Derek Mathewson is a well-known name in the British car auction world. He runs Mathewson’s classic car auctions in the UK. Derek became famous through the TV show “Bangers & Cash.” The show follows his family business and their daily work with vintage cars.
Derek has built impressive wealth over his long career. His net worth in 2026 comes from decades in the auction business. The success of “Bangers & Cash” added to his fame and income. He turned his passion for classic cars into a thriving family enterprise.
Profile Bio: Derek Mathewson Net Worth
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Derek Mathewson |
| Profession | Classic Car Auctioneer, TV Personality |
| Known For | “Bangers & Cash” TV Show |
| Business | Mathewson’s Classic Car Auctions |
| Location | Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, England |
| TV Show | Bangers & Cash (YESTERDAY Channel) |
| Show Debut | 2019 |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | £1-3 Million (Estimated) |
| Income Sources | Car Auctions, TV Appearances, Business Ownership |
| Family Business | Yes (Works with son Paul and daughter Sarah) |
| Years in Business | 40+ Years |
| Specialty | Classic Cars, Vintage Vehicles, Restoration Projects |
| Age | 70+ Years (Approximate) |
| Nationality | British |
Who Is Derek Mathewson?
Derek Mathewson is a British classic car auctioneer and television personality. He founded Mathewson’s classic car auctions in North Yorkshire. Derek has spent over 40 years in the vintage car business. He is known for his expertise in buying and selling rare vehicles.
Derek became a TV star through the show “Bangers & Cash.” The program airs on the YESTERDAY channel in the UK, showcasing the Bangers and Cash TV show format. It shows Derek and his family running their auction house. He works alongside his children Paul and Sarah in the Mathewsons family business, representing a true family-run auction house UK success story.
Derek Mathewson Net Worth 2026 Updated
Derek Mathewson’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between £2 million and £4 million. His wealth comes primarily from his successful auction business. The “Bangers & Cash” TV show has significantly boosted his income. He earns from multiple revenue streams including auctions and television appearances.
His net worth has grown steadily over the past few years, reflecting the Mathewsons business growth trajectory. The popularity of “Bangers & Cash” brought new customers to his auctions. Derek also benefits from commission fees on high-value classic car sales. His decades of experience in the industry continue to generate substantial profits.
How Derek Mathewson Made His Money
Derek started his career in the classic car auction expert field decades ago. He established Mathewson’s auction house in Thornton-le-Dale, Yorkshire. Derek earned money through commission fees on every car sold. He built a strong reputation for dealing with rare and vintage vehicles.
The launch of “Bangers & Cash” in 2019 transformed his income sources, cementing his status as a Bangers and Cash star. The TV show brought him fame and attracted more clients to his auctions. Derek now earns from television appearances alongside his auction business. His expertise in classic cars helped him create a profitable family empire.
1. Classic Car Auctions (Primary Source)
Classic car auctions are Derek Mathewson’s main source of wealth. His auction house handles hundreds of vintage vehicles every year. Derek earns commission fees ranging from 10% to 15% on each sale. High-value classic cars can sell for tens of thousands of pounds.
Mathewsons classic car auctions attract buyers and sellers from across the UK. The business deals with rare motorcycles, vintage tractors, and classic automobiles. Derek’s expertise helps him identify valuable vehicles and set competitive prices. His reputation in the industry ensures a steady flow of consignments and sales, making him a respected classic car collector UK figure.
2. TV Income from Bangers & Cash
“Bangers & Cash” has become a major income source for Derek Mathewson. The show has aired multiple seasons since its 2019 debut. Derek earns appearance fees for each episode he features in. The YESTERDAY channel pays him and his family for their participation.
The TV show’s success has brought additional financial benefits beyond direct payments. It provides free advertising for his auction business worth thousands of pounds. More viewers translates into more customers attending his auctions. Derek’s TV fame has significantly increased his overall earning potential, with Channel 5 Bangers and Cash and Bangers and Cash Restoring Classics episodes attracting loyal audiences.
3. Vintage Car Appreciation
Derek Mathewson benefits greatly from the rising value of classic cars. Vintage vehicles appreciate in value over time, especially rare models. Derek often buys undervalued cars and sells them at higher prices later. The classic car market has grown significantly in recent years.
His knowledge helps him spot investment opportunities in the vintage car world. Derek can purchase restoration projects cheaply and profit after repairs. Some classic cars double or triple in value within a few years. This appreciation adds substantial wealth to his personal collection and business profits, showcasing his skills as a vintage car specialist.
4. Side Businesses
Derek Mathewson has expanded beyond just running auctions over the years. He offers valuation services for classic car owners and collectors. Derek also provides consultation for people looking to buy vintage vehicles. These expert services generate additional income outside of regular auction commissions.
His business may include storage facilities for classic cars awaiting auction. Derek potentially earns from restoration referrals and partnerships with mechanics. Merchandise related to “Bangers & Cash” could also bring in revenue. These side ventures complement his main auction business and diversify his income streams.
Early Life & Background
Derek Mathewson’s early life began on October 13, 1951, when he was born and grew up in Bedfordshire, England, where he discovered his passion for classic and vintage cars at a young age. From his early years, he displayed a keen interest in automobiles and spent time around workshops and car lots. He was fascinated by the unique designs and rich histories of vintage vehicles, which shaped the foundation of his lifelong career. This Bedfordshire childhood formed the basis of Derek Mathewson’s early passion for cars.
In 1970, Derek founded Mathewsons, initially focusing on selling modern cars in Bedfordshire. However, his true vision extended beyond creating a successful enterprise—he aspired to integrate his love for vintage and classic cars into the business fabric. In 1988, Derek and his family moved to North Yorkshire, representing the Mathewsons relocation history and relocation to North Yorkshire. He gradually expanded operations with showrooms in Scarborough, Malton, and Pickering, marking Mathewsons North Yorkshire as the permanent home base.
Career Timeline — 50+ Years in the Motor Trade
Derek Mathewson entered the motor trade professionally in 1970, starting as a car trader who began as an auction customer, buying contemporary stock at used-car trade sales before retailing them himself. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he grew his motor trade operations across North Yorkshire, opening garages in Scarborough, Malton, and Pickering. His early work was grounded in hands-on learning rather than formal training, which gave him a practical understanding of the automotive industry. In 1988, Derek founded Mathewsons Auctions with limited capital but unlimited passion for vintage vehicles.
By the early 2000s, Derek expanded into the classic and vintage car sector, launching Mathewsons Classic Cars in 2011, which marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history. In 2017, his story was brought to television with the launch of Bangers and Cash on the Yesterday Channel, which quickly became a hit with car enthusiasts. The series offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the fast-paced world of classic vehicle auctions and has spawned several follow-up seasons. With over fifty years in the motor trade, Derek has transformed Mathewsons from a small local business into one of the UK’s most trusted classic car dealership UK operations, demonstrating the Mathewsons classic car empire vision.
1970–1980: Starting in Car Sales
In 1970, at just 19 years old, Derek founded his own car dealership in Bedfordshire, initially specializing in modern vehicles and light commercial cars. He began as an auction customer rather than a provider, buying contemporary stock at used-car trade sales before retailing them himself. The business quickly gained a reputation for its top-notch service and reliability, catering to both retail and trade customers. Derek’s early work was grounded in hands-on learning rather than formal training, which gave him a practical understanding of the automotive industry.
Even back then, the showrooms were always full of Derek’s true passion—vintage and classic cars, with many early acquisitions still in his collection today. During this period, Mathewsons also branched into the vehicle contract hire and leasing business, supplying vehicles throughout the UK. Derek’s entrepreneurial vision combined his passion with his profession, integrating his love for vintage and classic cars into the business fabric, building his reputation as a vintage car dealership history expert. His trustworthy dealings and sharp eye for vehicles helped him grow rapidly in a competitive market throughout the 1970s and 1980s, establishing his Derek Mathewson career in classic cars.
1980–1990: Move to North Yorkshire & Expansion
In 1988, the Mathewson family relocated to North Yorkshire, driven by strong family connections and a fondness for the region developed during numerous holidays. This strategic move involved acquiring garages in Scarborough in 1988, Malton in 1990, and Pickering in 1992, significantly expanding their operational reach across the region, representing a critical phase in expansion into vintage vehicles.
The 1990s saw Mathewsons predominantly operating two main dealer franchises, KIA and Skoda, with the Classic and Vintage side of the business remaining very secondary during this period. Despite the focus on franchises, Derek continued expanding into vehicle contract hire and leasing services, providing vehicles throughout the United Kingdom.
1990–2010: Building a Classic Car Empire
Throughout the 1990s, Mathewsons predominantly operated two main dealer franchises, KIA and Skoda, with the classic and vintage side of the business remaining very secondary during this period. Word spread through the classic car community, and auction attendance grew steadily throughout the 1990s as Derek specialized in motorcycles and commercial vehicles—niches often overlooked by competitors.
By the early 2000s, as Derek’s private collection of classic and vintage cars grew, the company began shifting its focus, launching Mathewsons Classic Cars in 2011. The quaint village setting of Thornton le Dale proved ideal for their Motor Museum operation, and in 2011, Mathewsons started hosting Classic Car Auctions at their museum and showroom premises, which became a haven for car enthusiasts and collector car enthusiasts.
2010–Present: Auction Growth & TV Stardom
The 2010s brought explosive growth as Mathewsons launched regular classic car auctions and gained national attention, culminating in 2019 when Bangers & Cash debuted on the Yesterday Channel. The show’s popularity increased auction attendance, vehicle submissions, and overall business revenue, turning Derek, his sons, and their auction house into household names, demonstrating the Mathewsons TV show popularity.
The business gained national recognition, attracting more sellers and buyers with increased demand for classic car valuations. As of 2025, Derek continues to appear on Bangers & Cash, with new series planned and ongoing filming taking place at the family premises, while the show remains a favorite among viewers who enjoy nostalgia, history, and family dynamics in business, representing one of the most successful Channel 5 automotive shows.
Mathewsons Classic Car Auctions – A Family Business Empire
Derek Mathewson serves as the founder and driving force behind Mathewson’s Auctions, with his extensive knowledge, keen eye for detail, and passion for classic cars establishing the auction house’s reputation for excellence. The business is a true family-run UK business model, with Derek’s sons and other family members actively involved, each bringing expertise and enthusiasm that contributes to the auction house’s growth and success, reflecting strong Mathewson family involvement.
Derek’s sons, David (born July 1972) and Paul (born January 1980), both followed in their father’s footsteps—David became a car auctioneer while Paul became a car dealer and later took on leadership roles as director of Mathewsons Classic Cars and Mathewsons Auctions. Mathewson’s sons Paul and Dave involvement in overseeing auction logistics, customer relations, valuations, and operations ensures strong continuity and long-term stability for the family business.
Bangers & Cash – The TV Show That Boosted His Fame
Derek Mathewson’s Derek Mathewson life story was brought to the small screen in 2017 with the launch of Bangers and Cash on the Yesterday Channel, which quickly became a hit with car enthusiasts and general audiences alike. The show continues to be the most popular program on Yesterday, with series seven averaging 744,000 individuals per episode.
The show’s popularity increased auction attendance, vehicle submissions, and overall business revenue, turning Derek, his sons, and their auction house into household names. Derek has expressed amazement at the show’s success, noting that many visitors say the program got them through lockdown, which means an awful lot to the family. The story behind Bangers and Cash TV show reveals how classic car restoration series content resonated with UK motoring culture enthusiasts.
Is Derek Mathewson Still Active in 2026?
As of 2026, Derek Mathewson remains involved in Mathewson’s Classic Cars, although his sons handle most of the daily operations. Derek continues to appear on Bangers & Cash, attending auctions and offering vehicle valuations.
Derek remains fully involved, advising buyers, identifying standout vehicles and offering expertise on restoration projects. Far from slowing down, he remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations of Mathewsons Auctions and continues to appear in new episodes of Bangers & Cash.
Derek Mathewson Personal Life
Derek Mathewson’s personal life reveals that Derek Mathewson is married to Sue Mathewson, and together they have two sons, Paul and Dave, who share his love for classic cars and work actively in the family business. Throughout his career, Derek navigated the complexities of balancing professional life with family responsibilities, with his enduring marriage to Sue providing a stable foundation as they raised their sons.
However, recent reports revealed significant challenges in Derek’s personal life, with news emerging in February 2023 of an affair between Derek and his colleague, Vicki Ivens, who is 26 years younger, representing the Derek Mathewson scandal. The revelation caused considerable strain on Derek’s marriage, with Sue reportedly considering divorce, reflecting personal and public turmoil for the family. Vicki left both her husband and her position at Mathewsons following the Vicki Ivens affair, which brought media scrutiny of Derek Mathewson and significant impact of fame on personal life.
Relationship with Vicki Ivens
Derek reportedly grew close to Derek Mathewson girlfriend Vicki Ivens, 45, who worked in the Mathewsons office and appeared in several episodes of Bangers & Cash, with the 26-year age gap between them fueling significant media interest. Their relationship was discovered when Sue confronted Vicki’s husband Nicholas with phone records showing around 180 calls between Derek and Vicki over three weeks, representing the affair discovery through phone records.
Vicki reportedly told her husband in September 2022 that she was in love with Derek, and later admitted relief at no longer having to lie about the relationship, highlighting Derek Mathewson and Vicki Ivens relationship timeline. Following the revelation, Sue gave Vicki her marching orders from the business, and Vicki is now believed to be working at Flamingo Land employment (Flamingo Land Theme Park), though the current status of her relationship with Derek remains unconfirmed. The Derek Mathewson personal life controversy and questions about what happened between Derek and Sue Mathewson generated substantial public reaction to affair coverage.
Derek Mathewson Car Collection
Derek currently owns around 75 classic cars, 50 motorcycles, a dozen classic commercial vehicles, and a large collection of automobilia, with a dream of one day owning premises large enough to hold the total collection in one location. Derek’s collection includes five Aston Martins, which he considers one of his favorite marques, including a DB6 he purchased for £5,000 in the 1980s that later received offers of £85,000.
His collection also features an Aston Martin DB MkIII, an AM Vantage, a DBS with just 17,000 miles, a DB9 Volante, four Bentleys including two MkVIs and a Bentley S3 Continental which he uses as a daily driver. With the exception of two Astons and one Bentley, none of Derek’s collection are vehicles he went looking for—most came through his doors at the auction house, and he has sworn against ever searching for a car again, demonstrating his deep connection to automotive heritage.
Charity Work – Mathewsons & Martin House Children’s Hospice
Mathewsons Classic Cars has shown long-term support for Martin House Children’s Hospice, a charity providing essential care for children with life-limiting conditions across Yorkshire. Since 2019, Mathewsons has helped raise over £6,780 through donation boxes, charity auctions, and waived auction fees to ensure 100% of proceeds go directly to the charity.
Derek frequently hosts charity auctions with proceeds going to various causes, including Martin House Children’s Hospice, highlighting his dedication to using his success to make a positive impact. The partnership continues to be an important part of the company’s public identity and enhances public trust in the Mathewsons brand.
Common Misconceptions About Derek Mathewson
Many viewers assumed that former Mathewsons office manager Sarah Crabtree was Derek’s daughter due to her close working relationship with the family, though this is not accurate. Another common belief is that Derek intentionally planned for television fame, when in reality he was initially hesitant about having cameras follow him around and found it surprisingly comfortable.
Some people mistakenly think Derek’s early life and family background are well-documented, but he has actually remained quite private about his childhood, parents, and siblings, rarely responding to questions about these topics. Additionally, viewers sometimes assume Derek actively searches for cars to add to his collection, when in fact he has sworn against searching for cars, with most of his collection coming through his auction house doors.
Misconception: Sarah Crabtree Is His Daughter
One of the most persistent misconceptions about Derek Mathewson is that Sarah Crabtree, the former office manager who appeared on Bangers & Cash, is his daughter. Sarah herself has addressed this directly, stating clearly that she is not and never was married to any of the Mathewson family.
Sarah worked as office manager at Mathewsons and was described on the show as a family friend, but she is not related to Derek in any way. Derek has only two sons, Paul and Dave, and does not have a daughter despite widespread online rumors to the contrary.
Misconception: Derek Is American
Some websites mistakenly refer to Derek as American because of incorrect early bio entries, but verified information confirms he is British, born and raised in the UK. Derek Mathewson was born on October 13, 1951, in the United Kingdom, and spent his early years around workshops and car lots in England.
His entire career has been based in Britain, from starting his dealership in Bedfordshire in 1970 to relocating to North Yorkshire in 1988. Derek is a British classic car expert and entrepreneur whose work has been entirely centered in the UK motoring culture and Yorkshire classic car auctions community throughout his five-decade career.
Misconception: His Net Worth Is Officially Confirmed
Derek Mathewson has never publicly confirmed his net worth, and no official financial statements have been released to verify any specific figure. Online estimates vary wildly, with some sources claiming £750,000 to £1.2 million, others suggesting £4 million to £6 million, and some even reporting as high as $10 million.
These estimates take into account his long-running business, TV earnings, and assets tied up in vehicles and property, but they remain speculative rather than confirmed. Some websites incorrectly attribute Derek’s wealth to a music career with figures around $12 million, which appears to confuse him with a different person entirely.
Detailed Comparison — Derek Mathewson vs Other Classic Car TV Personalities
Derek Mathewson brought a distinctly British, gentlemanly approach to classic car television, focusing on restoration craftsmanship and historical appreciation rather than pure profit margins. His tenure on “Bangers & Cash” showcased a family-run dealership atmosphere where every vehicle had a story worth preserving. Mathewson’s passion was rooted in automotive heritage, making him less of a wheeler-dealer and more of a custodian of motoring history.
Mike Brewer, by contrast, built his reputation on the buy-fix-sell model, emphasizing market values and turning vehicles around quickly for profit. While Brewer certainly appreciates cars, his shows like “Wheeler Dealers” focus heavily on the business mechanics and budget-conscious restoration decisions. The difference lies in philosophy: Mathewson celebrated preservation, while Brewer championed pragmatic profitability.
Derek Mathewson Social Media Presence
Derek Mathewson maintains a relatively modest personal social media presence compared to many modern TV personalities. His approach to online engagement reflects his old-school, traditional values in the classic car world. Most of his digital visibility comes through the official “Bangers & Cash” and Mathewson dealership channels rather than personal branded accounts.
The Mathewson classic car dealership has established social media channels that showcase their inventory, auction results, and behind-the-scenes content from the TV show. Derek occasionally features in these posts, sharing insights about particular vehicles or upcoming sales events. His social media strategy aligns with his business-first mentality, prioritizing authentic dealership operations over personal brand building or influencer-style content creation.
Financial Analysis – Why His Net Worth Will Likely Increase
The classic and vintage car market has experienced significant appreciation over the past decade, with certain segments seeing values double or triple as younger collectors enter the space. Derek Mathewson’s dealership is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend, particularly in the affordable classic segment where enthusiast demand continues to outpace supply. His expertise in identifying undervalued vehicles and understanding market cycles gives him a competitive advantage that translates directly into profit margins.
“Bangers & Cash” has transformed the Mathewson dealership from a regional Yorkshire operation into a nationally recognized brand, dramatically expanding their customer base and auction attendance. The show’s popularity generates organic marketing worth millions, driving premium prices at auctions and creating multiple revenue streams beyond traditional car sales. As the series continues and potentially expands into international markets, Derek’s business valuation and personal wealth are positioned for substantial growth, particularly if merchandising, consultation, or additional media opportunities materialize, reflecting the how Mathewsons became a TV success narrative and its impact of affair on Mathewson’s business being minimal on long-term growth.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Derek Mathewson’s net worth in 2026?
Derek Mathewson’s estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between £2-5 million, primarily accumulated through his classic car dealership and television career.
How much does Derek Mathewson make from Bangers & Cash?
Derek Mathewson reportedly earns between £50,000-£100,000 per series from “Bangers & Cash,” alongside additional income from increased dealership business driven by the show’s popularity.
How did Derek Mathewson build his wealth?
Derek Mathewson built his wealth through decades of running Mathewsons Classic Cars dealership, buying and selling vintage vehicles, and hosting the successful TV series “Bangers & Cash.”
Is Derek Mathewson a millionaire?
Yes, Derek Mathewson is considered a millionaire with his net worth estimated at several million pounds from his car dealership and television work.
What made Derek Mathewson successful in classic cars?
Derek Mathewson’s success stems from his deep automotive knowledge, honest dealing approach, and ability to identify undervalued classic cars before market trends emerge.
How long has Derek Mathewson been in the car business?
Derek Mathewson has been in the classic car business for over 40 years, establishing his dealership in the 1980s in Yorkshire.
Does Derek Mathewson still own his dealership?
Yes, Derek Mathewson continues to own and operate Mathewsons Classic Cars as a family business alongside his sons Paul and Dave.
What is Bangers & Cash worth to Derek Mathewson’s business?
“Bangers & Cash” has significantly boosted Derek Mathewson’s business, increasing auction attendance by 300% and driving vehicle values up through enhanced exposure.
How much are Derek Mathewson’s car auctions worth?
Derek Mathewson’s auctions regularly turn over £500,000-£1 million per event, with some individual vehicles selling for six-figure sums.
Will Derek Mathewson’s net worth increase?
Derek Mathewson’s net worth is likely to increase due to the growing classic car market, continued success of “Bangers & Cash,” and his dealership’s expanding reputation.
Conclusions
Derek Mathewson’s net worth of approximately £2-5 million reflects four decades of expertise in classic car dealing and the transformative success of “Bangers & Cash.” His authentic, family-oriented approach has created both financial prosperity and a lasting legacy in the automotive entertainment industry, with the Derek Mathewson biography serving as inspiration for aspiring classic car auction family business UK operators.
The future looks bright for Mathewson’s wealth as classic car values appreciate and his television presence continues to attract new customers and opportunities. His story demonstrates how genuine passion, honest business practices, and embracing modern media can translate into significant financial success while preserving traditional values, exemplifying the best of UK News Pulse coverage of successful TV personality private life issues balanced with professional achievement.
