Derek Mathewson is a British classic car auctioneer and television personality best known for the hit UKTV series Bangers & Cash. With more than five decades in the motor trade, he built Mathewsons into one of the most recognised classic car auction houses in the United Kingdom. As of 2026, Derek Mathewson’s net worth is estimated between £4 million and £6 million, based on business valuation estimates and media reports.
Derek Mathewson is a respected name in the classic car world. Through his family-run auction business and television success, he has built a strong reputation among collectors and enthusiasts. His expertise is showcased in the popular UKTV series Bangers & Cash, which follows the daily operations of his auction house. This article explores Derek Mathewson net worth, career, business success, and life journey as of 2026.
Biography
| Full Name | Derek Mathewson |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1951 |
| Age (2026) | 75 years old |
| Profession | Classic Car Auctioneer, TV Personality |
| Nationality | British |
| Company | Mathewsons Classic Cars |
| Children | Paul and Dave Mathewson |
| Net Worth | £4 million to £6 million (as of 2026) |
Early Life and Education
Derek Mathewson was born in the United Kingdom on October 13, 1951. He developed a strong interest in cars from a young age. Like many people in the motor trade, he started working early and learned practical mechanical skills instead of following a long academic path.
As a teenager, he entered the motor trade and began building hands-on experience with vehicles. Over time, he learned how to repair, sell, and value cars. These early experiences played a key role in shaping his future business success.
According to coverage from Classic & Sports Car magazine, Mathewson built his reputation through decades of hands-on work in the classic car industry. His knowledge of classic models and market trends helped him gain trust among collectors.
Career Beginnings in the Motor Trade
Derek started his career in the motor industry during the late 1960s. At first, he worked in general car sales and repairs. During this time, he developed strong technical knowledge and business skills.
In 1970, he founded his own motor business. It started as a small operation, focusing on used vehicles and local customers. Over the years, he noticed growing interest in classic and vintage cars. This trend slowly shaped the future of his company.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Derek began shifting his focus toward classic vehicles. He realised that collectors were willing to pay strong prices for rare and well-preserved models. This decision became one of the most important turning points in his career.
Building Mathewsons into a Classic Car Auction House
Mathewsons gradually evolved from a general motor business into a specialist classic car auction company. The business is now based in Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, and has become one of the most recognised auction houses for classic vehicles in the UK.
The company hosts regular auctions featuring a wide range of vehicles, including:
- Affordable classic cars
- Vintage British models
- Rare collector vehicles
- Motorcycles and automobilia
Mathewsons built a strong reputation for honest valuations and friendly service. Many sellers trust the company because of its long history and family-run structure.
Career Timeline
| 1970 | Founded Mathewsons motor business |
| 1980s–2000s | Built reputation in classic car sales |
| 2019 | Bangers & Cash launched on UKTV |
| 2020 | Spin-off shows released |
| 2020s | Business growth and global audience |
Turning Point: The Success of Bangers & Cash
Derek’s career reached a new level when Bangers & Cash premiered on UKTV in 2019. The show follows the day-to-day operations of Mathewsons auctions, including vehicle sourcing, restoration stories, and final auction results.
The programme is broadcast on the UKTV channel Yesterday. More details about the show are available on the official UKTV Bangers & Cash page.
The series quickly became popular among classic car fans. Viewers enjoyed its simple and honest style, as well as the family-run nature of the business. The show introduced Mathewsons to a much wider audience, including international buyers.
As the show grew, it led to spin-off programmes and increased demand for auction entries. This television exposure became a major factor in the growth of Derek Mathewson net worth.
How Mathewsons Auctions Work
Mathewsons holds regular classic car auctions from its North Yorkshire base. Each event features dozens or even hundreds of vehicles, depending on the schedule.
The company earns income from several sources:
- Auction commissions from sellers
- Buyer premiums
- Vehicle storage fees
- Television production income
Many classic car owners choose Mathewsons because of its national television exposure. Vehicles featured on the show often attract more attention from bidders.
More details about auction schedules and services are available on the official Mathewsons website.
Derek Mathewson’s Classic Car Experience
Over his long career, Derek has handled thousands of classic vehicles. His experience covers a wide range of brands, from British classics to European sports cars and American muscle cars.
Some notable models commonly associated with Mathewsons auctions include:
- Ford Mustang
- Jaguar E-Type
- Porsche 911
- Aston Martin DB series
His deep knowledge of these vehicles helps sellers achieve fair prices and gives buyers confidence during auctions.
Rare and High-Value Cars Sold at Mathewsons
Over the years, Mathewsons has handled many rare and valuable vehicles. These include:
- Classic Aston Martins
- Vintage Jaguars
- Historic British saloons
- Rare collector motorcycles
These high-profile sales have helped build the company’s reputation in the classic car market. Many collectors now view Mathewsons as a trusted auction house.
Derek Mathewson Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Derek Mathewson net worth is estimated to be between £4 million and £6 million.
Since his finances are private, these figures are based on business valuation estimates, media coverage, and industry analysis. The estimate reflects the value of his auction business, television income, and long-term assets.
Sources of Income
- Mathewsons Classic Car Auctions
- Television earnings from Bangers & Cash
- Public appearances and events
- Business assets and investments
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Impact of Bangers & Cash on His Wealth
The success of Bangers & Cash played a major role in increasing Derek Mathewson’s public profile and income. Before the show, Mathewsons was already a respected auction business. However, television exposure brought the company to a much larger audience.
The series introduced the auctions to new sellers, collectors, and international buyers. This increased the number of vehicles entered into auctions and raised overall sales volumes.
The show also created additional income through:
- Television contracts
- Brand recognition
- Spin-off programmes
- Public appearances
This exposure is considered one of the main reasons behind the growth of Derek Mathewson net worth in recent years.
How His Net Worth Is Estimated
Because Derek’s finances are private, net worth figures are calculated using common industry methods. Analysts usually look at:
- Estimated value of the Mathewsons business
- Television earnings from a long-running series
- Classic car assets and holdings
- Brand value and public appearances
Note: Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information, industry analysis, and media coverage. Actual figures may vary.
Net Worth Comparison with Other Car TV Personalities
| Personality | Net Worth (2026) | Profession |
| Derek Mathewson | £4–£6 million | Auctioneer, TV personality |
| Mike Brewer | £1–£3 million | TV presenter |
| Ant Anstead | £5–£7 million | Car builder, TV host |
Personal Life
Derek Mathewson is known as a family-oriented businessman. His two sons, Paul and Dave, work alongside him at Mathewsons and also appear on Bangers & Cash.
The family-run structure is a key part of the company’s identity. Many viewers enjoy the natural chemistry between the family members on the show.
Despite his television success, Derek keeps his personal life relatively private. He is mainly focused on the auction business and classic car community.
Interesting Facts About Derek Mathewson
- He has over 50 years of experience in the motor trade.
- Mathewsons started as a small local business.
- The company is now known worldwide because of television exposure.
- His sons work with him in the family business.
- Bangers & Cash became one of the most popular classic car shows in the UK.
Conclusion
Derek Mathewson’s journey from a small motor trade business to a nationally recognised auction house shows decades of dedication to classic cars. Through Mathewsons and the success of Bangers & Cash, he has built a strong reputation in the UK and beyond.
As of 2026, Derek Mathewson net worth is estimated between £4 million and £6 million, driven by his auction business, television income, and long-standing position in the classic car industry.
About the Author
Rajiv Gupta is a digital publisher and content writer who covers celebrity net worth, business profiles, and influencer success stories. His work focuses on simplified financial insights based on publicly available data and industry reports.
FAQs
What is Derek Mathewson’s net worth in 2026?
His net worth is estimated between £4 million and £6 million.
How did Derek Mathewson make his money?
Mainly through Mathewsons auctions, television earnings, and business assets.
What is he best known for?
The UKTV series Bangers & Cash.
When was Mathewsons founded?
In 1970.
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Disclaimer
All net worth figures and financial details mentioned in this article are estimates based on publicly available information, media reports, and online sources. These figures are not official and may vary over time. The London Report does not guarantee the accuracy of this information. If you believe any detail is incorrect or would like to request an update, please contact us at info@thelondonreport.co.uk.
