Ant Anstead, the charismatic British TV host and skilled mechanic, is facing a storm of legal troubles as multiple lawsuits emerge against his luxury car company, Radford Motors. Customers are alleging that the company accepted substantial deposits for custom vehicles but failed to deliver the cars or refund the money, casting a shadow over Anstead’s automotive venture.
On October 22, 2024, Radford Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a move that comes amidst serious allegations of fraud and mismanagement directed at Anstead and his co-founders. As the dust settles, Anstead remains optimistic. In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on October 24, he expressed, “I am fully committed to the company, and my dedication to Radford’s success remains unchanged.”
One notable lawsuit comes from Timothy Tasker, who alleges he placed a hefty $101,000 deposit on a limited-edition Lotus-Radford Type 62-2 in May 2022. After discussing delivery timelines with Anstead and his co-founder, Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, Tasker grew concerned when deadlines passed without progress. By October 2023, frustrated and sensing a lack of movement on his order, he requested a refund, only to be met with silence for months. “Radford understood my concerns and promised a full refund,” Tasker said, yet he claims he has yet to see any of his money returned.
The stakes escalate with another lawsuit filed in July 2024, which involves Florida surgeon Scott Katzman and Lamborghini Palm Beach. Together, they claim they made combined deposits exceeding $1 million for Radford-Lotus vehicles, with Katzman specifically seeking the coveted “Pikes Peak” model priced at $1 million. Their filing alleges that, despite ongoing communication regarding the delays, neither vehicle has been delivered, nor has a refund been issued.
Adding fuel to the fire, Roger N. Behle, Jr., an attorney formerly associated with Radford, revealed in another lawsuit that refunds were mismanaged. He detailed an incident in January 2024 when Anstead and another co-founder secured a $100,000 deposit from a new client. Just hours later, they allegedly misappropriated part of that money for unrelated expenses, with Behle claiming that $54,635.52 was diverted to pay a vendor, while Bednarski pocketed $20,000 for himself shortly thereafter.
The bankruptcy filing by Radford Motors has raised eyebrows and concerns. However, a company representative assured PEOPLE that they have secured financing to stabilize operations and are committed to addressing customer claims through the bankruptcy process. A judge in Delaware has reportedly given Anstead and Bednarski a 13-week window to rectify the situation.
Despite the chaos surrounding his business, Anstead continues to forge ahead with his personal projects. He recently premiered a new show on discovery+, titled Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic, which follows his journey restoring a historic home in England while funding the renovation by selling classic cars he restores. This creative endeavor seems to be a welcome distraction from the turmoil at Radford.
Anstead, 45, has experienced a whirlwind of emotions in recent years. He rose to fame in the U.S. alongside his ex-wife, Christina Haack, on her HGTV series Christina on the Coast. The couple, who share a son named Hudson, divorced in 2021 but have recently reconnected on social media, sharing friendly interactions that have garnered public attention.
In a surprising turn of events, Anstead has found love again with Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger, whom he met while filming Celebrity IOU: Joyride. Their relationship, confirmed in June 2021, appears to thrive as they balance their time between California and the U.K. while Zellweger works on her latest project.
As Ant Anstead navigates these turbulent waters, the outcomes of the lawsuits and the future of Radford Motors remain uncertain. Nevertheless, his commitment to his personal and professional life showcases his resilience amidst the challenges he faces.
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