Derek Mathewson is a name that has become synonymous with the world of classic cars, family businesses, and the popular TV show Bangers and Cash. For many, Derek is a beloved figure in the car auction world, having built a thriving business that’s a staple in the British car market. However, despite his professional success, Derek’s personal life has recently garnered significant media attention, casting a shadow over his long-standing career and family life. This blog will explore both Derek’s rise to fame in the car auction industry and the personal controversies that have made headlines in recent years.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 13, 1951, Derek Mathewson grew up with a deep passion for cars, an interest that would shape his entire career. His journey into the world of cars began in Bedfordshire in the early 1970s, where he started selling modern cars and trucks. His initial foray into the automotive business was modest, but Derek’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for vehicles drove him to expand his operations.
In the late 1980s, Derek moved his operations to North Yorkshire, where he would establish Mathewsons, the family-run car auction company that would later become a household name. Over the years, Mathewsons grew from a local business into a recognized name in the classic car world, thanks to Derek’s ability to spot rare and vintage vehicles and make them available to a larger audience.
By the early 2000s, Derek’s business began to evolve. While the car auction scene was his foundation, Derek expanded Mathewsons into the classic and vintage car sector, launching Mathewsons Classic Cars in 2011. The decision to focus on classic cars marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history, as it attracted a dedicated clientele and an expanding fanbase.
Derek’s company also ventured into the car contract rental and leasing market, further diversifying its services. His keen business acumen allowed Mathewsons to not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive automotive industry.
The Rise to Fame with Bangers and Cash
Derek’s success in the classic car auction business didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2017, his story was brought to the small screen with the launch of Bangers and Cash on the Yesterday Channel. The show, which follows the day-to-day operations of Mathewsons’ auction house, quickly became a hit with car enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
Bangers and Cash featured the behind-the-scenes action of Derek and his family as they auctioned off vintage and classic cars, providing an intimate look at the world of car restoration, buying, and selling. The show became a fan favorite due to its blend of humor, family dynamics, and insight into the sometimes quirky world of classic car auctions.
Derek, along with his sons, David and Paul, became central figures on the show. Their involvement highlighted the generational aspect of the business, as the Mathewson family worked together to grow the brand and navigate the ups and downs of the car auction industry. David, born in July 1972, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a car auctioneer. His brother, Paul, born in January 1980, became a car dealer and later took on a leadership role as a director of Mathewsons Classic Cars and Mathewsons Auctions.
The family dynamic and Derek’s down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach to business resonated with audiences, making the Mathewsons a well-known name in British households.
Personal Life and Family
While Derek Mathewson’s professional life was thriving, his personal life was not as smooth. Derek had been married to his wife, Sue, for 40 years. The couple had two sons, David and Paul, who both became involved in the family business and the TV show. Despite the success and the close-knit nature of the family, Derek’s personal life took a dramatic turn in 2023.
In February 2023, The Sun reported that Derek had been involved in an affair with Vicki Ivens, a colleague who worked at Mathewsons and had appeared on Bangers and Cash a few times. Vicki, 26 years younger than Derek, had been married to her husband, Nicholas, for 20 years before her relationship with Derek became public. According to reports, Derek and Vicki had grown close over time, despite both being married to other people.
The affair became the subject of intense media scrutiny, as Derek’s wife, Sue, discovered the relationship after finding a list of phone numbers and a significant number of calls between Derek and Vicki. Sue confronted both Vicki and Derek, and the affair soon became public knowledge. The media frenzy surrounding the scandal intensified when Vicki left her husband, Nicholas, and Derek’s wife, Sue, was reportedly considering divorce.
Vicki’s departure from Mathewsons followed shortly after the affair became public, and she later took a job at Flamingo Land theme park in Kirby Misperton. Meanwhile, Derek and Sue’s relationship was left in limbo, with no official confirmation of a divorce.
The Impact of the Scandal
The revelation of Derek’s affair not only shocked his family but also his loyal fans who had admired him for his integrity and dedication to his work. Fans of Bangers and Cash felt betrayed by the personal revelations, and the scandal shifted the public’s perception of Derek, who had long been seen as a trustworthy, family-oriented businessman.
Despite the turmoil in his personal life, Derek has continued to appear on Bangers and Cash, though his private life remains a source of tension and speculation in the media. His sons, David and Paul, who have been central figures in the show, continue to carry on the family business, though it’s unclear how the scandal will affect their future involvement in the show.
Legacy and Future of Mathewsons
Derek’s business legacy is undoubtedly significant. Mathewsons, now a well-established name in the world of classic cars, has a bright future with its expansion into auctions, leasing, and car contract rental services. The success of Bangers and Cash has only bolstered the family’s standing in the industry, allowing them to reach an even wider audience.
Derek’s personal life, however, is now in a state of flux. The media’s intense focus on his affair has overshadowed much of his professional accomplishments, and it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact his reputation in the long term. Sue, Derek’s wife, has yet to confirm any decision regarding their marriage, and the future of their relationship remains uncertain.
Regardless of his personal challenges, Derek’s contributions to the world of classic car auctions and his role in Bangers and Cash have cemented his place in the automotive world. The legacy of Mathewsons, driven by Derek’s vision, will likely continue to thrive, even as the personal drama unfolds in the public eye.
Conclusion
Derek Mathewson’s life story is one of ambition, success, and family, with his rise in the car auction industry and his role in Bangers and Cash making him a beloved figure among fans. However, his personal life has taken a dramatic turn with the revelation of an affair, casting a shadow over his public image. As he navigates the fallout from the scandal, Derek’s professional achievements remain impressive, and the future of Mathewsons seems secure. Despite the personal challenges, Derek’s legacy in the automotive world and his family-run business will likely continue to make an impact for years to come.
FAQs:
- Who is Derek Mathewson?
Derek Mathewson is the star of Bangers and Cash, a car auction TV show, and the owner of Mathewsons. - What is Mathewsons?
Mathewsons is a family-run car auction business founded by Derek, specializing in classic and vintage vehicles. - How did Derek Mathewson become famous?
Derek became famous through his TV show Bangers and Cash, showcasing his family-run classic car auction business. - Is Derek Mathewson still married?
Derek Mathewson’s marriage to Sue is currently uncertain after media reports revealed an affair with colleague Vicki Ivens. - What happened to Derek Mathewson’s affair?
Derek’s affair with Vicki Ivens led to media scrutiny, and Vicki eventually left her husband, while Derek’s marriage is in turmoil.
