This is the moment a £100,000 black Bentley Continental was recovered – after its lottery winner owner tried to drive it through a flooded road.
Hapless Robert Johnson, 65, splashed out on the brand new motor three years ago after he scooped the £5million lottery jackpot in 2008.
But Robert was forced to ditch his “pride and joy” when he drove through flood water in Tewkesbury, Glos., shortly after 8am on Wednesday, Jan 2.
Wealthy management consultant and landowner Robert was driving along a country lane on the outskirts of the town when his car was swamped by 3ft of water after a stream burst its banks.
Grandfather-of-one Robert rang the AA and a rescue truck arrived but was unable to tow the car to dry land because Bentley’s can only be towed from the front.
Rising flood water meant the AA truck was unable to reach the car – forcing Robert to leave the jet black car to the mercy of the floods.
On January 5, two workers from the AA’s Special Operations Response Team carefully winched the vehicle to safety from the murky water.
One onlooker, who did not wish to be named, said: “It was a full-scale operation by the men.
“They were wearing waterproofs and using their special 4×4 to winch out the Bentley. It was quite surreal seeing such an expensive car in that state.”
Robert, from Hereford, is believed to have been on his way to meet a friend following a business meeting when he became stuck in the floods.
Water gushed through the bottom of the car but he was luckily able to open the door and wade to safety.
Speaking after his ordeal, Robert said: “I don’t know what all the fuss is about, it’s just a flooded Bentley.
“I’ve gone out and got a new car. Job done.”
Robert previously won a lottery jackpot but refused to go public with his winnings.
