For over a decade, Drew Pritchard was a familiar face in households across the globe, the charismatic treasure-hunter at the helm of the hit television show *Salvage Hunters*. His knack for unearthing hidden gems in the dusty corners of Britain made for compelling television, but behind the scenes, significant changes were unfolding. Now, well beyond the shadow of the show that made him a star and following a divorce from his on-screen partner, Pritchard is navigating a compelling new chapter, one defined by a return to his first love, a fresh start in his personal life, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of design and authenticity that have always guided him. This evolution is not a departure from his past but a focused progression, leveraging his renowned "eye" for quality from the world of antiques to the gleaming chassis of classic automobiles. 
The conclusion of *Salvage Hunters* in its original format, coupled with his separation from wife and business partner Rebecca Pritchard, marked the definitive end of an era. The show, which ran for 17 seasons, was built on the couple's dynamic as they scoured the country for antiques to restore and sell in their Conwy-based shop. Its success was immense, turning Pritchard into an unlikely television personality and a respected authority in the antiques trade. However, the end of their marriage in 2017 signaled a fundamental shift. While they continued to work together on the show for a period, the foundation had changed, and it was inevitable that their professional paths would also diverge, leading Pritchard to close the famous North Wales showroom that was so central to the series.
From Antiques to Automobiles: The Rise of DP Classics
While the public knew him as an antiques dealer, Pritchard’s deepest passion has always been rooted in mechanics and engineering, specifically classic cars and motorcycles. This was not a pivot born of necessity but the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. Long before *Salvage Hunters* began, he was already deeply involved in the classic vehicle scene, a passion he has now transformed into his primary business venture, DP Classics. Located in Conwy, the business is a testament to his expertise, focusing on sourcing, servicing, and selling vintage cars and motorcycles from the 1950s to the 1970s, with a particular fondness for Volkswagen and Porsche models.
The philosophy that underpins DP Classics is identical to the one that made him a successful antiques dealer: a focus on originality, history, and preservation. In an interview, Pritchard once clarified his approach, stating, "I'm not a restorer... I'm a preservationist." This ethos is evident in the vehicles he curates. He seeks out cars with a story, those that bear the marks of a life well-lived, prioritizing patina and mechanical integrity over pristine, concours-level restorations that can strip a vehicle of its soul. His customers are not just buying a car; they are acquiring a piece of history that has been expertly vetted and prepared by someone who understands its intrinsic value.
His deep-seated knowledge comes from decades of hands-on experience. "Cars and bikes have been my passion since I was 12," Pritchard explained to *The Telegraph*. "I'm a dealer at heart, so it was a natural progression." This natural evolution allows him to apply his famous "eye" to a different medium. Where he once assessed the lines of a Georgian chair or the finish on a piece of industrial salvage, he now evaluates the panel gaps on a 1960s Porsche 911 or the originality of an engine bay in a classic VW Beetle.
Returning to the Screen on His Own Terms
Despite stepping away from the relentless filming schedule of *Salvage Hunters*, Drew Pritchard has not disappeared from television. Instead, he has returned on his own terms, engaging in projects that align with his core passions. His most notable recent venture is the series *Three Men Four Wheels*, where he joins motoring journalist Andy Jaye and racer Jonny Smith. The show sees the trio travel across the UK, discovering and driving iconic classic cars, and meeting the enthusiasts who own them.
This new format is a significant departure from his previous show. It is less about the thrill of the deal and more about shared enthusiasm and a genuine love for motoring history. The tone is more relaxed and collaborative, reflecting a man who is now the master of his own professional destiny. It allows him to share his extensive knowledge in a setting that feels less like a business transaction and more like a road trip with knowledgeable friends. This selective approach to media demonstrates his desire to remain in the public eye while maintaining control over his narrative and focusing purely on subjects he is passionate about.
A Personal Renaissance: Life and Love in North Wales
Beyond the professional shifts, Pritchard's new chapter is also profoundly personal. Following his divorce, he has embarked on a new relationship, finding happiness and a fresh start. While he maintains a degree of privacy, it is clear that this personal stability has been a cornerstone of his broader renewal. He continues to live in his meticulously restored 18th-century townhouse in Conwy, a property that is itself a showcase of his design philosophy, blending historical reverence with modern comfort.
This personal renaissance is reflected in the renewed energy he brings to his work. Free from the constraints of a high-pressure television series and a shared business, he has been able to fully immerse himself in the projects that bring him joy. His life in North Wales, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes that have always been his home, provides a grounding backdrop for his ventures. Whether he is working on a vintage motorcycle in his workshop or heading out for a drive along the Welsh coast, there is a palpable sense of a man content in his environment and at peace with his new direction.
The Unifying Pritchard Philosophy
Ultimately, what connects Drew Pritchard's past with his present is an unwavering philosophy. His success has never been just about finding old things; it has been about seeing the inherent beauty in design, craftsmanship, and history. This core principle is transferable across any discipline, be it furniture, art, architecture, or automobiles. He possesses an innate ability to identify quality and authenticity, a skill that is more valuable than ever in a world of mass production.
His new chapter is not a reinvention but a refinement. He has distilled his career down to its most passionate elements, shedding the parts that no longer served him to focus on what truly matters. For the legions of fans who followed his journey on *Salvage Hunters*, this evolution is a fascinating next step. It demonstrates that true expertise is versatile and that a passion for history and design knows no bounds. Drew Pritchard continues to be a hunter of salvage, but now, the treasures he seeks are just as likely to be found on four wheels as in a forgotten barn, marking a successful and inspiring transition into a new, personally curated era.
