When people talk about classic cars in the UK, one name always comes up — Derek Mathewson. He isn’t just someone who loves cars; he’s a man who built his entire life around them. From his first small business in the 1970s to becoming a familiar face on television, Derek’s story is full of passion, family, and dedication. He shows that when you truly love what you do, success will follow — even if you start from nothing.
Early Life: A Boy Who Loved Cars
Derek Mathewson was born on 13 October 1951 in England. From a very young age, he was drawn to cars. While some kids dreamed of becoming footballers or astronauts, Derek spent his time looking at engines, wheels, and old vehicles. He loved the smell of oil, the sound of engines, and the look of shiny chrome.
Growing up, Derek didn’t come from a wealthy family. He had to learn everything the hard way — by doing it himself. He didn’t go to fancy schools to study car mechanics. Instead, he worked with his hands, learning by watching others and experimenting on his own. That’s how his love for cars turned into real knowledge and skill.
By his early twenties, Derek decided to make his passion his career. In 1970, he started his first small car business in Bedfordshire. He sold modern cars and light trucks at first, but deep down, his heart was always with the old ones — the kind with character, history, and soul.
Building Mathewsons: A Dream That Grew With Time
Derek’s small business began to grow slowly, but his dream was bigger than just selling cars. He wanted to build a place where people who loved classic cars could come together — a place filled with beauty, stories, and nostalgia.
By the late 1980s, Derek moved his business to Thornton-le-Dale, a beautiful village in North Yorkshire. This change turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life. The quiet countryside location became the perfect home for what would soon become Mathewsons Classic Cars.
In the beginning, Mathewsons focused on restoring and selling classic vehicles — everything from elegant Jaguars to quirky Minis. Over time, it became more than just a business. It became a community. People didn’t just come to buy cars; they came to share memories, swap stories, and celebrate the love of motoring history.
By the early 2000s, Mathewsons had earned a strong reputation across the UK. Collectors, car lovers, and even casual fans trusted Derek and his team for their honesty and deep knowledge. Every sale came with a handshake, a smile, and a story — something that made people come back again and again.
The Auction Revolution: Turning Passion into a Show
In 2011, Derek Mathewson took another big step. He officially launched Mathewsons Classic Car Auctions, a series of live events where people could bid on rare and vintage cars. These auctions quickly became a hit. Hundreds of people came to watch, and thousands more followed the action online.
What made these auctions special wasn’t just the cars. It was Derek himself. His warm personality, calm voice, and deep knowledge made everyone feel welcome — from expert collectors to first-time bidders. You could tell he wasn’t doing it just for money; he truly cared about the cars and the people who loved them.
The auctions also helped preserve Britain’s automotive history. Many old vehicles that might have been forgotten were given new life through Mathewsons. For Derek, every car had a story — and every auction was a new chapter.
Bangers & Cash: When TV Came Calling
One day, Derek got a call that would change everything. The Yesterday Channel wanted to make a TV show about his family’s auctions. At first, he wasn’t sure — he had never imagined himself on television. But he agreed, and soon “Bangers & Cash” was born.
The show, which began in 2019, quickly became a hit. Viewers loved watching Derek, his sons Paul and David, and their friendly team as they found, restored, and sold classic vehicles. There was no fake drama — just real people, real cars, and real passion.
What made the show stand out was Derek’s natural charm. He was funny, honest, and humble. Whether he was explaining the story behind a vintage Ford or laughing with his sons, he always came across as genuine. Watching him was like visiting a friend’s garage — warm, welcoming, and full of stories.
Soon, Bangers & Cash became one of the most popular shows on British television. It even led to spin-offs like Restoring Classics and Bangers & Cash: Next Generation. Through TV, Derek Mathewson became not just a businessman, but a national treasure.
Family First: The Heart of Mathewsons
If you ask Derek what his biggest success is, he probably wouldn’t say money or fame. He’d say family. The Mathewson business isn’t run by strangers or investors — it’s a family affair. His sons, David and Paul, grew up around cars just like he did. Now they work alongside him, running the auctions and helping the company grow.
David is known for his sharp auctioneering skills, while Paul is the friendly car dealer who loves chatting with visitors and collectors. Even Derek’s grandchildren, Amy and Charlie, have become part of the story. Amy, who turned 21 in 2023, often appears at family events, and Charlie sometimes helps out on the show.
This close-knit bond gives Mathewsons its unique charm. It’s not just about cars — it’s about people, family, and shared passion. Viewers love seeing that connection on screen because it feels real. And that’s why Derek Mathewson and his family have earned so much respect from fans.
A Lifetime of Passion and Success
As of 2025, Derek Mathewson is 74 years old, but you’d never guess it from his energy. He still works almost every day, greeting visitors, attending auctions, and filming for the show. His enthusiasm hasn’t faded one bit.
Over the years, his business has grown from a small car lot to a national brand. Mathewsons now attracts buyers from all over the UK and beyond. And Derek’s story has inspired thousands of people — not just car lovers, but anyone who dreams of turning their passion into a career.
Even today, Derek’s name stands for trust and honesty in the classic car world. People know that when they deal with him, they’ll get fairness, friendliness, and real expertise.
The Personal Side of Derek Mathewson
Behind the success and bright TV lights, Derek Mathewson is still a family man at heart. He has always said that family comes first, and that’s easy to see in everything he does. His two sons, David and Paul, are not just his co-workers — they’re his pride and joy. They grew up watching their dad work with cars, and now they help keep the Mathewson legacy strong.
David is the calm and focused auctioneer who knows how to handle the excitement of a bidding crowd. Paul, on the other hand, brings a lighter touch — always cheerful, always chatting with guests and collectors. Together, they make the perfect team. Even Derek’s grandchildren are becoming part of the story. His granddaughter Amy, who turned 21 in 2023, is often seen at family events, and Charlie, his grandson, already shows interest in classic vehicles.
It’s rare to see a business that feels this personal. When people visit Mathewsons in Thornton-le-Dale, they don’t just meet a company — they meet a family that truly loves what they do.
A Private Life in the Public Eye
Like many well-known people, Derek’s personal life has sometimes become a topic of public interest. In 2023, newspapers shared stories about his separation from his long-time wife, Sue Mathewson, after around forty years of marriage. Reports mentioned his new relationship with a former colleague, Vicki Ivens, which brought media attention and gossip.
Even though the situation made headlines, Derek stayed quiet about it. He chose not to argue or explain himself publicly. Instead, he focused on what he loves — his work, his cars, and his family. Fans of Bangers & Cash appreciated his calm attitude. Many said that everyone deserves privacy, even someone as well-known as him.
Today, Derek continues to appear on television and run his business as usual. His story shows that life isn’t always perfect, but staying true to your passion helps you move forward with dignity.
How Much Is Derek Mathewson Worth?
After more than fifty years in the motor trade, Derek Mathewson has built real success from the ground up. In 2025, his estimated net worth is between $2 million and $5 million, which equals roughly £1.6 million to £4 million.
His income doesn’t come from one place — it comes from several. The biggest part is from Mathewsons Auctions, which sells hundreds of classic vehicles every year. Then there’s the money from television. Bangers & Cash and its spin-offs have run for multiple seasons and attract viewers all over the UK.
Derek also owns a private collection of more than 70 classic cars, several motorcycles, and lots of historic memorabilia. Some of his vehicles are worth tens of thousands of pounds. But for Derek, the real value isn’t the money — it’s the joy of owning a piece of history.
Mathewsons Today: A Living Legacy
If you ever visit Thornton-le-Dale, you’ll see why people call Mathewsons special. The showroom feels more like a museum than a shop. Every car has a story, and Derek can tell you something about each one. From shiny restored Jaguars to rare old Fords, the variety is amazing.
The company still holds around nine auctions every year, and every event draws huge crowds. People travel from across the country to bid, watch, or just soak up the atmosphere. Even first-time visitors say it feels friendly, warm, and real — the complete opposite of big corporate auctions.
Thanks to television and online exposure, Mathewsons has grown far beyond Yorkshire. Collectors from overseas often take part in the auctions too. Yet despite the fame, the business has never lost its local charm. It still feels like the same family-run garage Derek started over fifty years ago.
Derek Mathewson’s Lasting Impact
It’s easy to see why Derek Mathewson is so respected. He didn’t just sell cars — he helped keep British motoring history alive. Thousands of old vehicles have found new homes because of him. Many fans say that without Derek and his team, some of those cars might have been forgotten forever.
His TV show also played a big part in this. Bangers & Cash introduced millions of people to the world of classic cars. Viewers who never cared about old vehicles before now tune in every week to see what Derek and his family find next. The show turned vintage cars into a national conversation — something fun, emotional, and worth preserving.
Derek’s story has also inspired other small business owners. He proved that you don’t need a big start or a fancy education to succeed. You just need passion, honesty, and hard work. His journey from a small garage in Bedfordshire to national fame is proof that dreams can come true, one car at a time.
The Man, the Family, and the Future
Now in his seventies, Derek Mathewson shows no signs of slowing down. He still works, laughs, and shares his love for cars every single day. His sons are taking on more responsibility, but Derek’s spirit is still at the heart of Mathewsons.
Fans often say that he’s more than just a TV personality — he’s part of their weekends. His warm Yorkshire accent and genuine smile make people feel like they’re part of his world. And in many ways, they are.
Looking to the future, Mathewsons is growing online, hosting digital auctions and sharing behind-the-scenes videos. Derek’s influence continues to shape how people see the classic car community — as something open, friendly, and full of life.
Why Derek Mathewson Still Matters
Derek Mathewson isn’t just famous — he’s loved. People trust him because he’s never stopped being himself. Whether on TV or in real life, he’s kind, honest, and passionate about what he does. His work reminds us that success doesn’t come from luck. It comes from doing what you love and doing it well.
He’s a man who turned a simple dream into a lifelong legacy — one that continues to grow through his family and fans. For anyone who loves cars, stories, or small businesses with big hearts, Derek’s journey is truly inspiring.
Final Thoughts
From a small garage in Bedfordshire to a beloved name across the UK, Derek Mathewson has built more than a business — he’s built a legacy of passion, family, and authenticity. His auctions, his show, and his warm personality continue to make people smile.
Even after all these years, Derek’s story teaches a simple truth: when you love what you do and stay true to who you are, success will always find you — just like a classic car finding its way home.
