which a lot of drivers might not be used to and will result in misuse of these features. These are some of the reasons for its being considered accident-prone and thus, the most expensive car to insure.
Sorry, I can think of plenty of other cars that are just as fast or faster and look better than this car. Especially for a lottery prize. Especially considering this thing is 15 years old with 70,000 miles.
I'm thinking of the lucky dude that won a C-8 Corvette.
Now that is a lottery prize car.