Rare Personalised Number Plate VIC 1 Spotted
Reg Plates ArticleRare Personalised Number Plate VIC 1 Spotted

The Victorian '1' personalised number plate is one of the most valuable and sought-after number plates in the world, with an estimated value of between $10 million and $20 million. It is currently owned by former Fosters' Group and Coles Myer chief executive Peter Bartels, who has reportedly rejected several offers of over $1 million for the plate.
Victorian '1' heritage plate.
The plate was first issued in 1906 and has only had a handful of owners since then. In 1984, it was sold at auction for $165,000, which is equivalent to over $570,000 in today's money. The plate has since changed hands several times, with each sale increasing its value.
The high value of the Victorian '1' heritage plate is due to a number of factors. Its low number and its long history make it a very desirable collectible. Additionally, the plate is seen as a status symbol and is often purchased by wealthy individuals who want to show off their wealth.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for heritage number plates, with prices skyrocketing. In 2019, the Victorian '916' heritage plate sold for $108,000, while in 2022, the Victorian '14' heritage plate sold for a record $2.27 million.
The Victorian '1' heritage plate is a truly unique and valuable item, and it is unlikely that its value will decrease in the foreseeable future.
Here is a more detailed look at the history of the Victorian '1' heritage plate:
The plate was first issued in 1906.
It was originally reserved for government officials, but they could not agree on who should own it.
In the 1980s, the plate was auctioned off.
The first owner was retired mechanic Gary Price, who purchased it for $165,000 (inflation-adjusted $571,551).
The plate has since changed hands several times, with each sale increasing its value.
The current owner is believed to be Peter Bartels, the former CEO of Carlton & United Breweries and Fosters.
The plate has been heavily documented and photographed throughout its life.
It has been displayed on a variety of luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-AMG E55, a Mercedes-AMG E63, and a Porsche 911 Turbo.
The following list shows plates that have been sold in the past at the highest prices. Most of these were sold in auctions across the country although some were sold by the DVLA.
- ‘25’ O for £518,000.
This is the most expensive Regplates ever sold by the DVLA, and were purchased in 2014 by Ferrari dealer John Collins. The plate is currently being used on a Ferrari. The market value of the car is around £10,000,000.
- ‘F 1’ for £440,000.
This Regplate was the previous record holder for the highest price paid for a reg plate. The plate represents the initials of Formula 1 racing and was bought in 2008 by Afzal Khan, a businessman from Bradford. The plates are currently being used on his McLaren Mercedes SLR, which is quite an impressive match.
- ‘S 1’ for £404,000.
This is claimed to be the first Regplate that was ever made in Scotland. Therefore, it is both special and rare, as it is only one of its kind. The Regplates were purchased in 2008 at an auction by an anonymous bidder who said the plate would be used on an old Skoda. It’s a good investment, either to mark history or as an antique.
- ‘1 D’ for £352,000.
These initials bear a resemblance to the American pop group One Direction. However, it is interesting to note that the Regplate was purchased a year before the group was even formed. Nabil Bishara, a businessman from Lebanon, purchased it.
- ‘M 1’ for £331,000.
Mike McCoomb, a businessman in the phone industry, bought this unique Reg plate back in 2006. He said the plates were meant for his son, who was 10 years old at the time of the purchase.
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