Record Breakers and High Fliers (Constantly Updated)

This article sets out some of the facts and figures for which we are most frequently asked.

On this page:

• First British/UK Registration Numbers Issued
• Most Expensive UK Car Registrations
• Most Expensive Car Registration in the World

First British/UK Registration Numbers Issued

The Myth

It is commonly reported that the first vehicle registration issued in Britain was A 1. This, however, is not correct. While A 1 would have been the first registration issued by the London authority, other authorities did, in fact, begin issuing registration numbers before London did.

Many have assumed that chronology should tally with both alphabetical and numerical order. However, the fact is that the letter component of those early registrations identified the issuing authority, not the order of issue. It is ignorance of this that is to blame for the common, and erroneous, belief that A 1 was the first British car registration.

The real story of A 1 is interesting, even though it wasn't actually the first ever number plate. In 1903, when London began issuing vehicle registrations on a first-come-first-served basis, Earl Russell sat up all night to ensure that he would be first in the queue for this historic number plate. Competition was fierce, and it is reported that Earl Russell beat his nearest rival by a matter of only a few seconds.

Noel Woodall, number plates expert and inventor of the term "autonumerology" to describe the study of the subject, detailed part of the history of A 1 in his "Car Numbers" series of books. In recent years, however, A 1 seems to have slipped "under the radar", and there is uncertainty regarding the registration's current whereabouts and status.

The Reality

Unfortunately, at this time, it is not possible to say with certainty which was the very first issued registration, but Regtransfers.co.uk continues to research the issue. This document will be updated as additional reliable information becomes available.

The Most Expensive UK Car Registrations

Reg	Price	When Sold	Links
F 1	£440,625	2008	Video & Article
M 1	£331,500	2006
VIP 1	£285,000	2006
51 NGH	£254,000	2006
GS 1	£258,775	2005
K1 NGS	£231,000	1993

It is widely speculated that, should it become available, the legendary A 1 registration could command a price as high as £1 million.

The Most Expensive Car Registrations in the World

Reg	Price	When Sold	Where
1	£7.25 million	2008	United Arab Emirates
5	£3.5 million	2007	United Arab Emirates

NB: This information is maintained up-to-date to the best of our knowledge and ability. Nevertheless, errors and omissions may occasionally creep in.

Note 1: Some car registration reference books list the year of issue of A1 as 1904, however its acquisition by Earl Russell was reported in a December 23rd 1903 issue of Car Illustrated so the year of issue is established beyond doubt as 1903.