Cherished Number Plate Information

Information about cherished number plate R164 ARD.

The registration mark R164 ARD was part DVLA's standard issue release on 01 August 1997

These registrations were not made available for sale. They were put onto newly registered vehicles.

The popularity of personalized car numbers has launched a very healthy marketplace. Whereas the majority of owners buy their numbers for pleasure, there are an increasing number of investment-conscious customers who acquire their plates with a view to selling them later at a profit. A former BBC Top Gear presenter is widely quoted as having said that a well chosen private number can be better than money in the bank. Certainly some of Britain's most astute business people are converted to the personal registrations cause. Sir Alan Sugar, Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis - they all own carefully chosen cherished numbers.

Although many buyers of private number plates choose numbers that represent their names or initials, there are numerous categories of registrations available. While some purchase plates that are personal to them, others prefer to give their vehicles the limelight with number plates that relate to their particular models of car. For example, the proud owner of a classic MG may wish to display the prestigious plate, MG 1 while the driver of a Smart car really would look stylish with the plate SMA 2T.

BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den star and businessman, Theo Paphitis, is the proud holder of several personalised number plates, including LA53 NZA and T1 HEO. These registrations, which are used for promotional purposes and to add that personal touch, are exclusive and look really chic. Theo’s enthusiasm for private number plates is evident, as he said, “A decent plate on a good car…adds to its beauty and its look." Many owners of personalised plates buy for these very reason – to enhance their cars and promote their companies.