A U.S. Marine who entered a Michelin North America Inc. magazine contest while serving in Iraq was the grand prize winner of a custom Ford Mustang.
Cpl. Chad Howell of Johnstown, Pa., entered BFGoodrich Tires' World's Hottest Mustang sweepstakes last October and was notified in January that his single entry had won.
The Mustang was customized by Chip Foose, star of The Learning Channel's ``Rides'' and ``Overhaulin.''' It features Foose-designed 20-inch aluminum wheels and 20-inch BFGoodrich g-Force TAKDW tires.
``At first I didn't believe the letter that I received,'' Mr. Howell said in a Michelin statement. ``I had to call and confirm that I had actually won. This car is amazing! I wish I had a long stretch of road to really drive it, but I don't want to mess up the car. Everything from the paint job, custom wheels, audio system and interior is unbelievable.''
The sweepstakes ran Aug. 20 to Dec. 31.