Derek Mathewson is the founder of Mathewsons Classic Vehicle Auctions and the lead star of the hit UKTV series Bangers & Cash. With over 50 years of experience in the motor trade, he has become a national treasure in the classic car community, known for his signature flat cap, Yorkshire wit, and encyclopedic knowledge of vintage vehicles. Operating from the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale in North Yorkshire, Derek and his family—including sons Paul and Dave—uncover, restore, and auction hundreds of classic “bangers” every month.
Derek Mathewson’s Early Career
Derek Mathewson began his journey in the motor trade in 1970, originally operating out of Bedfordshire. During these early years, the business focused on modern car sales and commercial vehicle leasing to both trade and retail customers. Despite the focus on modern transport, Derek’s true passion was always vintage motors, and he spent decades quietly building a reputation as a savvy buyer and restorer of classics.
The business underwent a significant transformation in 1988 when the Mathewson family relocated to North Yorkshire. Initially, they maintained operations in Bedfordshire while establishing roots in Scarborough, Malton, and Pickering. By the late 1990s, they held franchises for KIA and Skoda, but the growing size of Derek’s private collection eventually forced a pivot back to his first love: classic and vintage vehicles.
The Rise of Bangers & Cash
Bangers & Cash debuted on the Yesterday channel in 2019 and quickly became one of the UK’s most-watched factual programmes. The show provides a “fly-on-the-wall” look at the daily operations of the Mathewsons auction house, following Derek and his sons as they travel across the country to rescue forgotten cars from barns and garages. Its success is largely attributed to Derek’s authentic, no-nonsense approach and the genuine family dynamic on display.
The show has since expanded into several seasons and launched a popular spin-off, Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics. This spin-off follows the journey of specific vehicles purchased at the auction as they undergo professional restoration before being sold again. The media exposure has turned the village of Thornton-le-Dale into a pilgrimage site for car enthusiasts, significantly boosting the local tourism economy.
Notable Classic Car Auctions
Mathewsons hosts approximately nine major auctions per year, handling around 4,000 vehicles annually. These events range from affordable “entry-level” bangers sold for a few hundred pounds to high-end collectibles reaching six-figure sums. The auctions are known for their diversity, often featuring everything from 1920s steam engines to 1990s Japanese “modern classics.”
One of the most significant sales in the auction’s history was a 1967 Aston Martin DB6, which sold for roughly £190,000. Other notable sales include a 1973 Ford Escort Mexico and rare pre-war Sunbeams. While high-priced Ferraris and Jaguars grab headlines, Derek often expresses more excitement for “honest” everyday cars like the Austin Allegro or the Morris Minor, which evoke deep nostalgia for the viewing public.
Derek’s Personal Car Collection
Derek Mathewson is not just an auctioneer; he is a prolific collector with a personal garage that reflects his eclectic tastes. His collection includes several pristine Aston Martins, which he considers the pinnacle of British engineering, alongside more unusual finds like vintage bread vans and commercial scooters. He often jokes that he is a “bad dealer” because he finds it difficult to part with the cars he truly loves.
Among his favorites is a 1930 Sunbeam and a rare Jaguar XK that has remained in his possession for many years. Derek’s philosophy on collecting emphasizes the “story” behind the car rather than just its market value. He frequently highlights vehicles that were someone’s “first car” or a “dream car” they finally managed to buy in retirement, viewing himself as a temporary custodian of automotive history.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning a visit to the Mathewsons site, it is important to note that the operation is split between the museum in Thornton-le-Dale and the auction site in Pickering. The picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale is highly popular, so visitors are advised to arrive early to secure parking.
- Museum/Showroom Location: Thornton-le-Dale, North York Moors National Park.
- Auction Site: Unit 10, Enterprise Way, Thornton Road, Pickering.
- Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (check official website for seasonal changes).
- Auction Dates: Held roughly every 6-8 weeks; full catalogs are published online 2-3 weeks prior.
- What to Expect: A bustling courtyard filled with classic cars, a gift shop selling “Derek’s Tipple,” and a chance to see the stars of the show in action.
Derek’s Personal Car Collection
Derek Mathewson is not just an auctioneer; he is a prolific collector with a personal garage that reflects his eclectic tastes. His collection includes several pristine Aston Martins, which he considers the pinnacle of British engineering, alongside more unusual finds like vintage bread vans and commercial scooters. He often jokes that he is a “bad dealer” because he finds it difficult to part with the cars he truly loves.
Among his favorites is a 1930 Sunbeam and a rare Jaguar XK that has remained in his possession for many years. Derek’s philosophy on collecting emphasizes the “story” behind the car rather than just its market value. He frequently highlights vehicles that were someone’s “first car” or a “dream car” they finally managed to buy in retirement, viewing himself as a temporary custodian of automotive history.
Evolution of the Business
In the 1990s, the family operated main dealer franchises for brands like KIA and Skoda. While these were successful, the classic car side of the operation eventually grew so large that it became their primary focus. This shift led to the establishment of the dedicated auction premises in Thornton-le-Dale.
By 2011, the company launched its official “Classic Car Auctions” venture, capitalizing on the picturesque location to attract buyers. Today, the business is a multi-site operation, with a gift shop and forecourt in Thornton-le-Dale and a massive auction storage and viewing facility in Pickering. This expansion has allowed them to manage the nearly 900 lots that go under the hammer in a typical auction cycle.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning a visit to the Mathewsons site in 2026, it is important to note that the operation is split between the gift shop in Thornton-le-Dale and the auction site in Pickering. The picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale is highly popular, so visitors are advised to arrive early to secure parking.
- Museum/Showroom Location: Thornton-le-Dale, North York Moors National Park. (Note: The museum is currently closed, with a potential reopening planned for late 2025/2026).
- Auction Site: Unit 10, Enterprise Way, Thornton Road, Pickering.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Monday-Saturday); closed Sundays from September.
- Auction Viewing: Held for 6 days prior to each sale at the Pickering branch (Entry fee: £5).
- Shuttle Bus: A shuttle service often runs between Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering during peak auction periods to alleviate parking issues.
FAQs
Who is Derek Mathewson’s wife?
Derek is married to Gill Mathewson, who has been a supportive partner throughout the business’s expansion. While she occasionally appears in the background of the show, she largely prefers to stay out of the limelight.
How many sons does Derek Mathewson have?
Derek has two sons, Paul and Dave, both of whom are integral to the family business. Paul often handles the logistics and transport, while Dave is frequently seen conducting valuations and managing the auction floor.
Where are Bangers and Cash filmed?
The show is primarily filmed in and around Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering in North Yorkshire. It also features various locations across the UK where Derek and his team go to collect vehicles.
Can I visit the Mathewsons museum?
The museum in Thornton-le-Dale is a popular attraction, though it has been closed for some years. Plans for a 2025/2026 reopening have been discussed, but the gift shop and forecourt remain open for visitors.
How do I bid at a Mathewsons auction?
Bidding can be done online via their bidding platform, by telephone, or by leaving a commission bid. In-person auction attendance is currently “behind closed doors,” but public viewing is encouraged during the week leading up to the sale.
What is Derek Mathewson’s net worth?
While official figures are private, his business success and TV career suggest a substantial net worth in the multimillion-pound range. This stems from decades in the motor trade and the high volume of classic car sales handled by the auction house.
What is the most expensive car sold on Bangers and Cash?
A 1967 Aston Martin DB6 remains one of the most high-profile sales, reaching approximately £190,000. Other high-performers include rare Ford RS models and vintage luxury brands like Rolls-Royce.
Is Bangers and Cash scripted?
The show is an observational documentary, meaning the auctions and car discoveries are real. While some scenes are edited for timing, the “drama” of the bidding and the condition of the barn finds are authentic.
What happened to the Pickering site?
The Pickering site serves as the main head office and auction holding area. It was established to handle the massive increase in vehicle volume following the show’s success and is the primary location for viewing days.
Does Derek Mathewson still sell cars?
Yes, Derek remains fully active in the business. He continues to value vehicles, lead auctions, and can often be found on the forecourt at Thornton-le-Dale when he isn’t out on the road.
What is Bangers & Cash Live?
This is a dedicated event held for fans of the show, featuring live auctions, vehicle displays, and “meet and greet” opportunities with the Mathewson family. Tickets for the 2026 events are typically pre-purchase only.
Who is Derek Mathewson’s wife?
Derek is married to Gill Mathewson, who has been a supportive partner throughout the business’s expansion. While she occasionally appears in the background of the show, she largely prefers to stay out of the limelight.
How many sons does Derek Mathewson have?
Derek has two sons, Paul and Dave, both of whom are integral to the family business. Paul often handles the logistics and transport, while Dave is frequently seen conducting valuations and managing the auction floor.
Where is Bangers and Cash filmed?
The show is primarily filmed in and around Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering in North Yorkshire. It also features various locations across the UK where Derek and his team go to collect vehicles.
Can I visit the Mathewsons museum?
The museum in Thornton-le-Dale is a popular attraction, though it has undergone periods of closure for renovation. It is best to check the official Mathewsons website for the most current opening status before traveling.
How do I bid at a Mathewsons auction?
Bidding can be done in person at the local village hall (on designated days), online via their bidding platform, or by telephone. You must register as a bidder in advance and provide a deposit in some cases.
What is Derek Mathewson’s net worth?
While official figures are private, his net worth is estimated to be in the low multimillion range. This is derived from his 50+ years in the motor trade, the success of the auction house, and TV earnings.
What is the most expensive car sold on Bangers and Cash?
A 1967 Aston Martin DB6 holds the record for one of the highest sales, fetching approximately £190,000. High-performance Fords like the Escort RS Cosworth also regularly fetch high prices.
Is Bangers and Cash scripted?
The show is an observational documentary, meaning the auctions and car discoveries are real. While some scenes are edited for timing, the “drama” of the bidding and the condition of the barn finds are authentic.
For More Lifestyle Related insights click on :
How Old is Tess Daly? Age, Career, and Life Biography
Susan Calman’s Wife: A Deep Dive into Her Marriage with Lee Cormack
Steven Bartlett Net Worth: The Comprehensive 2026 Financial Blueprint
To read more , Brighton City News