A Relic of the Road Victorian Number Plate '20' Up for Grabs

Get ready for a bidding war, car enthusiasts and status symbol seekers! A piece of Australian motoring history, a Victorian heritage number plate bearing the simple yet prestigious number '20', is heading to auction and is expected to fetch millions. This isn't your average license plate; it's a coveted collector's item, a gateway to a world of exclusivity and a potential investment windfall.

The allure of heritage number plates, particularly those with low numbers like '20', stems from their rarity and historical significance. These plates were issued in the early days of motoring, around 1911 in Victoria's case. Back then, cars were a novelty, a symbol of progress and wealth. Owning a car meant belonging to a select group, and a low-numbered plate further amplified that status. These plates weren't handed out like today's registrations; they were most likely assigned chronologically to early car owners, making them a tangible link to the pioneering days of Australian motoring.

The value of heritage number plates has skyrocketed in recent decades. The convenience and personalisation offered by modern vanity plates simply can't compete with the prestige and history embodied by these early registrations. Australia, particularly Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, has seen a surge in demand for these plates, driven by individual collectors, investment firms, and even superannuation funds. These low-digit plates have become a lucrative investment, with values steadily climbing year after year.

The current record for a Victorian two-digit heritage plate belongs to number '14', which sold for a staggering $2.275 million in 2022. With bidding for '20' already exceeding $1.3 million at the time of writing, experts are eagerly anticipating if it can dethrone '14' and establish a new benchmark. The online auction hosted by Trading Garage is attracting significant interest, and all eyes are glued to the bidding activity.

The potential buyer profile for such a prestigious plate is fascinating. It could be a car aficionado with a deep appreciation for automotive history, someone who desires a unique identifier for their prized classic car. It might attract a high-net-worth individual seeking a conversation starter, a symbol of their success and exclusivity. There's also a strong possibility of investment firms or superannuation funds viewing this as a lucrative asset, one that holds its value and potentially appreciates over time.

The excitement surrounding the auction of '20' transcends the car community. It's a captivating story of the evolution of transportation, a tangible reminder of a bygone era. It's a testament to the enduring human desire for collectables and status symbols. The final hammer price will not only be a record-breaker, but also a reflection of the cultural and historical significance these heritage plates hold.

This isn't just about a number plate; it's about owning a piece of motoring history. The winner will not only be acquiring a coveted status symbol, but also becoming a custodian of a relic from the early days of Australian motoring. The final price tag will be a fascinating indicator of the ever-growing value these heritage plates hold in today's market. So, buckle up and keep an eye on the auction! The bidding war for '20' promises to be a thrilling ride.

So what are the top selling number plates in the UK? The DVLA has been selling private plates to UK motorists since 1989. During this time, there have been a number of records set, but most of the top 10 have been bought in the past 15 years. Here’s what currently makes the list:

25 0 – A Ferrari dealer bought this for £518k in 2014. It is now on a £10 million Ferrari 250 SWB.
F 1 – A businessman, Afzal Khan, bought this for £440k in 2008 and put it on his McLaren-Mercedes SLR.
S 1 – This was bought in 2008 for £404k by an anonymous buyer.
1 D – Businessman Nabil Bishara bought this plate in 2009 (before One Direction was formed, so it is not a reference to the band) for £352k.
M 1 – Businessman Mike McCoomb bought this number plate in 2006 for £331k, apparently for his son, who was 10 at the time.
VIP 1 – Chelsea owner and businessman Roman Abramovich bought this plate for £285k in 2006.
51 NGH – This number plate, which looks like the surname Singh, was sold in 2006 for £254k.
1 RH – Businessman Robert Haverson bought this in 2006 for £247k.
K1 NGS – This reg plate, which looks like the word “kings”, was bought anonymously in 1993 for £231k.
1 0 – This very simple but striking number plate was bought anonymously in 2009 for £170k.

These are large amounts of money, but they are all small compared to the top-selling number plates found in other parts of the world. Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, has the record for the most expensive number plate ever sold. That number plate was a simple “1”. It was bought in 2008 by businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri for £7.25 million.

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