A driver who won a $150,000 4WD in a giveaway has been forced to watch their prize go up in flames after it caught fire on a beach.
The Toyota GR 300 Series Land Cruiser had been part of a convoy exploring the coastal track at Stockton Beach in Port Stephens, NSW.
A nearby beach-goer captured the vehicle on camera moments later stranded in the sand as flames completely gutted the interior.
The 4WD, estimated to be worth around $150,000, was the first prize given away in a 2023 competition that had been run by Motor Culture Australia.
The footage was shared to TikTok and showed only a smouldering frame of the vehicle remained.
‘Imagine winning a brand new 300 Series Land Cruiser worth $150k… and this is how it ends,’ the caption read.
A Motor Culture Australia spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia they were aware of the incident.
Motor Culture Australia said ‘the safety of our community is our top priority, and we take matters like this incredibly seriously.’
‘At this stage, the exact cause of the incident is unknown.’
‘We have contacted local authorities and have formally reached out to the relevant emergency departments to understand more about what occurred.’
Motor Culture Australia has launched its own investigation into the footage.
Fire and Rescue NSW was approached for comment by Daily Mail Australia.
Motor Culture Australia calls itself a ‘premier’ community for motoring enthusiasts, and was founded in August of 2020 by Tom Mcpherson and Thomas Fu.
Both were just 21 years old at the time.
Members of the organisation have access to discounts, events, meet-ups and a lottery, which offers expensive and luxury vehicles as a prize.
Membership to Motor Culture Australia starts at $10 for a single entry, and goes all the way up to $400 for 200 entries.
Huge smoke was seen billowing from the $150,000 vehicle on Stockton Beach in Port Stephens
Motor Culture Australia’s co-founders Thomas Fu (left) & Tom Mcpherson (right)
Motor Culture Australia revealed at the time they had revamped the car, saying they worked with ‘industry experts’ to make it ‘even better’.
‘It features a custom Meredith Metalworks exhaust and stainless steel snorkel, as well as Superior Engineering mods, Offroad Animal bull bar and light bar, and Method Racing Wheels,’ they added.
