As of 2026, Sam Lovegrove is a world-renowned British motorcycle engineer, designer, and television personality with an estimated net worth of £1.2 million to £1.8 million. He is most widely recognized for his authoritative roles on hit television series such as Shed & Buried, The Motorbike Show, and Find It, Fix It, Drive It, where he stars alongside his longtime collaborator and friend, Henry Cole. Beyond his media presence, Lovegrove is a highly respected figure in the elite engineering community, having served as the Chief Engineer for Brough Superior and the lead designer for Gladstone Motorcycles.
Early Engineering and Career Roots
Sam Lovegrove’s professional journey began decades before he stepped in front of a camera, rooted in the grit and precision of traditional British engineering. Based in Redruth, Cornwall, Lovegrove established a reputation as a master “fettler”—a term used in the trade for a highly skilled mechanic who can tune and refine complex machinery to perfection.
His early career was defined by a deep immersion in vintage internal combustion engines, particularly those from the pre-war era. Unlike modern mechanics who rely on computer diagnostics, Lovegrove’s value lies in his ability to diagnose issues by ear and hand-fabricate parts that have been out of production for over a century.
The Brough Superior Connection
One of the most significant contributors to Lovegrove’s professional authority and financial standing is his role as the Chief Engineer at Brough Superior. Often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” Brough Superiors are among the most valuable two-wheeled vehicles in the world, often fetching six-figure sums at auction.
Lovegrove’s expertise in these machines made him the “go-to” restorer for global collectors, including celebrities like Jay Leno. His work on the SS100 and other iconic models helped revive the brand’s heritage, ensuring that his name became synonymous with the highest tier of automotive preservation and performance.
Television Fame: Shed & Buried
Sam Lovegrove transitioned into a household name through his partnership with Henry Cole on the series Shed & Buried. The show, which follows the duo as they hunt through Britain’s cluttered outbuildings for “automotive gold,” relies heavily on Sam’s technical assessment to determine if a rusted relic is a profitable investment.
His onscreen persona—calm, technically precise, and often the “straight man” to Henry Cole’s exuberant energy—endeared him to millions of viewers. This television success led to multiple spin-offs, including Junk and Disorderly and Find It, Fix It, Flog It, providing a steady stream of media income and boosting the market value of his private workshop services.
Business Ventures and Gladstone Motorcycles
In addition to his TV work, Lovegrove is a pivotal figure in the boutique manufacturing world, most notably with Gladstone Motorcycles. As the technical lead, he collaborated on the design of the Gladstone No. 1, a limited-edition bobber that sold out almost immediately upon its announcement.
He also co-designed the “Red Beard,” a custom 350cc machine that famously set a British land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. These high-stakes engineering projects demonstrated that Lovegrove’s skills were not just for show; he remains a competitive force in performance tuning and innovative vehicle design.
Sam Lovegrove’s Private Collection
While much of his work involves restoring vehicles for others, Lovegrove has amassed a personal collection of rare motorcycles that constitutes a significant portion of his wealth. His collection is curated with an eye for “mechanical purity” rather than just market trends, featuring several early 20th-century flat-tankers and unique trials bikes.
Experts suggest that the appreciation of his Brough Superior and vintage Triumph assets has outperformed traditional stock market investments over the last decade. His workshop in Cornwall is not just a place of business but a secure vault for some of the rarest mechanical artifacts in the United Kingdom.
Personal Life and Health Rumors
In late 2024 and 2025, fans expressed concern when Lovegrove appeared less frequently on certain television series, leading to rumors about his health. However, in recent 2026 updates, Lovegrove clarified that he simply chose to scale back his travel schedule to focus on complex private restoration projects and his family in Cornwall.
He remains in good health and continues to make “guest” appearances in Henry Cole’s productions, such as Shed Talk. His decision to prioritize quality over quantity in his media work has only increased the “rarity” and demand for his appearances and technical consultations.
Design Innovations: Gladstone Motorcycles
In addition to restoration, Lovegrove has made significant marks in the world of boutique motorcycle manufacturing through Gladstone Motorcycles. Working as the technical lead, he collaborated on the Gladstone No. 1, a bespoke, limited-edition bobber that showcased his eye for “mechanical purity.”
He also played a critical role in developing the Gladstone “Red Beard,” a custom 350cc vintage machine. These projects highlight his transition from a mechanic who fixes history to a designer who creates it, blending traditional aesthetics with modern performance standards.
Private Collection and Personal Wealth
Sam Lovegrove’s net worth is significantly bolstered by his private collection of rare motorcycles, which includes several early 20th-century “flat-tankers” and unique Brough Superior models. These assets have appreciated significantly over the last decade, often outperforming traditional luxury investments.
His wealth is further diversified through his private consultancy firm in Cornwall, where he takes on high-profile restoration commissions for private collectors and museums. While he maintains a humble lifestyle, his assets reflect a lifetime of acquiring and refining some of the most sought-after mechanical artifacts in existence.
Health and Absence: The True Story
In late 2024, rumors circulated regarding Lovegrove’s health following a brief absence from certain television productions. However, in 2026 updates, Sam confirmed that his reduced screen time was a personal choice to prioritize his Cornish workshop and family life over grueling filming schedules.
He remains active in the community, continuing to appear in special segments like “Shed Talk” and attending major events like Museum LIVE at the National Motorcycle Museum. His occasional absence from the limelight has only served to increase the demand for his expertise and the value of his public appearances.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are interested in Sam Lovegrove’s work or the UK vintage bike scene in 2026, here is what you need to know:
Base of Operations: Sam is based in Redruth, Cornwall, though his workshop is a private professional facility and not a public museum.
Event Attendance: You can typically meet Sam at the Stafford Classic Bike Show and the National Motorcycle Museum’s LIVE events, where he often hosts signing sessions.
Professional Services: Restoration inquiries are generally handled through his professional network; he specializes in high-end pre-war British machinery.
Media Access: New episodes featuring Sam can be found on ITV4 or via the Henry Cole TV digital subscription platform.
Philosophy: Sam advocates for “preservation over restoration,” encouraging owners to keep original finishes (patina) whenever possible to maintain historical value.
FAQs
How much is Sam Lovegrove worth in 2026?
His estimated net worth is between £1.2 million and £1.8 million, derived from TV contracts, engineering roles, and a valuable private motorcycle collection.
Is Sam Lovegrove still working with Henry Cole?
Yes, they remain close friends and business partners, frequently appearing together on The Motorbike Show and various digital “Shed Talk” series.
Where is Sam Lovegrove’s workshop located?
His primary workshop and residence are located in Redruth, a town in Cornwall, England.
What is Sam Lovegrove’s role at Brough Superior?
He has served as a Chief Engineer and designer, notably preparing their record-breaking machines for the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Why did Sam Lovegrove leave Shed & Buried?
He did not leave permanently but moved to a recurring/expert role to focus more on his private restoration business and family in Cornwall.
Is Sam Lovegrove a qualified engineer?
Yes, he is a master mechanical engineer with decades of experience in both traditional restoration and modern high-performance tuning.
What was the first bike Sam Lovegrove restored?
While he has worked on hundreds, he has a deep personal connection to early British “flat-tankers” from the 1910s and 1920s.
Can I hire Sam Lovegrove to fix my bike?
Sam typically takes on high-value, specialized restoration projects for collectors, rather than general repair work for the public.
Does Sam Lovegrove have a family?
Sam is a private individual, but it is known that he is married and has children, often citing them as the reason for staying closer to home in Cornwall.
What happened to Sam Lovegrove’s health?
Despite internet rumors, Sam is in good health as of 2026; his absence was due to a desire for a better work-life balance and a focus on his workshop.
What is Gladstone No. 1?
It is a limited-run, handmade British motorcycle designed by Sam Lovegrove and Henry Cole, inspired by 1940s-style bobbers.
How many world records does Sam Lovegrove have?
He was the lead engineer for the Brough Superior team that set four records (two FIM and two AMA) at Bonneville in 2013.
Does Sam Lovegrove have a family?
Yes, he is a private individual but has often mentioned his family and children in the context of his life in Cornwall.
What is Sam Lovegrove’s age in 2026?
Sam Lovegrove is approximately 63 years old in 2026.
Is Sam Lovegrove still on The Motorbike Show?
Yes, he remains a key technical contributor to the show, particularly during the “restoration” segments of each series.
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