Cherished Number Plate Information

Information about cherished number plate TOY 394.

This combination was issued from 1958

This plate would have been issued by Croydon County Borough Council (currently Stanmore London NW).

BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den star and businessman, Theo Paphitis, is the proud possessor 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 elegant. Theo’s interest for private number plates is evident, as he said, “A decent plate on a good car…adds to its charm and its look." Many owners of personalised plates buy for these very reason – to enhance their cars and promote their companies.

Private registrations can be a great investment, with prestigious low number, dateless plates being the most desirable. The most expensive plate bought so far in the UK is F 1, which was purchased in February 2008 from Essex County Council by businessman, Afzal Kahn, for £440, 625. This may seem like an large amount of money, but it should be noted that Mr Kahn’s F 1 could actually hold its value better than the Ferrari that carries it. In September, the plate S 1 was bought for &opund;404,062.50, which shows that the popularity for number plates continues.

The popularity of private car registrations is increasing in many ways. The number of people buying personal number plates is higher than ever before, and the prices they are paying for top examples are reaching record levels. There is simply no question that we are seeing a real boom in the appeal of cherished numbers, both as an investment and as a fun aspect to vehicle customisation.