A search to find the UK's filthiest car has found a winner - and it's owner is over the moon. The Saab Estate is owned by Lindy Winship, 60, and it's so full of rubbish and tools that it's been called "the graveyard".
Lindy can't take passengers because the passenger seats are full of discarded snack packets, drinks and other litter. Lindy, who lives on a farm in Manningtree, Essex, joked that her husband always predicted that the car could win such a prestigious competition.
She said: "She is affectively known as the graveyard as she’s used as a general run around and a mobile tip. Whatever needs clearing up or has been carried somewhere to clean up or repair around the farm, it all gets thrown in her. My husband even has all the bad snacks and drinks in there too.
"When my husband loses tools, I always say it’s probably in the graveyard, so a frantic search begins for a much-needed tool, which creates more mess! Apparently, everything in her comes in handy at some point. It’s a mammoth task to clean her and I have to give my husband a day's notice at least."
Lindy took part a nationwide competition by tyre and service provider, ATS Euromaster. She won a £200 Amazon voucher, but beat some tough - and filthy - competition, reports the Mirror.
Rachel, 38, from Longridge, West Lothian, shared photos of the state of her Hyundai i30. Rachel’s car wasn’t far behind. If you look hard enough, you can just about make out some back seats.
Mel, 57, from Benfleet, Essex, shared this chaotic photo of her Ford Fiesta. Helen, 48 from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, revealed the mess in her Kia Sportage.
Passengers have to navigate around fast food wrappers and drinks cans, but at least they’ll have a travel cushion. Rachel, 38, from Malmesbury, Wiltshire, sent a photo of the dirt and rubbish in her motor.
Satvinder, 42, from Leicester, shared how the footwell has a second purpose in this Honda Jazz. Satvinder has mastered hiding his rubbish with more rubbish. Alison, 56, from Harleston, Norfolk, also uses the footwell in her Toyota Yaris as a rubbish bin. Angus, 21, from Dundee, revealed the variety of items dumped in his Ford Fiesta.
Paul Maynard, technical training manager at ATS Euromaster, said: "Many drivers will admit that their cars aren’t squeaky clean and it can be easy for them to build up with clutter. The messiest car competition highlighted the state of many drivers' cars, and hopefully made them think about the dangers it could create.
"As well as potentially obscuring a driver's view out of windows or mirrors, if the driver needs to brake sharply the loose items could move forward and possibly interfere with the vehicle pedals and steering. A messy interior can be classed as dangerous driving, and results in a £100 fine.
"Having an excessive mess of any sort can also cause MOT failure. If your car is really dirty, technicians can refuse to even conduct the MOT at all due to the tester not being able to assess testable items due to customer property within the vehicle."
