Ant Anstead: The Man Behind The Wheel

How Much is Ant Anstead Worth?

Let's talk about Ant Anstead, the British TV presenter and car enthusiast who’s built quite the empire. With a net worth of $5 million, Ant isn’t just another guy who loves cars—he’s turned that passion into a thriving career. He first caught the world's attention with Channel 4’s hit show “For the Love of Cars,” where he worked alongside Philip Glenister. That was just the beginning. Ant went on to co-host the popular British TV series “Wheeler Dealers” with Mike Brewer in 2017, and he even launched his own Discovery+ series, “Celebrity IOU: Joyride,” in 2021. Alongside his TV success, Ant has also authored books, including “Cops and Robbers: The Story of the British Police Car” and “Petrol Head Parenting: The Essential Guide to Diagnosing and Nurturing a Petrol Head.” Not bad for a guy who once traded his badge for a wrench, right?

From Plymouth to Stardom: Ant Anstead’s Early Years

Ant Anstead was born Anthony Richard Anstead on March 28, 1979, in the picturesque city of Plymouth, Devon, England. Growing up in Ely, Cambridgeshire, Ant spent much of his childhood dreaming of adventures beyond the classroom. When his family moved to Hertfordshire when he was just 10 years old, little did they know their son would grow up to become a household name. Ant attended Richard Hale School in Hertford and later completed his A-levels at Haileybury School. But formal education wasn’t enough to contain his energy or ambitions. This is where the story really takes off.

Building a Career One Car at a Time

Ant’s career journey is nothing short of remarkable. At just 18 years old, he joined the Hertfordshire Constabulary, becoming a Police Constable stationed in Bishop’s Stortford. It wasn’t long before he transferred to the Cheshunt police station, where he eventually joined the Tactical Firearms Team in Welwyn Garden City at the ripe age of 23. Talking to “Influx,” Ant once said, “I knew I didn’t want to go down the traditional education route, so I ended up as a copper. And honestly? It was the best decision I ever made.” He spent six years in law enforcement, describing it as “five years, 11 months, and 29 days of pure adrenaline.” During his time in the force, Ant faced some harrowing experiences, including working closely with notorious criminal John Duffy, the so-called “railway murderer.” These experiences shaped him profoundly, teaching him resilience and courage.

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But the call of his true passion—cars—was too strong to ignore. In 2005, Ant resigned from the police force to pursue his dream of building cars full-time. He founded his own production company, Angel 22, and soon became renowned for creating bespoke classic vehicles tailored to individual clients’ specifications. His reputation grew rapidly, earning him an international waiting list that stretches over two years. Ant’s creations have set nine world records, including building the largest Airfix auto model on the planet. His television career followed naturally, with appearances on shows like “For the Love of Cars,” “Building Cars Live,” and even international hits like “Wheeler Dealers.”

Television Success and Beyond

Ant’s television career skyrocketed after his work on “For the Love of Cars.” He became a regular face on UK screens, presenting everything from “New York: America’s Busiest City” to “Chinese New Year: The Biggest Celebration on Earth.” In 2019, he launched the 12-episode series “Ant Anstead Master Mechanic” on Motor Trend, where he paid homage to the legendary 1930s Alfa Romeo 158 Grand Prix race car by recreating it from scratch. His most recent project, “Celebrity IOU: Joyride,” sees Ant working with big names like Renée Zellweger and Mary J. Blige to create custom cars for those who’ve inspired them. It’s safe to say Ant has found his lane—and he’s driving it like a pro.

Life Behind the Scenes: Ant Anstead’s Personal Life

When it comes to Ant Anstead’s personal life, things have been just as eventful as his career. In 2005, he married Louise Herbert, and together they welcomed two children, Archie and Amelie. However, their marriage ended in October 2017. That same month, Ant began dating Christina Haack, the host of HGTV’s “Flip or Flop.” Their whirlwind romance led to marriage on December 22, 2018, in their Newport Beach, California home. Their son, Hudson, was born in September 2019. Unfortunately, the couple divorced in June 2021, sparking a custody battle over their young son. They eventually reached an agreement in December 2022, ensuring joint legal and physical custody of Hudson.

Amidst all this, Ant found love again with Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger, whom he met on the set of “Celebrity IOU: Joyride” in April 2021. Outside of his personal relationships, Ant remains committed to charitable causes, serving as a patron for Harrison’s Fund, an organization dedicated to funding research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Real Estate Ventures: Where Does Ant Call Home?

Real estate has played a significant role in Ant’s life, both personally and professionally. Back in 2018, he and Christina purchased a stunning $4.1 million home in Newport Beach, California. However, after their split, Christina listed the property for $6 million in April 2021. Meanwhile, Ant bought a cozy three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Laguna Beach, California, in June 2021. He initially listed it for sale at $3.3 million in October 2022 but decided against selling, telling “People” magazine, “I decided to stay. It’s a special place.” Eventually, he sold the home for $3.1 million in March 2023.