Private Numberplates - a reg number guide
Investing in private numberplates may seem like an unorthodox way of making money and a considerable statement in the process. Nevertheless, hundreds of investors and drivers now choose to purchase car registration plates with significant future returns available. The most obvious reason for purchasing car registration plates is to personalise your vehicle, to make you stand out from the crowd.
Even a mere decade ago, drivers with private numberplates were seen as wealthy and successful. In the present day, car registration plates are now more accessible and economical for the everyday working man to purchase. Drivers looking for a potential investment must keep in mind that the registration plate they purchase must be easy to sell on in the future.
Potential investors in registration plates often consider private purchases, via newspaper ads, or classified ads from owners looking for a quick sale. However, this can be somewhat time consuming.
People of all ages and backgrounds are becoming aware of the joys and benefits of owing their own personalised number plate. However, private number plates have not always been so affordable and were once seen as a status symbol for the rich and famous. Here is a glance at some famous registrations over time and the proud owners of these number plates.
To start with we can look at our Royal Family, who are no strangers when it comes to personal number plates with some excellent examples owned in the family. Queen Elizabeth 2nd owns the registration A7, which is one of the most prestigious car registrations ever released, originally issued by London Council in 1903. A1 was the first registration number ever issued in London and was picked up by Earl Russell, who set up camp outside the registering offices in order to secure the ultimate number plate. Other Royal registration owners have included the late Queen Mother who owned NLT 2 and HRH Prince Philip who has OXR 1. Princess Margaret used to own the registration 3 GXM whilst YR 11 is the Duke of Kent's personal number plate. Last but not least is Princess Ann who once owned 1 ANN; however she gave it up for security reasons.
Another "Royal" private number plate that has graced the number plate market was sold at a DVLA auction in 1993. K1 NGS was bought buy an anonymous bidder for the royal sum of £235 000. For over 13 years this held the title of the most expensive private number plate ever sold until it stripped of its title by 51 NGH (SINGH) for £254 000. Since then the record has been broken again and again.
The owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich recently increased the spending at Stamford Bridge, only this time it was on his very own personalised number plate! It is reported that Mr Abramovich paid £285 000 for the registration VIP 1, which at the time equated to the most expensive personal number plate signing in the country! It was initially issued by the DVLNI (which is the Northern Ireland equivalent of the DVLA) for the forthcoming visit of Pope John Paul II. Since then it changed hands a few times before being signed up at Chelsea.
Currently the most expensive private number plate ever sold is the registration M1, bought for the eye popping sum of £331 000! This was the first car registration to be issued by Cheshire Council over 100 years ago. It was sold on behalf of the National Trust who acquired the registration when Tatton Park was donated to them in the 1960's. The money raised from the sale of the registration is being used by the National Trust for on going work and projects.
These registrations all have fantastic stories to go with them. Understandably there are many famous people who choose to keep their registrations a secret. Next time you are out on the roads why not see what number plates you come across, and who knows, you may even get a glimpse of your favourite celebrity.
Investing In Private Number Plates
At the other end of the scale, when the time comes to get rid of your personalised registration private number plate there are numerous avenues to explore. Many sought-after registration plates have been known to sell for thousands of pounds. As long as your registration plate has retail or sentimental value to others, it is quite possible that you can make a profit on your initial investment. More info on collecting private number plates in our articles.
We have over 9 million number plates online for you to search through. Our secure ordering facility allows the purchase of any personalised number plates 24 hours a day securely.
Private numberplates are a unique way to enhance your vehicle and often add the finishing touch to any car regardless of age or value.
Registration plates are available by clicking on the 'acrylic plates' link on the left hand menu.
Image Marks has been supplying car number plates and cherished personalised number plates since 1991 and have a significant internet presence. Our other sites include:
www.regplates.com
www.Regplates.com
All of our registration number plates transfers are conducted through the DVLA. The DVLA has local offices throught the country and transfers are usually placed in the office nearest to the seller or vendor. DVLA registration includes changing over your tax disc as well as updating MOT details and of course your V5 registration document. The main DVLA office is DVLA swansea, their headquarters.
DVLA number plates date back since 1903 when Earl Russell was assigned the highly prestigious mark A1 to his Napier motor car.
Since then, interest levels in car registrationplates has soared and they continue to prove a keen investment and an eye catching addittion to any vehicle from Robin Reliant to Bentley GT!
| 45 TON on a 1969 Aston Martin DB6 |
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Personalised Number Plates
Current system
The current personalised number plates system for Great Britain was introduced on 1 September 2001. Each registration index consists of seven characters with a defined format.
More DVLA regulations
Reg Number Information Section
Personalised Number Plates - Business Names Available
Personalised Registration Number Plates - Guidance on their introduction
Personalised Number Plate Acrylics
Acrylic number plates sigify the registration mark of a vehicle.
They can be made of different materials, but more commonly seen are metals and acrylics. But as to how the standard specifications on the use, make and display guidelines of number plates are, it would vary with every city and country. There are some who would prefer to have their number plates more personalized. As long as how it is obtained abides with the regulations, such is possible. In fact, motorists of today are starting to appreciate better the value of vanity plates.
For those which driving is a daily essential, they have started to understand the difference of just driving, and driving with style. You see, personalized plates are powerful ways to send a message and are clear reflections of one’s personal taste. Yet if you opt for the more standard ones, it’s truly up to your personal requirements.
Image Registrations provide the registration plates car & reg number plates private
Since the dvla introduced the bsau145d legislation it has been increasingly difficult for motorists to obtain personalised number plates with anything other than legal spacing.
There is however another line of argument for the defence of the serial mis spacer. They say that a number plate that has been altered to make a word or a name is much more memorable in the event of an incident.
They also argue that the dvla blatantly auction registration numbers that would be virtually worthless without mis spacing.
In any case, the legilation is here to stay and our advice is keep it legal!
These are not included within the purchase price. However, we do provide a reg number plate manufacturing service which may be found by clicking <HERE>.
