Derek Mathewson is a British classic car dealer, auctioneer, and television personality, best known for his role in the hit show Bangers & Cash. He’s the founder of Mathewsons Auctions, a family-run business based in Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire. His passion for preserving motoring history and his warm personality have made him one of the most loved figures in the world of vintage cars.
Derek isn’t just about selling cars — he’s about keeping their stories alive. In every episode of Bangers & Cash, he shows his belief that “every vehicle has a story worth telling.” Through his business and show, Derek Mathewson has helped bring forgotten classics back into the public eye and inspired thousands to take up car restoration as a hobby.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Classic Car Dealer, Auctioneer, TV Star |
| Known For | Bangers & Cash (Yesterday Channel) |
| Business Name | Mathewsons Classic Car Auctions |
| Location | Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire |
| Passion |
Early Life & Background of Derek Mathewson
Derek Mathewson was born in October 1951 in the United Kingdom. Growing up, he was fascinated by anything that had wheels. From helping local garages to spending hours learning about engines, cars became his first love. His upbringing was modest, but his determination was strong. He learned that hard work and honesty could turn a passion into a profession.
As a young man, Derek started out dealing in modern cars and trucks in the early 1970s. However, his real interest was always in the older models — the ones with history and heart. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being fair and knowledgeable, and his garage became a meeting point for local enthusiasts who shared his passion for motoring heritage.
Building the Business – Mathewsons
In 1970, Derek founded Mathewsons, originally selling modern cars before slowly transitioning into classic vehicles. As his love for old motors grew, so did the business. He and his family decided to focus completely on classic car auctions, and soon their small-town operation became one of the UK’s most trusted names in vintage car sales.
Today, Mathewsons is more than a business — it’s a family legacy. Derek’s sons, Paul and Dave Mathewson, play active roles in running the auctions and managing the company. Their base in Thornton-le-Dale now includes a museum, showroom, and an ever-growing list of rare and collectible cars.
Derek’s business philosophy is simple:
“Cars are more than machines. They’re memories on wheels.”
This mindset has helped Mathewsons grow not only as a dealership but as a community for car lovers around the country
| Founded | Main Focus | Notable Feature | Family Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Classic Car Auctions & Sales | Museum & TV Fame via Bangers & Cash | Derek, Paul & Dave Mathewson |
Derek Mathewson and Bangers & Cash
The TV show Bangers & Cash premiered in 2019 on the Yesterday Channel, and it quickly became a favourite among car enthusiasts. The show follows Derek Mathewson and his family as they discover, restore, and auction off rare vehicles — from classic Fords to vintage Rolls-Royces.
What sets Bangers & Cash apart is its heart. Derek’s interactions are genuine — he speaks to owners with kindness and curiosity. The show doesn’t just showcase cars; it tells the personal stories of those who’ve cherished them.
Bangers & Cash also shines a light on the real challenges of restoring old cars — from finding parts to keeping costs under control. Derek’s mix of humour, knowledge, and care has made him a household name and introduced a whole new audience to the charm of classic.
Personal Life & Family
Behind the TV fame, Derek Mathewson is a family man. He has two sons, Paul and Dave, who both work alongside him at Mathewsons. Their teamwork and natural chemistry on-screen have made Bangers & Cash even more special for viewers.
While Derek’s life has also seen some personal challenges, including being in the public eye, he continues to focus on what he loves — his family, his work, and his cars. He believes in staying true to himself and the values that helped him build his success: honesty, hard work, and passion.
Derek enjoys spending time with his family and often says that the best part of his job is working with his sons every day. Together, they’ve managed to keep Mathewsons a respected family business while expanding its reach across the UK.
Derek Mathewson’s Legacy in the Classic Car World
Derek Mathewson’s name is now firmly written in Britain’s classic car history. Through Mathewsons and Bangers & Cash, he’s helped educate the public about the value of restoration, history, and craftsmanship. Many fans say that Derek has inspired them to restore their first car or visit a classic auction for the first time.
His approach — valuing cars not just for their price, but for their stories — has made a big difference in how people see vintage vehicles today. Derek has also helped local tourism in North Yorkshire, as visitors travel to see his famous showroom and museum.
Fun Facts About Derek’s Legacy
- He has auctioned over 2,000 classic cars since the show began.
- His favourite models often include 1950s and 1960s British classics.
- His business helped revive public interest in small-town classic auctions.
Derek Mathewson’s work continues to remind people that cars can connect generations — from grandparents who once drove them, to kids who now admire them in museums or on screen.
FAQs About Derek Mathewson
1. Who is Derek Mathewson?
Derek Mathewson is a British car dealer, auctioneer, and TV personality famous for his show Bangers & Cash and for running Mathewsons Auctions in North Yorkshire.
2. What is Bangers & Cash about?
It’s a documentary-style show where Derek and his family buy, restore, and auction classic vehicles while sharing the touching stories behind them.
3. Where is Mathewsons located?
Mathewsons is based in Thornton-le-Dale, a beautiful village in North Yorkshire, England.
4. Is Derek Mathewson still active in the business?
Yes, Derek still works actively in his auction business and continues to appear in new episodes of Bangers & Cash with his sons.
5. What makes Derek Mathewson unique?
His honesty, warmth, and deep respect for automotive history have made him one of the UK’s most trusted names in the world of classic cars.
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