Here is How Much You Can Spend on a Number License Plate
In many areas of the world, certain number license plates are in high demand, especially in the Persian Gulf area where cars are status symbols. In that area of the world, vanity license plates are symbols of indulgence as well as matters of personal pride. Often, the price paid for license plates is more than the value of the car that will display them. These license plates, some of the very expensive number plates sold in the world, consist of low numbers or numbers that were special to the person who purchased them.
“1”
In 2008, Saeed Abdul Ghafour Khouri purchased a license plate with the number “1” at an auction held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, setting a world record for one of the most expensive number plates when he bid 52.2 dirham or $14.3 million US. The money paid for the plate was used to assist victims of road accidents. In the Persian Gulf, a special license plate represents indulgence and confidence, which is why many owners seek specialty or low numbered plates for their cars.
“5”
The United Arab Emirates holds vehicles in high regard as there is no public transportation. However, just owning a luxury car is not enough. In 2016, Balwinder Sahni, a Dubai property owner, spent 33 million dirhams, or $9 million US, on a license plate bearing ‘5.” He used the one of the most expensive number plates on one of his six Rolls Royce’s. Today, Sahni says he is often stopped to be photographed next to his plate.
“28”
In Asia, the number “8” has special meaning, which is why, in 2016, a license plate numbered “28” was sold for $2.3 million US in 2016. The buyer, an unidentified Cantonese businessman purchased the tag at more than six times the listing price of $413,000. In Cantonese, 28 loosely means “easy” and “to prosper” and many believe that a license plate that ends in “8” leads to good luck and fortune.
“F1”
Setting the record for one of the most expensive number plates sold in the UK, Afzal Kahn paid the equivalent of $870,000 US for an “F1” license plate. Project Kahn, his company, creates special packages for Range Rovers, Paybacks, SLRs and more. He placed the plate on his Veyron and rumors have persisted since his purchase in 2008, Kahn has turned down numerous offers to purchase the plate. In one report, he was offered $9.3 million for the license plate, which he turned down.
“25 O”
For Josh Collins, it was not enough to own a 1964 Ferrari 250 SWB that had previously been owned by Eric Clapton. In 2014, Collins paid 518 Euros, or $813,622 US, for the license plate “25 O.” Collins, who is the owner of Talacrest, also purchased another of the expensive number plates, “250 L” for over $200,000 for his Ferrari at the same auction.
“11”
The state of Delaware has long had a fascination with license plates. Passenger car plates consist of up to six numbers, with lower number plates being more valuable than higher number plates. After the death of surveyor, Charles Murphy of Milford, his family chose to auction his “11” license plate. In Delaware, “1” is reserved for the Governor, “2” for the Lieutenant Governor, “3” for Secretary of State, and so on, so “11” was a valuable number. The Fusco’s, a real estate family, purchased the plate for $675,000 in 2008.
“S1”
The first numbered plate in Scotland, “S1,” was originally owned by John Macdonald, Lord Kingsburg, the first person to won a vehicle in the country. Lord Kingsburg loved cars so much that he was a founding member of the Automobile Club, serving as president of the Scottish chapter. His plate, one of the top number plates sold, was purchased in 2008 by an anonymous buyer for $434,000 who placed it on an old Skoda.
“1D”
In 2009, London property developer, Nail Bishar, purchased the license plate “1D” at a DVLA charity event in Warwick. Bishara paid 325,000 Euros, $377,000 US, for the one of the expensive number plates which now adorns his wife’s Rolls Royce.
“14”
Although the Murphy plate sold for a higher price, another Delaware plate also ranks as one of the most expensive license plates sold in the world. In 2016, Donna and Ray White purchased Delaware plate “14” at an auction for $325,000. The plate was sold by a New Castle family who chose to remain anonymous.
“VIP 1”
Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, purchased the license plate “VIP 1” for 285,000 Euros, or $306,603 US, in 2006. He used the license plate on his Rolls Royce Corniche IV convertible. The license plate was previously used on a vehicle used by Pope John Paul II when he lived in Ireland in 1979.
These top number plates indicate how far vehicle lovers will go to adorn their car with a specialty license plate. Whether it is a vanity plate or a number that holds special meaning, many people are willing to work with a personal number plate dealers in order to get that plate for their car and have some more luxury in their lives.