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As a classic car enthusiast, we’d bank on you having seen the TV show Bangers and Cash on the Yesterday channel (Freeview channel 26). Centred around a family of auctioneers who specialise in vintage vehicles, the observational documentary has proved a ratings hit for the UKTV channel.

If you’re yet to catch the series, you’re in for a treat. We defy anyone to tune in at the start of an episode and not happily see it through to its end. Every episode takes viewers on a ride back in time, with the stars of the show – the Mathewson family – on the hunt for forgotten motors in barns, hen houses and lockups.

It wouldn’t surprise us to find out that the show has inspired many of its viewers to go out and buy a classic car of their own. If that’s you, don’t forget that we are here to help when it comes to securing some classic car insurance cover.

But first, a bit more about the show including where it’s filmed and how you can make a visit to the auction house a day to remember.

Who are the Mathewsons?

The show’s cast, the Mathewsons, consists of dad Derek, who is renowned for his expert knowledge of classic cars and witty one-liners, alongside his sons Paul and Dave. Completing the team are Derek’s grandson, 12-year-old Charlie, and no-nonsense office manager Sarah Crabtree.

What makes them the stars of the show is how they manage to make turning a profit seem like high-octane fun, as they traverse the back lanes of Britain picking up their magical finds and helping owners get the best price.

Each episode culminates in auction day, as hundreds of bidders try to weigh up how high to go to secure one of the classic cars in the sale. Viewers get the best seat in the house, on the podium with Derek as he brings the hammer down on hundreds of cars, bikes and automobilia. If you fancy bidding on a classic yourself, make sure you read some of the most common car auction myths before raising your paddle!

Some of the best stories from the show include a rust-bucket of an Austin Mini Cooper, unearthed in a garage under piles of rubbish, which sold at auction for an impressive £18,000. There was also a rare 1970s Sunbeam Lotus that has stuck with us, having been found by the team rotting away in a farmyard for 29 years. However, we don’t want to spoil anymore of the highlights – just tune in to experience the fun first hand.

Where is the show set?

Bangers and Cash is filmed in the picture-postcard North Yorkshire village of Thornton Le Dale – although the Mathewsons’ escapades usually take them further afield – even abroad on occasion.

As you watch the show, you might think that Thornton Le Dale is so pretty that it would make for a nice day out or road trip of your own – and you’d be right. It’s a popular stop for visitors who love the village’s olde worlde feel and pleasant amenities.

Located about 12 miles from Scarborough, it’s dotted with thatched cottages and idyllic gardens, which are set next to a stream that runs alongside the street.

The village has a nice array of shops where you can get the necessities, and a superb selection of tearooms and pubs serving food – but we reserve a special mention for The Chocolate Factory where all products are lovingly made by hand using fresh double cream, real alcohol and pure Belgium Chocolate.

And of course, any visit to Thornton Le Dale must include a stop-off at the classic car showroom where auctions are regularly held. To complete your Bangers and Cash homage, you also need to go and experience the Thornton le Dale Motor Museum where you’ll find some absolutely stunning classic vehicles and motorcycles as well as lots of interesting memorabilia.

The museum was once where the Mathewsons displayed their own personal collection of classic and vintage cars. However, with their auctions rapidly growing in popularity, the collection had to be relocated to accommodate the growing number of sale entries.

The upside of this is that you just don’t know that gems are going to be in the museum on any given day. You might also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Mathewsons themselves, all for a very reasonable admission fee, which goes to charity.

If you’re able to time your visit to the area, you might want to go on the first Wednesday in August when the Thornton Le Dale show takes place. This celebrates local agricultural traditions as well as providing various entertainments.

Meanwhile, a few miles up the road is Dalby, the Great Yorkshire Forest, which is something of a haven for walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers with its endless trails, complete with a visitor centre with cafe, craft workshops, bike hire and children's play areas.

Scarborough, Whitby and the city of York are less than an hour's drive away, so you could easily call in at the museum on your way out for the day.

We love Derek’s enthusiasm for his classic cars and his obvious depth of knowledge about these wonderful machines. We agree with him that they should be preserved for future generations. And that’s where classic car insurance comes in!

Classic car insurance from Lancaster Insurance

The Lancaster Insurance team has been proudly arranging classic car insurance for more than 35 years.

Our job is to arrange quality, tailored insurance cover to protect your pride and joy, for the best possible price. In fact, we have access to some of the most classic car, vintage car, and classic vehicle insurance schemes anywhere in the UK.

Some of the many reasons you should choose classic car insurance from Lancaster Insurance include:

• Hard-to-insure classics and classics without MOT considered
• Classic Car Club member discounts of up to 25%
• Static show cover
• Historic rally cover
• Choice of repairer
• Salvage retention
• Free EU cover up to 90 days
• Two-year agreed valuation available for £18
• Laid-up cover available
• Limited mileage discounts

With a policy arranged through Lancaster Insurance, you will also receive 24-hour access to our claims line and UK call centre, so your case will be dealt with as swiftly as possible.

If you’d like to speak to one of our specialist classic car insurance experts about covering your vehicle, call 01480 484826 or request a call back. Or, simply get a quote today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.