Panelli’s number plate reads DORIA56. The silver frame hugging the plate reads ANDREA on top and SURVIVOR on the bottom, which stands for “Andrea Doria 1956 Survivor.”
“We had talked about it because we kept seeing specialized plates. It took almost 50 years to get it done,” Panelli’s wife, Lorraine Panelli, said about having the specialized plate for only three years.
Personal plates can represent history, a pet or child’s name, initials of a loved one, a way to market a business, support for a favorite sports team or crazy celebrity obsession.
Then there are personalized plates known as “vanity plates,” where individuals can show off their occupations, talents, and that they are spoiled, cute or proud to own their swanky car.

Jon Cherry is a Director of leading personalised number plate dealer Regplates.com. Jon has over 25 years industry experience handling some of the most expensive plates ever sold with many high profile and celebrity clients. Active since 1991 in the number plate industry, Jon is currently Chairman of the Cherished Numbers Guild, a trade body representing number plate dealers in the UK. Jon has written many articles on the industry and insight into the future of numberplates and the market as a whole.