Have you ever wondered about the guy who turns rusty old cars into shiny masterpieces on TV? Ant Anstead is a talented British host, car builder, and designer who has captured hearts with his passion for automobiles. In this Ant Anstead biography and net worth guide, we dive into his life story, from humble beginnings to TV stardom, all while keeping things simple and fun.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Anthony Richard Anstead |
| Nickname / Stage Name | Ant Anstead |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1979 |
| Age | 45 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Television presenter, motor specialist, car builder, designer, artist |
| Known For | Hosting Wheeler Dealers, For the Love of Cars, and car restoration projects |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
| Family / Spouse | Ex-wives: Louise Herbert (2005-2017), Christina Hall (2018-2021); Partner: Renée Zellweger (engaged since 2023); Children: Amelie (born 2003), Archie (born 2006), Hudson (born 2019) |
| Education | Attended Richard Hale School and completed A-levels at Haileybury School |
| Social Media Followers | Instagram: Approximately 468,000; X (formerly Twitter): Approximately 74,000 (as of early 2026 estimates, reflecting growth from 2024) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million (as of 2024) |
Early Life & Background
Ant Anstead grew up in a world that sparked his love for adventure and mechanics right from the start. Born in Plymouth, Devon, he spent his early years in Ely, Cambridgeshire, until his family moved to Hertfordshire when he was 10. Picture a young Ant tinkering with tools in the backyard, dreaming of fast cars. He went to Richard Hale School in Hertford and finished his A-levels at nearby Haileybury School.
Even as a teen, Ant showed his entrepreneurial side. At just 16, he built his first kit car and sold it for a profit, then bought an MG to keep the fun going. But life took a serious turn when he joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary in 1999 at age 18. He started as a Police Constable, moved to the Tactical Firearms Team, and even earned two bravery commendations for his work, including guarding a notorious criminal. Those years built his discipline, but his heart was always with cars. In 2005, he left the force to chase his passion full-time.
Alongside policing, Ant played semi-professional football for over 15 years, logging more than 700 matches at the Ryman level. He switched from goalkeeper to striker and even won promotions in both roles. This athletic background kept him fit and focused, traits that later helped in his demanding TV career.
Career Journey & Achievements
Ant’s path to fame started with a bold switch from law enforcement to car building. After quitting the police in 2005, he set up shop in a rundown cow shed, trading renovations for free rent. He restored classic cars for clients worldwide, creating custom pieces that set world records, like nine for fastest builds. His work caught TV producers’ eyes, leading to his first big break.
Breaking into Television
In 2014, Ant founded his own production company and produced “The World’s Most Expensive Cars.” That same year, he co-hosted Channel 4’s “For the Love of Cars” with actor Philip Glenister, sharing stories of vintage vehicles. The show was a hit, blending history and hands-on restoration. Next came BBC Two’s “Building Cars Live” in 2015, where he teamed up with James May and Kate Humble to explore car manufacturing.
Wheeler Dealers and Beyond
Ant’s big international splash came in 2017 when he joined “Wheeler Dealers” on Motor Trend, replacing Edd China alongside Mike Brewer. They filmed in the US, flipping cars for profit with Ant’s expert mechanics shining through. He hosted seasons 14 through 16 until 2021, when production shifted back to the UK. Fans loved his straightforward style and deep knowledge.
In 2019, “Ant Anstead Master Mechanic” debuted, showing him build a tribute to the Alfa Romeo 158 from scratch using donor parts. He also appeared in “World’s Greatest Cars,” judging top sports models. By 2021, he starred in Discovery+’s “Celebrity IOU: Joyride,” helping stars like Renée Zellweger gift custom cars. Ant executive produced “Radford Returns” in 2022, tied to his co-founded luxury car brand Radford Motors.
Other Ventures
Ant isn’t just on screen. He authored books like “Cops and Robbers: The Story of the British Police Car” (2018) and “Petrol Head Parenting” (2018), sharing his police tales and car passion. He also built the world’s largest Airfix model car, featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. His production company, Angel 22, has handled various shows, from travel to engineering.
Personal Life & Relationships
Ant’s personal story has its share of ups and downs, much like the cars he restores. He married his first wife, Louise Herbert, in 2005 after seven years together. They had two kids, Amelie in 2003 and Archie in 2006, but split in 2017 after 12 years. Ant has stayed close to his older children, often sharing family moments.
In 2018, he tied the knot with HGTV star Christina Hall in a surprise wedding. Their son Hudson arrived in 2019, but the couple separated in 2020 and divorced in 2021. They share custody of Hudson, focusing on co-parenting despite public attention.
Since 2021, Ant has been with actress Renée Zellweger, whom he met on “Celebrity IOU: Joyride.” They got engaged in 2023 and keep things low-key, living in California. Ant enjoys family time, fitness, and charity work as a patron of Harrison’s Fund, which fights Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Hobbies include building Legos with his kids, traveling, and motivational speaking. He once took a break from social media for mental health, showing his grounded side.
Net Worth & Financial Overview
As of 2024, Ant Anstead’s net worth sits at an estimated $5 million, according to sites like Celebrity Net Worth and other financial reports. Keep in mind, these figures are estimates based on public data, interviews, and industry insights, not verified bank statements. His wealth comes from a mix of TV gigs, car businesses, and side projects.
How He Built His Fortune
TV hosting is a big earner. Shows like “Wheeler Dealers” and “Celebrity IOU: Joyride” bring in solid salaries, often in the six figures per season for experienced hosts. Endorsements from car brands and appearances at auto shows add more.
Car building and design provide a steady income. Ant’s custom restorations for high-end clients, plus co-founding Radford Motors, boosted his profile. The company revives classic designs, though it faced challenges like bankruptcy filings in 2025, which might impact future earnings.
Books and speaking engagements contribute too. His police car history book and parenting guide sold well, and he speaks at schools and events. Investments in his production company, Angel 22, round out the picture.
Overall, Ant’s smart career shifts from cop to car guru show how passion pays off, even if net worth estimates can fluctuate with market changes.
Notable Facts & Trivia / Fun Info
- Ant holds nine world records for car builds, including speedy restorations that wow fans.
- He built the largest Airfix model car ever, landing in Ripley’s Believe It or Not in 2011.
- Before fame, he guarded the Railway Murderer, John Duff,y during his police days.
- Ant transitioned from football goalie to striker, winning promotions in both spots.
- He’s a dad who wrote a book on raising car-loving kids, drawing from his own family.
- In 2020, he stepped away from social media to fight “toxicity,” prioritizing mental health.
Impact & Legacy
Ant Anstead matters because he makes car culture accessible and exciting for everyone. His shows inspire viewers to try DIY projects, blending education with entertainment. In an industry often seen as niche, he brings warmth and expertise, encouraging young people to pursue mechanics or engineering.
His influence extends to charity, raising awareness for muscular dystrophy through Harrison’s Fund. By sharing his journey from police officer to TV star, Ant shows that reinvention is possible. Fans see him as a role model for balancing work, family, and passion, leaving a legacy of grit and creativity in automotive media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimates put it at $5 million, from TV, car building, and books. These are based on public sources like Celebrity Net Worth.
He rose through TV shows like “For the Love of Cars” and “Wheeler Dealers,” showcasing his car expertise after leaving the police force.
Hosting major auto shows, writing books, setting car build records, and co-founding Radford Motors stand out.
He’s engaged to actress Renée Zellweger since 2023, after meeting on his show.
He hosts TV shows, runs car ventures, and spends time with family in California, with ongoing projects in media and design.
He played semi-pro football for 15 years, appearing in over 700 matches.
“Cops and Robbers: The Story of the British Police Car” and “Petrol Head Parenting,” plus a how-to build guide.
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