What are Private Number Plates?
Private number plates, also known as personalised number plates, are unique vehicle identifiers that can be customised to display specific letters and numbers. They offer a way for vehicle owners to express their individuality and make their vehicles stand out and whilst being the founder of New Reg Limited means my background is in UK number plates I’ve become increasingly interested in the market in other countries I’ve visited, some of which hold the title for the most expensive number plates in the world.
Benefits of Private Number Plates
Private number plates offer several benefits that go beyond mere personalisation and this isn’t restricted to the UK:
- Personalisation: One of the most appealing aspects of private number plates is the ability to personalise your vehicle’s registration plate. This can be a reflection of your personality, interests, or even your name.
- Investment: Some private plates can appreciate in value over time. Rare and desirable vehicle registrations can become valuable assets, making them a potentially lucrative investment.
- Status Symbol: Owning a private number plate can be seen as a status symbol. Often associated with luxury vehicles and high-end owners, having your own personalised number plate can signify prestige and exclusivity. Yearless registrations can hide a vehicle’s age which is especially useful if you don’t want to disclose that you’re driving an older car.
- Unique Identity: A private number plate provides a unique identity for your vehicle, ensuring it stands out from the crowd. This uniqueness can be particularly appealing for car enthusiasts and collectors.
So what is the world’s most expensive number plate?
Known as one of the most lavish and luxury based cities in the world, Dubai holds the number one spot for the world’s most expensive number plates after the Dubai number plate P 7 sold for a staggering AED 55 Million (£12million) at a charity auction.
However the UK market has grown dramatically over the last decade and prices could soon approach the levels seen in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We know that Afzal Kahn the car tuning businessman and owner of F 1, has rejected £10million in the past and the number is currently being marketed at £15million!
The most expensive number plates worldwide
Expensive number plates sold at high-value auctions have become a notable trend, with individuals investing significant sums in personalised plates that reflect their unique styles.
It is tricky to rank sales that took place at different times and in different currencies, so I’ve listed according to the converted price in UK pounds using the exchange rate from the time the sale occurred.
Different countries use different number plates systems and often news reports are vague so it is difficult for anyone to generate a definitive most expensive number plate list. For example Abu Dhabi may issue the same registration number in more than one series. News reports often fail to mention this quirk and announce the sale of only the main character. The case is similar in Australia where different states may issue the same numbers on their number plates . The sale of NSW 4 was reported internationally as NSW 4, but in many Australian publications it was simply referred to as the registration number 4!
Numbers plates to watch out for
There are a couple of registration numbers that I suspect will in the future be added to the most expensive number plates list and both of these are USA number plates.
The Californian number plate MM currently has an asking price of USD 24million (approximately £19million). Two character number plates are rare in America and the description on the selling site reads, “…..this can be the most valuable plate ever sold in the world, even when adjusted for inflation (approximately $18,583,594). This plate is a trophy, the ultimate flex, and will set your car apart, no matter what you’re driving.”
Another personalised number plate I expect will make the most expensive number plates list was purchased by an anonymous family when the state of New York opened up number plate personalisations. They were quick to register NEW YORK which is the only road legal “New York” number plate (although you will see many in souvenir shops) and have been driving around New York with this perfect personalised number plate for the last 40 years! They have listed it (along with the Volvo) at $20million.
Author: Steve Jackson OBE
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