Derek Mathewson is a British classic car expert and television personality known for his extensive experience in the vintage vehicle industry.
He is best recognized as the founder of Mathewsons Auctions and the star of Bangers & Cash.
Over several decades, he has built a strong reputation within the UK’s vintage automobile industry through his expertise in classic car auctions and restoration.
Who is Derek Mathewson?
Derek Mathewson is a British classic car specialist and television personality known for his work in the vintage vehicle auction industry.
He is the founder of Mathewsons, a family-run auction business based in Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, which specializes in classic cars, motorcycles, and automobilia.
His public profile grew significantly after the launch of Bangers & Cash, a television series that follows the daily operations of Mathewsons and showcases the stories behind unique classic vehicles.
Through the show, Derek has become widely respected for his deep automotive knowledge, practical expertise, and approachable personality.
Today, he is regarded as one of the leading figures in the UK’s classic car auction sector and continues to be actively involved in the family business.
Early Life of Derek Mathewson
Derek Mathewson was born on October 13, 1951, and grew up in Bedfordshire, England.
Although Derek Mathewson is closely associated with North Yorkshire today, he was raised in Bedfordshire, England.
It was there that his lifelong passion for cars and the motor trade first began.
From a young age, Derek was fascinated by cars and mechanics, an interest that would eventually shape his entire career.
While he has kept much of his personal life private, it is clear that automobiles played a major role in his upbringing and inspired his future ambitions.
During his early adulthood, Derek entered the motor trade and began building the foundations of what would later become the successful Mathewsons business.
The family originally operated in Bedfordshire, where they sold modern vehicles and commercial transport.
Even then, Derek showed a particular interest in classic and vintage cars, which set him apart from many others in the industry.
In 1988, he relocated with his family and business to North Yorkshire, a move that proved pivotal to his future success.
The experience and knowledge he gained during those formative years helped transform him into one of Britain’s most respected classic car auctioneers and television personalities.
Derek Mathewson Age
Derek Mathewson is 74 years old as of 2026, as he was born on October 13, 1951, in Bedfordshire, England.
With more than five decades of experience in the motor trade and classic car industry, he has become one of the UK’s most recognized classic car auctioneers and television personalities.
Despite being in his 70s, Derek remains actively involved in the family-run Mathewsons business and continues to appear on Bangers & Cash.
Derek Mathewson Nationality and Ethnicity
Derek Mathewson is British by nationality and has spent most of his professional life working in the United Kingdom.
While Derek has not publicly discussed his ethnic background in detail, he is generally recognized as being of White British heritage.
Throughout his career, he has become closely associated with Yorkshire, where Mathewsons operates and where much of Bangers & Cash is filmed.
His strong connection to the local community has contributed to his popularity among viewers and classic car enthusiasts alike.
Career Journey
Derek Mathewson began his professional career in the motor trade in the early 1970s and gradually established himself as one of the most respected figures in the British classic car industry.
Through decades of hard work, business growth, and television success, he transformed a family-run operation into one of the UK’s best-known classic car auction businesses.
Early Years in the Motor Trade (1970–1987)
Derek started his journey in the automotive industry in 1970 when the Mathewson family business was established in Bedfordshire, England.
During this period, the company primarily dealt with modern cars and commercial vehicles.
While the business served a broad range of customers, Derek developed a particular interest in classic and vintage automobiles.
Alongside vehicle sales, he gained valuable experience in vehicle leasing and contract hire services.
These early years helped him build a strong understanding of the motor trade and laid the foundation for his future success.
As his knowledge grew, so did his passion for preserving older vehicles that carried unique histories and character.
Relocation to North Yorkshire and Business Expansion (1988–2017)
A major turning point came in 1988 when Derek relocated his family and business from Bedfordshire to Thornton-le-Dale in North Yorkshire.
The move allowed him to focus more heavily on the classic car market, which was becoming increasingly popular among collectors and enthusiasts.
Over the following decades, Mathewsons developed into a respected name within the classic vehicle community.
The company became known for sourcing, selling, and auctioning rare classic cars, motorcycles, and automobilia.
Derek’s reputation for honesty, expertise, and fair valuations attracted buyers and sellers from across the United Kingdom.
As the business expanded, his sons Dave and Paul Mathewson became involved in day-to-day operations, helping maintain the family-run nature of the company.
Television Success with Bangers & Cash (2018–Present)
Derek’s national profile increased dramatically in 2018 when he became the star of the television series Bangers & Cash.
Broadcast on the Yesterday channel, the show follows the operations of Mathewsons and highlights the fascinating stories behind classic vehicles brought to auction.
The program quickly became a hit with viewers thanks to its mix of automotive history, restoration stories, and Derek’s straightforward personality.
His extensive knowledge of classic cars and approachable manner helped make him a fan favorite.
The popularity of Bangers & Cash led to the creation of successful spin-off series such as Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics and Bangers & Cash: Under the Bonnet.
These shows expanded Derek Mathewson’s audience and further cemented his status as a leading figure in the classic car community.
Recent Projects and Continuing Legacy (2020–Present)
Today, Derek remains actively involved in Mathewsons Auctions and continues to play a central role in the company’s success.
Working alongside his sons, he oversees auctions, evaluates classic vehicles, and appears regularly on television. His influence extends beyond business and entertainment.
Through his work, Derek has helped introduce a new generation of enthusiasts to classic motoring while preserving important pieces of automotive history.
After more than five decades in the industry, he remains one of Britain’s most respected classic car experts and auctioneers.
Derek Mathewson TV Shows
Derek Mathewson has appeared in several television productions connected to the Mathewsons brand and the classic car industry, including:
- Bangers & Cash
- Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
- Bangers & Cash: Under the Bonnet
These programs have significantly expanded his public profile and helped educate viewers about classic car ownership, restoration, and auctioning.
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Derek Mathewson Car Collection
Derek Mathewson’s personal vehicle collection is a testament to his lifelong passion for classic motoring.
Over the years, Derek has built an impressive collection of around 75 classic cars and 50 motorcycles.
He also owns several vintage commercial vehicles that reflect his passion for motoring history.
Rather than actively hunting rare cars, Derek’s collection has grown naturally through decades of buying, restoring, and auctioning classic vehicles.
Some of the most notable vehicles in Derek’s collection include:
- Aston Martin DB6 – A cherished dark-blue classic that Derek has owned since the 1980s. It remains one of his favorite cars and still carries a Bedfordshire-era Mathewsons sticker.
- Bentley S3 Continental – A rare luxury grand tourer that Derek frequently drives despite its high value and collectability.
- Aston Martin Vantage – A low-mileage sports car that has been part of his collection for many years.
- MG Magnette ZB Varitone – A classic British saloon upgraded with an MGB engine, often used as one of his practical everyday classics.
- Morris J-Type Vans – Among Derek’s favorite vintage commercial vehicles, admired for their character and historical significance.
- Bedford Vans – Classic commercial vehicles that reflect his long-standing appreciation for Britain’s motoring heritage.
- Austin Commercial Vehicles – Several vintage Austin models that highlight his interest in preserving historic work vehicles.
While Derek owns several valuable sports and luxury cars, he has often expressed a special affection for classic commercial vehicles.
He believes that a beautifully restored van can be just as fascinating as a high-performance sports car.
Because his auction business handles a large number of vehicles, Derek occasionally sells cars from his personal collection. This helps create space for new additions and future projects.
Nevertheless, his collection remains one of the most remarkable private classic vehicle collections associated with the British automotive world.
How did Derek Mathewson make his Money?
Derek Mathewson built his wealth through more than five decades in the motor trade.
He began his career in the 1970s, working in the family vehicle business and gaining hands-on experience buying, selling, and managing vehicles.
Most of Derek’s wealth comes from Mathewsons, the successful classic car auction business he founded and expanded over several decades.
The business specializes in classic cars, motorcycles, and automobilia, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from across the country.
Derek’s income also increased after the success of Bangers & Cash, which brought national attention to Mathewsons.
Beyond television, Derek earns money through classic car auctions, vehicle sales, and other automotive ventures.
His decades of expertise in the classic car market have played a major role in his financial success.
Derek Mathewson Net Worth 2026
Derek Mathewson has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2026.
He has built his fortune through a long and successful career in the motor trade, particularly through his work in the classic car auction industry.
Most of his wealth comes from Mathewsons Auctions, along with income from Bangers & Cash, vehicle sales, and other automotive ventures.
His decades of experience and extensive involvement in the classic car market have made him one of the most successful figures in the British motoring industry.
Derek Mathewson Wife
Derek Mathewson was married to Sue Mathewson for more than four decades, and together they built a family while supporting the growth of the Mathewsons business.
For most of Derek’s career, Sue preferred to stay out of the public eye and focus on family life. Meanwhile, Derek built a strong reputation in the classic car industry.
The couple raised two sons, Dave and Paul Mathewson, both of whom later joined the family business and became familiar faces on Bangers & Cash.
In recent years, Derek’s personal life attracted media attention following reports of his separation from Sue Mathewson after more than 40 years of marriage.
The details of the separation have remained largely private. However, media reports have linked Derek to former Mathewsons employee and Bangers & Cash co-star Vicki Ivens.
Despite the public interest, Derek has generally chosen to keep his personal relationships out of the spotlight and focus on his family, business, and television career.
Has Derek Mathewson Left his Wife?
Yes, media reports indicate that Derek Mathewson separated from his wife, Sue Mathewson, in 2023. The couple had been married for more than 40 years before their reported split.
Reports at the time stated that Derek had moved out of the family home and was later linked to former Mathewsons employee Vicki Ivens.
However, Derek has chosen to keep much of his personal life private and has not publicly discussed the details of the separation.
Despite the reported split, he continues to work closely with his sons at Mathewsons Auctions and remains a prominent figure on Bangers & Cash.
Is Derek Mathewson Still Married?
No, Derek Mathewson is not believed to be still married to Sue Mathewson. According to media reports, the couple separated in 2023 after more than 40 years of marriage.
Since then, Derek has continued to focus on Mathewsons Auctions and his television career, while keeping details of his personal life largely private.
Derek Mathewson Children and Grandchildren
Derek Mathewson has two sons, Dave and Paul Mathewson. Both are actively involved in Mathewsons Auctions and help run the family business.
Dave and Paul have become familiar faces on Bangers & Cash. They help run the auctions and continue the family business founded by their father.
Their involvement has helped transform Mathewsons into one of the UK’s best-known classic car auction houses, while also maintaining its reputation as a close-knit family business.
Derek is also a grandfather and has spoken publicly about spending time with his family. He prefers to keep information about his grandchildren private.
However, it is publicly known that he has granddaughters, including Amy, whose 18th birthday was celebrated by the family in 2021.
Despite his success in business and television, Derek remains a devoted family man. His children and grandchildren continue to play an important role in his life away from the spotlight.
Who is Darek Mathewson New Love?
Derek Mathewson has been linked in media reports to Vicki Ivens, a former Mathewsons Auctions employee. She also became known to viewers through her appearances on Bangers & Cash.
Vicki worked in the office of the family-run business and occasionally appeared on the popular television series, where she became known to fans of the show.
Before gaining media attention through her connection to Derek, she lived a largely private life and was married to her husband, Nicholas Ivens, for many years.
Their relationship drew public attention in 2023 after reports emerged that Derek had separated from his wife, Sue Mathewson. The couple had been married for more than 40 years.
Around the same time, reports emerged linking him romantically with Vicki Ivens.
According to various reports, the pair grew close while working together at Mathewsons in North Yorkshire.
The story attracted significant attention from fans of Bangers & Cash because Derek had long been viewed as the head of a close-knit family business featured on television.
Despite the widespread media coverage, Derek and Vicki have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye and have rarely spoken about it publicly.
As a result, most of the information available about their relationship comes from newspaper reports rather than official statements.
While their personal lives continue to generate interest among fans, Derek has remained focused on his work at Mathewsons and his role on Bangers & Cash.
Is Sarah Crabtree Related to Derek Mathewson?
No, Sarah Crabtree is not related to Derek Mathewson by blood or marriage.
Sarah became a popular figure through her role as office manager at Mathewsons and her appearances on Bangers & Cash.
Her friendly personality and professionalism made her a fan favorite among viewers.
Although she worked closely with Derek and his family, there has never been any family relationship between them.
Is Sarah in Bangers and Cash Derek’s Daughter?
No, Sarah Crabtree is not Derek Mathewson’s daughter.
The confusion likely arose because Sarah worked closely alongside the Mathewson family and appeared regularly on Bangers & Cash.
Her prominent role on the program led some viewers to assume she was a relative.
In reality, Sarah was a valued employee and colleague rather than a family member.
Derek Mathewson Height and Weight
Derek Mathewson stands at an estimated height of around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm or 1.75 m). He weighs around 70 kilograms which is equal to 154 pounds.
While Derek is not known for fitness-related activities, he has maintained an active lifestyle throughout his career in the motor trade.
His work often involves inspecting vehicles, attending auctions, and managing day-to-day operations at Mathewsons Auctions.
Despite being in his seventies, he continues to remain active in both his business and television career, reflecting his long-standing passion for classic cars and the automotive industry.
Is Derek Mathewson ill?
Derek Mathewson is not currently reported to be suffering from any serious illness.
He remains actively involved in Mathewsons Auctions and continues to appear regularly on Bangers & Cash.
In recent years, Derek underwent a routine knee operation and has also dealt with spinal injuries from earlier in his life.
Fortunately, he recovered well from both and continues to remain active in his business and television work.
As of 2026, Derek remains active in both Mathewsons Auctions and Bangers & Cash, with no major health concerns publicly reported.
Social Media Presence
Derek Mathewson maintains an active online presence through the official Mathewsons and Bangers & Cash social media channels.
Fans can follow Mathewsons on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for auction updates, classic car content, and behind-the-scenes moments from Bangers & Cash.
His success on Bangers & Cash has helped him build a loyal following of classic car enthusiasts online.
Bottom Line
In the Bottom line, Derek Mathewson is one of Britain’s most recognizable classic car experts, combining decades of automotive experience with television success.
Through Mathewsons Auctions and Bangers & Cash, he has helped bring classic vehicle collecting to a wider audience while preserving important pieces of motoring history.
His reputation has been built on expertise, entrepreneurship, and a genuine passion for classic automobiles.
Whether through auctions, television appearances, charity work, or community engagement, Derek remains an influential figure in the UK classic car industry.
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Last Updated: June 6, 2026
