UKTV has commissioned two new series of car-themed observational documentary Bangers & Cash (10×60’ each) for its Yesterday factual channel.
The series follows the Mathewsons – a charismatic dynasty of classic car auctioneers led by Auction Manager, Derek Mathewson, who discover all manner of forgotten motors and memorabilia and offers them to the public at auction.
The series also looks at the history and personal stories behind some of the items on offer.
Series one, which launched up 110% on slot average and averaged 342k viewers across the 10 episodes, included a rusted wreck of an Austin Mini Cooper, discovered in a garage under piles of rubbish and sold at auction for £18,000.
Classic Jaguar E-types, rare MGs and more modern Sierra Cosworths also went under the hammer at auction, alongside vintage motorbikes and a treasure trove of auto memorabilia. The series also looks at the history and personal stories behind some of the items on offer.
The new series discovers more lost classics including a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus found on a Yorkshire Dales farmyard and features auctions including a highly sought-after Aston Martin as well as more modern collectibles including a Ford Fiesta XR2.
Bangers & Cash is produced by Air TV, commissioned for UKTV by commissioning editor Natalie Rose and ordered by Yesterday channel director, Gerald Casey and deputy director of commissioning, Hilary Rosen.
The series is exec produced for Air TV by Andy Joynson and the series will be distributed by TCB Media Rights.
UKTV’s Natalie Rose said, “Commissioning not one, but two further series of Bangers & Cash for next year on Yesterday really shows our commitment to the programme, to Air TV and to the Mathewsons.
“As with all UKTV Originals, getting the tone of the show just right was really important and Air TV managed to do just that by capturing the warmth, wit and passion that the Mathewsons have for classic cars.
“With such a winning first series, we’re really excited to be bringing our loyal Yesterday audience more.”
Andy Joynson, executive producer for Air TV added: “We really wanted to capture the passion and expertise that Derek and the team have for classic cars and we are grateful for the reaction the channel and viewers have had for the show so far.
“We’ve already got more cars, more auctions, more stories and more Mathewsons ready for next year!”
Yesterday’s Gerald Casey said, “I’m really proud that this UKTV Original has done so well for the channel in terms of viewing figures and audience reaction, and I’m delighted we can bring two new series of Bangers & Cash to Yesterday next year.
“The mixture of facts, nostalgia and great characters in the programme makes for great television.”