Anthony Richard Anstead, widely known as Ant Anstead, has established himself as a prominent figure in various fields, including television presenting, car building, motor specialization, art, design, and restoration expertise. Hailing from England, he has garnered recognition for his work on television shows like “For the Love of Cars” and as the co-host of “Wheeler Dealers,” where he took over from Edd China.
Anstead’s passion for cars began at a young age, and despite initially pursuing a career in law enforcement, his love for the automotive world eventually led him to transition into car building. He honed his skills as a builder and restorer, crafting bespoke cars for clients, creating unique pieces of art and sculpture, and even producing recreation cars. Many of his exceptional creations have found their way into prestigious museums and private collections across the globe.
Born on March 28, 1979, in Plymouth, Devon, England, Anstead grew up in the cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire before later relocating to Hertfordshire in southern England. As a child, he already displayed a knack for building bespoke cars, a talent he continued to develop as he matured.
Anstead received his education at Richard Hale School in Hertford, Hertfordshire, before completing his A-Levels at the Haileybury School, an independent institution near Hertford. In 1999, he joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary as a Police Constable, initially serving in Bishop’s Stortford, a historic market town and civil parish in the county. He later became a member of the Tactical Firearms Team (TFU) in Welwyn Garden City, making him one of the youngest armed officers in the history of the UK. Anstead’s exceptional service in the police force earned him two commendations for acts of bravery.
However, Anstead’s unwavering passion for cars eventually led him to make a pivotal decision. In 2005, he resigned from the police force to pursue a career in car building full-time. He established himself as a virtuoso in his craft, gaining a global clientele and earning a reputation as a master of car building and restoration. His waitlist for bespoke creations now spans over two years, reflecting his esteemed status in the industry. Furthermore, his artistic endeavors have resulted in his unique pieces finding homes in museums and private collections worldwide.
Anstead’s television career took off in 2014 when he founded his own production company and produced the show “The World’s Most Expensive Cars.” He then made his mark as a presenter on the Channel 4 automotive show “For the Love of Cars,” alongside actor and car enthusiast Philip Glenister. The show aired in the UK from April 2014 to November 2016, spanning 16 episodes.
In subsequent years, Anstead’s television presence expanded. He participated in various shows, including “Building Cars Live” alongside James May and Kate Humble, as well as one-off TV programs such as “Craft I Made This” and “The Lost Lotus.” His expertise in the automotive industry has been showcased in documentaries like “World’s Most Expensive Cars” and even extended to live events, hosting shows like SEMA and Barret Jackson auctions.
Notably, Anstead’s most significant television role came as the co-host of the long-running British series “Wheeler Dealers.” In the show’s fourteenth series, which aired in 2017, he replaced Edd China as the mechanic, joining forces with presenter Mike Brewer.
Beyond his television endeavors and automotive expertise, Anstead’s life encompasses other interests and achievements. He has made appearances on entertainment programs like “Sunday Brunch,” “The One Show,” and “This Morning.” Additionally, Anstead has pursued a semi-professional football career spanning 15 years, playing over 700 matches and transitioning from goalkeeper to striker. He holds the distinction of being the only player to have achieved Ryman league promotion while playing in both positions.
In his personal life, Anstead was previously married to Louise Anstead (nee Herbert) in 2005, with whom he shares two children named Amelie (born in 2003) and Archie (born in 2006). The couple divorced in 2017. Currently, Anstead resides in Newport Beach, California, and in 2018, he became romantically involved with American real estate investor and TV personality Christina El Moussa.
Anstead also engages in post-dinner and motivational speaking, supporting charities and schools. He serves as a patron for the charity “Harrisons Fund,” which advocates for children suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
With his multifaceted career and diverse interests, Ant Anstead continues to make a significant impact in the worlds of television, car building, and philanthropy, solidifying his position as a respected and influential figure.