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.
When you own a personalised number plate, you have to become familiar with the DVLA’s vehicle registration transfer process. It is not difficult to do, once you know the rules and have gone through it at least once. Our guide will walk you through the three main processes:
- Transferring a registration from one vehicle to another
- Transferring a registration away from one vehicle but retaining it for future use
- Transferring a registration that you have previously retained (i.e. that is not currently on a vehicle) onto a vehicle
Vehicle to Vehicle Registration Transfer Rules
You can transfer a registration between any vehicle that is subject to, or will be subject to at some stage, an MOT or GVT test. This means you cannot, for example, transfer a registration number to a tractor.
- FREE TRANSFER SERVICE - your paperwork is handled by our trained team
- OVER 30 YEARS EXPERTISE - long established and trusted company
- DVLA RECOGNISED RESELLER - linked directly from the DVLA website
- TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS - MIRAD and CN Guild members

