Charity Auction Offers Fans a Chance to Own Iconic Press Car Number Plates
Reg Plates ArticleCharity Auction Offers Fans a Chance to Own Iconic Press Car Number Plates

A Piece of Ferrari History Up for Grabs Charity Auction Offers Fans a Chance to Own Iconic Press Car Number Plates
Calling all Ferrari enthusiasts! A unique opportunity has arisen to own a cherished piece of Ferrari's history. Ferrari North Europe is putting up for auction 25 of their press car registration plates, offering a chance for "petrol heads" (car enthusiasts) to possess a tangible connection to the legendary marque.
The auction, set for May 18th at the Iconic Auctioneers SupercarFest, will see these distinctive plates go under the hammer, with all proceeds going to charity. This presents a fantastic opportunity for Ferrari aficionados to not only acquire a rare and valuable collector's item, but also contribute to a worthy cause.
A Glimpse into Ferrari's Past
These registration plates haven't simply resided in a dusty storeroom; they've graced the streets and adorned the front covers of prestigious automotive publications like Autocar, CAR, Evo, and even Top Gear. For the past two decades, they've been seen mounted on some of Ferrari's most breathtaking models as they've been put through their paces by journalists and test drivers.
Imagine owning the plate that once adorned the sleek curves of a 458 Italia! The auction will feature the plate "458 FNE," along with others like "F1 CAL" and "V70 LAF," each carrying the legacy of the Ferrari it accompanied. Owning such a plate wouldn't just be about the alphanumeric combination; it would be about possessing a link to a specific Ferrari model and the media frenzy it likely generated.
Bidding Options and Charitable Impact
The beauty of this auction lies in its accessibility. Bidding can be done in person at the event itself, or remotely via online platforms or by phone. This allows participation from Ferrari fanatics across the globe, ensuring a truly international competition for these coveted plates.
But perhaps the most heart warming aspect of the auction is its charitable purpose. All proceeds will be donated to Ben, the automotive industry charity. This organization has witnessed a significant surge in demand for its services recently, with a 26% rise in calls to its helpline amidst the cost-of-living crisis. The funds raised through the auction will directly contribute to Ben's ability to continue supporting those within the automotive industry facing difficult times. Iconic Auctioneers have further amplified the charitable impact by pledging to donate the buyer's premium on each sale, effectively adding 10% to the final hammer price.
Beyond the Numbers - A Collector's Dream
While the functionality of a number plate is to identify a vehicle, in the realm of car collecting, they transcend their basic purpose. They become conversation starters, turning a car into a rolling piece of history. Imagine the stories a Ferrari number plate could tell! It could have been featured in a high-octane photoshoot, witnessed record-breaking laps on a racetrack, or simply cruised the scenic highways, turning heads everywhere it went.
Owning a plate from this auction wouldn't just be about bolting it onto your car (legality would depend on regulations in your area). It would be about acquiring a conversation piece, a collector's item steeped in Ferrari lore. It's a chance to put a tangible piece of Ferrari's heritage in your garage, perhaps displayed alongside miniature models or Ferrari memorabilia.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Opportunities to acquire such a unique piece of Ferrari's history don't come around often. This auction presents a chance not only to indulge your passion for Ferrari but also to contribute to a cause that supports those within the automotive industry. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply a Ferrari enthusiast, this auction offers a chance to own a part of the Ferrari story. Mark your calendars for May 18th and visit the Iconic Auctioneers website (or consider reaching out to Regplates.com, a website specialising in registration plates, to stay updated on any relevant information) to explore the available plates and prepare your bid. This is your chance to not just own a number plate, but to claim a piece of the Ferrari legend.
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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