In 2020, Ant Anstead announced his departure from Wheeler Dealers, sending shockwaves through the automotive television world. Fans admired his calm demeanor and impressive fabrication skills, but the official story was that he left for personal reasons—specifically, to be near his son in California when the show relocated to the UK. Behind the scenes, however, rumors were said to have been swirling for a long time. Insiders say ongoing discussions between the UK and US production teams have created a challenging working environment for Ant. While the public narrative has been smooth, the buzz around the show suggests a more complicated reality.
Ant joined Wheeler Dealers in 2017, replacing beloved co-host Ed China. His experience in car restoration and police work brought a fresh perspective to the show. However, some fans felt the chemistry between Ant and longtime host Mike Brewer was lacking, leading to creative differences that may have contributed to his departure. Ant’s arrival on the show has been met with mixed reactions. While some are proud of his modern restoration techniques, others are looking forward to the more raw, down-to-earth style that has graced the show’s earlier seasons. This split was further exacerbated when Mark Elvis Priestley replaced Ant, sparking debate on social media about the direction of the show.
Following his departure, fans speculated about Ant’s next steps. Would he return to the UK or embark on a new series? Rather than drifting into obscurity, Ant opted to pursue luxury car manufacturing, a move that was both ambitious and risky. In 2021, Ant co-founded Radford Motors alongside the likes of Formula 1 champion Jensen Button. Their aim was to revive the legendary British carmaker, combining mid-century craftsmanship with modern engineering. The flagship model, the Radford Type 62-2, generated considerable buzz and interest from collectors.
Despite the initial excitement, signs of trouble began to emerge. In late 2024, Radford Motors faced mounting production delays and internal mismanagement. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, revealing that all was not well beneath the surface. As things worsened, customers began to voice their frustrations. Many said they had put down large deposits and never received their cars, leading to escalating legal battles. Allegations of breach of contract and fraud painted a grim picture for Radford Motors, with the co-founders reportedly turning against each other amid accusations of financial mismanagement.