Derek Mathewson is a name that has become synonymous with the grit, charm, and nostalgic allure of the British classic car industry. As the leading figure of the hit television series Bangers & Cash, Derek Mathewson has transitioned from a local North Yorkshire auctioneer to a household name for motoring enthusiasts across the globe.
His journey is one defined by oil-stained overalls, a sharp eye for a bargain, and an unwavering commitment to preserving automotive history. Whether he is uncovering a “barn find” Mini Cooper or navigating the high-pressure environment of a live auction, Mathewson’s authentic approach has breathed new life into the way we view vintage vehicles.
In today’s digital age, Derek Mathewson represents more than just a businessman; he is a bridge between the analog past and the high-tech present. His auction house, Mathewsons, located in the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale, has become a site of pilgrimage for fans who want to see the “bangers” in person.
The success of his media ventures, including the spin-off series Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics, underscores a growing public fascination with heritage and craftsmanship. This comprehensive guide explores every facet of Derek Mathewson’s life, from his humble beginnings to his status as a 2026 media icon, providing readers with an in-depth look at the man behind the gavel.
Who is Derek Mathewson? Defining a Motoring Legend
To understand the impact of Derek Mathewson, one must first define his role within the broader context of the automotive world. He is a professional auctioneer, a classic car expert, and a television personality whose expertise spans over five decades. Unlike many TV experts who are cast for their looks or screen presence, Mathewson is the “real deal”—a man who spent decades building a reputation in the trade before the cameras ever arrived.
His business, Mathewsons Classic Cars Ltd, operates as a family-run enterprise. It specializes in the valuation and sale of classic cars, motorcycles, and automobilia. However, the definition of Derek Mathewson also includes his role as a storyteller. Every car that enters his auction room comes with a history—a story of a first date, a family holiday, or a forgotten dream in a dusty garage. Derek’s ability to communicate these stories is what sets him apart from a standard retailer.
The Early Career of Derek Mathewson: Foundations in Bedfordshire
The story of Derek Mathewson does not begin in Yorkshire, despite his deep association with the region today. His professional roots go back to the 1970s in Bedfordshire. In 1970, Derek began his journey by trading modern cars and commercial vehicles. Even in those early days, his passion for the vintage and the classic was evident. While the bread-and-butter of the business was modern transport, Derek’s personal showrooms were often peppered with the cars he truly loved: the pre-war icons and post-war classics that would later define his career.
The Move to North Yorkshire
In 1988, after years of building a solid reputation in the south, Derek and his family made a life-changing decision to move to North Yorkshire. Initially, they kept the Bedfordshire operations running as a safety net, but the allure of the North soon took hold. By the early 1990s, the family had established a presence in Scarborough, Malton, and finally, the famous Pickering site.
During the 1990s, the business actually functioned as a main dealer for brands like KIA and Skoda. While these modern franchises paid the bills, Derek’s private collection of classic cars continued to grow behind the scenes. It was only a matter of time before the “secondary” passion became the primary focus of the entire Mathewson clan.
The Rise of Bangers & Cash: From Auction House to TV Screen
The turning point for Derek Mathewson’s public profile came in 2019. While Mathewsons was already a successful auction house, a “fly-on-the-wall” documentary changed everything. Produced by Air TV for the UKTV channel Yesterday (now rebranded as U), Bangers & Cash captured the day-to-day chaos, humor, and heartbreak of the family business.
Why the Show Succeeded
The appeal of the show lies in its lack of artifice. There are no staged “deadlines” or manufactured drama common in American car restoration shows. Instead, audiences see:
The Reality of the Trade: Cars that won’t start, auctions that underperform, and the physical toll of moving heavy machinery.
The Family Dynamic: Derek works alongside his sons, Paul and Dave Mathewson. Their banter and occasional disagreements provide a relatable, human core to the motoring content.
The Discoveries: From rare Aston Martins to humble Morris Minors, the variety of vehicles keeps the audience engaged.
By 2025, the show has reached over 13 series and multiple spin-offs, making it one of the most successful motoring programs in British television history.
Major TV Shows and Public Influence
Derek Mathewson’s influence extends far beyond a single program. He has become a consultant for classic car valuations and a vocal advocate for the preservation of British motoring heritage.
Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
This spin-off takes a different approach. Instead of just selling the cars “as is,” the team (and often independent restorers) takes on a project vehicle to bring it back to its former glory. This show highlights the technical skills required in the industry and has inspired a new generation of hobbyist mechanics.
Public Influence and Awards
While Derek often shies away from the “celebrity” label, his influence is measurable. The “Mathewson Effect” has been noted in the auction world, where vehicles featured on the show often see increased interest. He has received recognition from various motoring organizations for his contribution to the classic car community, effectively making Thornton-le-Dale the “classic car capital” of the UK.
Behind-the-Scenes: Anecdotes and Trivia
Working in the world of classic auctions means Derek has seen it all. From extracting tractors from collapsing barns to dealing with eccentric collectors, the stories are endless.
The “One That Got Away”: Derek often speaks about cars he regrets selling from his personal collection. He has a particular fondness for Aston Martins, having owned several throughout his life.
Camera Shyness: In early interviews, Derek admitted he was skeptical about the TV show. He famously told the producers they could film as long as they “didn’t get in the way.”
The “Dinosaur” Perspective: Derek is known for his traditionalist views. He is famously skeptical of electric vehicles (EVs) in the context of classic motoring, arguing that the soul of a classic car lies in its internal combustion engine.
Practical Information: How to Watch and Visit
For fans wanting to engage with Derek Mathewson and the team, there are several ways to do so in 2026.
Watching the Shows
Channels: Bangers & Cash and its spin-offs air primarily on the U channel (formerly Yesterday) and Channel 4 in the UK.
Streaming: You can catch up on all 140+ episodes on the U streaming service (u.co.uk) or through Channel 4’s on-demand platform.
International: The show is syndicated globally and can often be found on Discovery+ or local motoring networks in Europe and North America.
Visiting Mathewsons
Location: The main auction site is in Pickering, North Yorkshire, while the famous gift shop and museum (scheduled for a grand 2025/2026 reopening) are in Thornton-le-Dale.
Auctions: Auctions are generally held behind closed doors for bidding, but “viewing days” allow the public to see the cars in person for a small entry fee (often £5, which goes to charity).
Schedule: Auctions typically run once a month over a three-day period (Wednesday to Friday).
2025/2026 News and Upcoming Projects
As of early 2026, Derek Mathewson remains as busy as ever. The big news for this year is the full-scale reopening of the Mathewsons Motor Museum. After several years of being used primarily for storage and filming, the museum has been revamped to provide a more interactive experience for visitors.
Bangers & Cash Series 13: New episodes are currently airing, focusing on rare post-war European sports cars.
Live Events: The “Bangers & Cash Live” events are set to return in the summer of 2026, allowing fans to meet Derek, Paul, and Dave in a festival-style atmosphere.
Sustainability Projects: While Derek remains a fan of petrol, the business is exploring how classic cars can adapt to synthetic fuels to ensure they remain on the road for decades to come.
How to Start a Classic Car Collection: A Guide by Derek’s Principles
If you’ve been inspired by Derek Mathewson to start your own collection, follow these “Mathewson Rules”:
Buy What You Love: Never buy a car solely as an investment. If the market drops, you should still be happy to have it in your garage.
Inspect the Bodywork First: “Mechanicals can be fixed; rust is a curse.” Derek always looks at the chassis and sills before the engine.
Check the Provenance: A thick folder of service history and old MOT certificates adds significant value and peace of mind.
Set a Strict Budget: It is easy to get carried away in the heat of an auction. Decide your “walk away” price before the bidding starts.
Start Small: Don’t start with a Ferrari. A classic Mini or a Morris Minor is a great way to learn the ropes of maintenance and the community.
FAQs
Where is Derek Mathewson’s auction house located and can the public visit?
The main operational headquarters and auction site for Mathewsons Classic Cars is located in Pickering, North Yorkshire, at the Enterprise Way industrial estate. However, many viewers recognize the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale, which houses the family’s original showroom and gift shop. The public is welcome to visit the Thornton-le-Dale site during regular business hours to browse the memorabilia and see some of the vehicles on display. For those wishing to see the auction lots, specific “viewing days” are held in Pickering during the week leading up to an auction, often requiring a small charitable donation for entry.
Is Bangers and Cash still filming new episodes in 2026?
Yes, Bangers & Cash continues to be a flagship program for the U channel and is currently in its 13th series as of early 2026. The show’s enduring popularity has led to consistent renewals and the development of successful spin-offs like Restoring Classics. The production team at Air TV continues to document the daily operations of the Mathewson family, ensuring that fans have a steady stream of new content featuring Derek’s latest “barn finds” and the high-stakes drama of the auction room.
Who are the other family members involved in the business with Derek?
Mathewsons is a true family enterprise, with Derek’s two sons, Paul and Dave Mathewson, playing pivotal roles in the day-to-day management of the auction house. Paul is often seen on screen handling the logistics of vehicle collection and interacting with sellers, while Dave is heavily involved in the technical side and auction preparations. Other family members, including Derek’s wife and grandchildren, occasionally appear or work behind the scenes, reinforcing the “family business” ethos that fans find so appealing.
What is the most expensive car ever sold at a Mathewson’s auction?
While Mathewsons is famous for its “bangers” (affordable classics), they have handled some incredibly high-value vehicles over the years. One of the standout sales featured on the show was a 1967 Aston Martin DB6, which pushed the auction house into a new tier of prestige. While prices fluctuate based on market trends, vehicles like rare E-Type Jaguars and vintage Aston Martins regularly fetch six-figure sums under Derek’s gavel, proving that the Pickering site is a serious player in the global classic car market.
How can I sell my own classic car through Derek Mathewson?
Selling a vehicle through Mathewsons involves a straightforward process: you first contact the team via their website with details and photos of your car for a preliminary valuation. If the vehicle is suitable, it can either be delivered to their Pickering site or, in some cases, collected by the team (as seen on the show). Once the vehicle is cataloged and assigned a lot number, it is marketed to a global audience of bidders before going under the hammer at the next available monthly auction.
Does Derek Mathewson actually drive the classic cars he buys?
Absolutely. Derek is a firm believer that cars are meant to be driven rather than just polished and stored. He is frequently seen behind the wheel of various vehicles from his personal collection, which includes everything from pre-war Sunbeams to 1970s cruisers. His “commuter” cars are often classics themselves, as he prefers the tactile feel and character of older machinery over the computerized experience of modern vehicles.
What happened to Sarah Crabtree on Bangers and Cash?
Sarah Crabtree was a long-time office manager at Mathewsons and a fan-favorite character during the early series of Bangers & Cash. She decided to leave the business in 2021 to pursue new opportunities and spend more time with her family. Since her departure, she has remained active in the classic car community, appearing at various shows and launching her own ventures, though she is no longer a regular fixture at the Mathewsons auction house.
Final Thoughts
Derek Mathewson’s journey from a small-scale trader in Bedfordshire to a global icon of the classic car world is a testament to the power of authenticity. In an era where many media personalities are carefully curated, Derek remains refreshingly unchanged—a man who loves his work, his family, and the smell of a cold engine starting up on a winter morning. His influence has not only boosted the economy of North Yorkshire but has also ensured that hundreds of historic vehicles have been saved from the scrapheap. As we look toward the future of the industry in 2026 and beyond, Derek Mathewson stands as a guardian of our motoring past, proving that while technology may change, the soul of a classic car is timeless. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual viewer, the world of Mathewsons offers a window into a heritage that continues to drive us forward.
For more UK stories, trends, and surprising insights, explore these related reads:
Anna Haugh Partner: Look at Her Career and Key Collaborations
Jo Brand Husband: Her Life, Partnership, and Personal Journey
Bernie Bourke: His Life, Career, and Legacy
Mark Herrema: The Visionary Transforming Greenhouse Gases into Sustainable Solutions
Adrian Higham Net Worth: His Wealth, Career, Influence
Read More on Devon Buzz