(CNN)The world's most famous commuter thought he was meeting friends for lunch Friday to close out a wild week in the spotlight. But James Robertson, whose 21-mile round-trip work commute garnered worldwide attention and more than $300,000 in donations, got more than just lunch. The 56-year-old is now the owner of a brand new 2015 Ford Taurus. Blake Pollack, who befriended Robertson 1½ years ago and has helped drive him to media interviews all week, helped pull off the surprise, suggesting they stop by a car dealership after lunch to pick up some brochures and start researching cars. Robertson and Pollack were joined by Evan Leedy, the college student who set up a GoFundMe page on Robertson's behalf. They walked into Suburban Ford in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and instead of brochures, saw a shiny red car topped with a big bow.
@highlight
James Robertson walks 21 miles round-trip to work
@highlight
His story sparks online donations surpassing $300,000
@highlight
Local dealership gives him a new Ford Taurus
@placeholder's fundraiser quickly blew past its original goal and had raised nearly $313,000 Friday evening.
@placeholder approached Robertson, who told the financial executive his story.