Derek Mathewson is the founder of Mathewsons Auctions and the star of Bangers & Cash, with an estimated net worth of £3 million to £5 million as of 2026. His wealth is derived from a 50-year career in the motor trade, the rapid expansion of his auction house (now handling over 4,000 vehicles annually), and his salary from the hit UKTV series which has run for over 13 seasons. While he remains the face of the business, day-to-day operations have increasingly shifted to his sons, Paul and Dave, at their headquarters in Pickering, North Yorkshire.
Derek Mathewson is an anomaly in the world of high-value auctions. He doesn’t wear a bowtie, he doesn’t speak in hushed tones, and he is just as likely to get excited about a rusted 1980s Ford Sierra as he is about a pristine Jaguar E-Type. This authenticity has made him—and his family business—a global phenomenon.
While viewers know him as the grumpy-but-lovable expert on Bangers & Cash, the reality is that Derek Mathewson is a shrewd businessman who built a multi-million-pound empire from a village garage. This guide moves beyond the TV persona to analyze his financial standing, his personal car collection, the truth behind the headlines about his private life, and the economics of the “Mathewson Effect” that plagues the classic car market.
The Mathewson Fortune: A Net Worth Breakdown
Derek Mathewson’s wealth is not just cash in the bank; it is tied up in a complex ecosystem of inventory, real estate, and brand equity.
1. The Auction House Economics
Mathewsons Auctions is a volume business. Unlike Christie’s or Bonhams, which might sell 50 ultra-high-value cars in a day, Mathewsons sells hundreds of affordable classics.
- Volume Over Value: By processing 4,000+ lots a year, the business generates steady commission revenue regardless of whether the classic car market crashes or booms.
- The Buyer’s Premium: With a standard buyer’s premium (approx. 10% + VAT) and seller fees, a single auction of 400 cars with an average hammer price of £8,000 could generate over £300,000 in gross revenue fees alone.
- Turnover: Recent expansions suggest the business is one of the highest-turnover independent auction houses in the North of England.
2. TV Revenue (The Bangers & Cash Salary)
Since its debut in 2019, Bangers & Cash has become the flagship show for the Yesterday channel and is syndicated internationally.
- Talent Fees: As the primary “talent,” Derek commands an appearance fee per episode. With the show entering its 13th series (plus the Restoring Classics spin-off), this provides a substantial, steady annual income unrelated to car sales.
- Brand Value: The show serves as a global advertisement. A car listed at Mathewsons now attracts bidders from Australia, the US, and Japan, artificially inflating hammer prices—and therefore commissions—due to the “TV fame” factor.
3. The Real Estate Portfolio
The move from the picturesque but cramped Thornton-le-Dale site to the industrial hub in Pickering was a strategic financial play.
- Pickering HQ: The expansive Unit 10 facility allows for the storage of hundreds of fee-generating vehicles.
- Thornton-le-Dale: The original garage is now largely a merchandise hub. The freehold value of this property has likely skyrocketed due to its status as a tourist landmark.
Life Behind the Lens: Controversy and Family
While the show depicts a close-knit family unit, Derek’s personal life has faced the intense scrutiny that comes with fame.
The “Rumour Mill” of 2023
In early 2023, Derek Mathewson became the subject of widespread tabloid reporting regarding his marriage to his wife of over 40 years, Sue.
- The Headlines: Reports alleged a separation and a new relationship with a younger colleague, Vicki Ivens, who had previously appeared on the show.
- The Business Impact: Despite the sensationalist headlines, the family business—and the TV show—continued without interruption. Paul and Dave Mathewson remained central to the operation, proving the resilience of the “Mathewson” brand beyond personal dynamics.
- Current Status: The family maintains a strict privacy policy regarding these matters, focusing entirely on the cars during public engagements.
The Next Generation
The Mathewson dynasty is securing its future. Recent seasons of Bangers & Cash have introduced viewers to the third generation—Derek’s grandsons, Jack and Charlie.
- Succession Planning: Derek has openly spoken about stepping back (though never fully retiring). The gradual handover of logistics to Paul and auctioneering duties to Dave is a key theme of the later series, ensuring the net worth of the family is protected for decades to come.
Derek’s Personal “Museum” Collection
Derek is a hoarder at heart. His personal collection is a mix of high-value investments and sentimental oddities. He keeps many of these at a private “museum” facility that is occasionally featured on the show.
| Vehicle | Estimated Value | Why He Owns It |
| Aston Martin DB6 | £200,000+ | The “Crown Jewel.” Derek bought this as a wreck and restored it. It represents the pinnacle of his collection. |
| Bedford CA Dormobile | £15,000 – £25,000 | His obsession. Derek owns several of these campers. He loves them for their nostalgia rather than performance. |
| Jaguar XK150 | £60,000+ | A classic British sports car that he has kept in long-term storage, often joking about “getting round to it.” |
| Ford Zephyr (Mk2) | £10,000 – £15,000 | Represents the “Z-Cars” era of policing. A classic example of his love for 1950s/60s British metal. |
| 1930 Sunbeam | £25,000+ | A pre-war classic that shows the breadth of his mechanical knowledge. |
The “Mathewson Effect” on Market Prices
Derek Mathewson has inadvertently changed the classic car market in the UK. This phenomenon, known as the “Mathewson Effect,” refers to the inflation of prices for specific “unloved” models after he praises them on TV.
The “Everyman” Classic
Before Derek, cars like the Austin Maestro, Vauxhall Cavalier, or Ford Sierra 1.6L were considered scrap. Derek championed these as “the cars your dad drove,” validating them as collectibles.
- Result: Prices for mundane 1980s family saloons have doubled or tripled at his auctions. A low-mileage Ford Fiesta can now fetch more than a Jaguar XJ-S, largely because Derek convinced the nation that nostalgia is worth paying for.
The Transparency Premium
Derek’s blunt descriptions (“It’s rot, pure rot”) have paradoxically increased prices. Buyers trust his pessimism more than a glossy dealer’s optimism. They bid higher because they feel they know exactly what they are buying, eliminating the “fear factor” of classic car ownership.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning to visit the home of Bangers & Cash, you must distinguish between the “TV Set” and the actual business.
Location 1: The Gift Shop (Thornton-le-Dale)
- Address: Roxby Garage, Pickering Road, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7LH.
- What to expect: This is the famous stone garage from the opening credits. It is now a tourist hub selling t-shirts, mugs, and model cars.
- Can I see cars here? Very few. You might see one or two “star cars” on the forecourt, but do not expect rows of auction lots.
- Parking: Strictly prohibited on the forecourt. Use the large village car park (pay and display) a 2-minute walk away.
Location 2: The Auction HQ (Pickering)
- Address: Unit 10, Enterprise Way, Pickering, YO18 7NA.
- What to expect: An industrial estate filled with 400-500 cars.
- Access Rules: Strictly limited. You cannot walk in on a random Tuesday. You must check the website for “Public Viewing Days,” which usually occur the week prior to an auction.
- Auction Day: The auctions themselves are now often held behind closed doors or with limited attendance, with the majority of bidding happening online. Do not travel on auction day expecting to sit in a hall; travel on viewing days to inspect the metal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Derek Mathewson’s actual net worth? Estimates place his personal net worth between £3 million and £5 million. This includes his share of the business, his real estate portfolio in North Yorkshire, his personal car collection, and accumulated earnings from 13+ series of Bangers & Cash.
2. Did Derek and Sue split up? In 2023, widely circulated media reports alleged that Derek had separated from his wife Sue. Neither party released a formal public statement confirming a divorce, and the family has chosen to keep their private lives out of the show’s narrative since then.
3. Does Derek Mathewson own the Aston Martin DB6? Yes. He famously bought a project DB6 and restored it. It is one of the few cars he has stated he would “never sell,” although everything has a price in an auctioneer’s mind.
4. How much do they get paid for Bangers & Cash? While UKTV does not publish salaries, lead talent on successful cable shows typically earn between £50,000 and £100,000 per series depending on syndication rights. Given the show’s longevity, the Mathewsons likely negotiated a favorable package that includes royalties from international sales.
5. Is the “Museum” open in 2026? As of early 2026, the museum facility remains a work in progress with sporadic opening times. It is best to check the official Mathewsons website for “Museum Open Days,” which are distinct from auction viewing days.
6. Can I just turn up at the Pickering showroom? No. The Pickering site is a working industrial facility with heavy machinery moving cars. Public access is restricted to specific viewing windows (usually 3-4 days before an auction).Turning up unannounced will likely result in being turned away for safety reasons.
7. Who are Jack and Charlie? Jack and Charlie are the third generation of Mathewsons (Derek’s grandsons) who have started appearing in recent series (Series 10 onwards), tasked with collecting cars and learning the ropes, signaling the future succession of the business.
8. Why did Sarah Crabtree leave? Sarah left in 2021 to start her own venture, Evoke Classics. Her departure was professional, driven by a desire to run her own business rather than remain an employee, though it sparked massive fan speculation at the time.
9. Do they charge to sell a car? Yes. Sellers pay an entry fee (often nominal) plus a selling commission (percentage of the hammer price). However, for particularly interesting “barn finds” that make good TV, terms can sometimes be negotiated.
10. Is Derek really that grumpy? According to visitors and staff, yes—but in a charming way. His “grumpiness” is largely a intolerance for waffle. He prefers straight talking and mechanics to small talk, which translates to the “curmudgeonly” persona seen on TV.
For a look at the cars Derek actually keeps for himself (and doesn’t auction off), watch his personal tour of the museum facility:
Derek Shows Us His Cars In The Museum
This video is relevant as it directly showcases Derek’s personal collection mentioned in the “Assets” section, confirming his ownership of the DB6 and Bedford vans.
