Derek Mathewson’s net worth ranges from roughly £3.5 million to £10 million in 2025, according to multiple industry estimates. Some outlets put his wealth closer to the lower end of that range, while others extend it slightly higher depending on how much value is assigned to his classic car collection and business interests. Estimating net worth in the classic car world is tricky because much of a dealer’s wealth sits in cars that appreciate over time rather than in liquid cash.
For those who know him from television, Derek is best known as the star of Bangers and Cash on UKTV’s Yesterday channel, where he and his family run auctions and handle classic car sales. The show follows real auctions and restorations rather than scripted drama, giving viewers an honest look at the business he has built over more than 50 years.
Derek Mathewson Net Worth
Reliable industry estimates place Derek Mathewson’s net worth in the region of £4 million to £10 million. This range appears most often in British business and motoring reports and aligns with the scale of his auction house, television income, and personal assets.
Some online sources quote higher or lower figures, but net worth calculations become complex when most wealth sits in appreciating classic cars rather than cash. For a classic car dealer’s net worth, the paper value fluctuates with market demand, auction timing, and buyer appetite. What matters more than the headline number is how that wealth was built and sustained.
Started Young With Cars
Derek Mathewson was born on October 13, 1951, which puts Derek Mathewson’s age in his early seventies. Unlike many teenagers, he did not just admire cars; he rebuilt them. At 16, he restored his first vehicle, learning mechanics the hard way, with grease under his nails and no shortcuts.
By 19, he founded what would later become Mathewsons Auctions. Early on, he sold modern and commercial vehicles, but his passion always leaned toward classics. That early focus shaped his long-term success. While others chased quick margins, he learned the slow art of spotting future value in forgotten metal.
Derek Mathewson’s Family Background
Family plays a central role in Derek Mathewson’s biography. His business never followed a corporate blueprint. Instead, it grew around trust, shared work, and long hours spent together.
Derek Mathewson’s Wife
Derek Mathewson’s wife, Sue, has remained largely out of the public eye. She supported the business from the beginning and stayed involved behind the scenes. Derek keeps his private life deliberately quiet, which has helped the family avoid unnecessary media attention.
Derek Mathewson’s Daughter
A common misconception links Sarah Crabtree from Bangers and Cash to the Mathewson family. She is not Derek Mathewson’s daughter. Sarah worked as an office manager at the auction house before leaving to launch Evoke Classics. She has clearly stated she is not related to Derek, despite frequent assumptions.
Derek Mathewson’s Family Built The Business
Derek Mathewson’s family business now runs as a true second-generation operation. His sons, Paul and Dave, manage daily auctions, client relationships, and logistics. Viewers often see them on screen, negotiating deals and guiding sellers through the process.
This structure reflects many long-running family businesses in the UK. The founder sets the values. The next generation applies them at scale. Derek remains involved, but his sons now carry much of the operational load.
Derek Mathewson’s Car Collection Is Massive
One reason people question how much Derek Mathewson is worth lies in his private car collection. Reports indicate he owns over 100 classic cars. That figure alone places him among serious British car collectors.
His personal favourite, often mentioned in interviews, is a Ford Mustang. Publications like Classic & Sports Car magazine have toured his garage, highlighting vehicles that span decades of motoring history.
These cars are not trophies. They represent long-term classic car investments. Many were bought cheaply in the 1970s and have since seen significant historic vehicle appreciation.
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Where Derek Mathewson’s Net Worth Actually Comes From
Derek Mathewson’s wealth flows from three clear sources:
First is Mathewsons Auctions, a respected Yorkshire auction house based in Thornton-le-Dale near Pickering, North Yorkshire. The business runs frequent vehicle auctions in the UK, generating steady auction commission revenue from thousands of lots each year.
Second is television. As a Bangers and Cash star, Derek earns income from appearances on a long-running classic car TV show. The pay alone does not create millions, but the exposure drives sellers and buyers toward the auction house.
Third is asset growth. His personal collection contributes significantly to Derek Mathewson’s wealth, even though those assets remain illiquid until sold.
Bangers and Cash Changed Everything
Bangers and Cash first aired in 2019 on Yesterday. The show follows real auctions, not scripted drama. That authenticity helped it stand out among unscripted car shows.
Viewers watch vehicles arrive, hear their stories, and see what happens when the hammer falls. Sometimes prices soar. Sometimes they disappoint. That honesty reflects real market dynamics and explains why the show resonates.
Growing The Business In 2025
In 2025, Derek continues to push the business forward. The focus has shifted toward online bidding and international buyers who cannot attend auctions in person. This move aligns with wider trends in the car-buying and selling business.
Digital expansion allows the auction house to reach collectors worldwide while keeping its physical base firmly in Yorkshire.
What Makes Him Different
Many people trade classic cars. Fewer stay relevant for fifty years. What sets Derek apart is consistency. He never chased hype. He studied vintage car values, trusted experience, and treated sellers fairly.
His straightforward Yorkshire manner also helps. On British motoring television, authenticity matters. Viewers trust him because he never oversells a rusty bonnet or hides a fault.
The Bottom Line On His Wealth
So, how much is Derek Mathewson worth? A realistic answer sits between £4 million and £10 million, depending on how you value his cars at any given moment. That figure reflects decades of steady growth, not sudden fame.
Derek Mathewson’s fortune tells a simple story. Learn your craft early. Stay patient. Build something lasting. Fame may follow, but it should never lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Derek Mathewson make his money?
Derek Mathewson made his money through decades of work in the classic car trade. His primary income comes from running a successful family-run auction house, earning commission on vehicle and memorabilia sales. Television exposure later boosted visibility, but the foundation of his wealth was already in place long before Bangers and Cash aired.
How much is Derek Mathewson worth?
Most reliable estimates place Derek Mathewson’s net worth between £4 million and £10 million. This range reflects his auction business earnings, television income, and the value of his personal classic car collection, which fluctuates with the market.
How much does Derek Mathewson earn from auctions?
Exact figures are not publicly available, but the auction commission represents a significant portion of Derek Mathewson’s income. With regular vehicle auctions and high-value classic cars passing through the business, this revenue stream has remained consistent for decades.
Is Sarah Crabtree related to Derek Mathewson?
No. Sarah Crabtree is not related to Derek Mathewson. She previously worked at the auction house and appeared on the show, which led to confusion. She later left to start her own business and has clearly stated she has no family connection to the Mathewsons.
Where is Mathewsons Auctions located?
Mathewsons Auctions is based in Thornton-le-Dale near Pickering, North Yorkshire. The location has become a well-known destination for classic car enthusiasts across the UK.
Does Derek Mathewson still work in the business?
Yes. Although his sons now manage much of the daily operation, Derek remains actively involved. He still attends auctions, advises on valuations, and appears on television, driven by genuine passion rather than obligation.
Last Words
Derek Mathewson’s biography shows that wealth does not always arrive quickly. Sometimes it rolls in slowly, on four wheels, over half a century.
At an age when many people retire, he still attends auctions, still discusses cars with genuine enthusiasm, and still enjoys the work.
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