Fab Number Plate Could Be Back on TV

Plans for a new series of the iconic 1960s children's TV show, Thunderbirds, are about to be finalised, according to recent reports. This raises the exciting prospect of a revival of interest in the cult sci-fi classic and, of course, one of the most famous number plates of all, Lady Penelope's ostentatious 'FAB 1'.

According to registration records, it is likely, though by no means certain, that the actual FAB 1 would have been issued around 1946 by Worcestershire County Council. However, the portrayal of vehicle registrations, whether real or otherwise, in fiction seems to be accepted. Another good example being the apt PAT 1 which adorns the van of a more recent kids' favourite, Postman Pat. Again, someone may well have this number currently registered to a vehicle or held on retention.

Either way, it seems unlikely that the registrant could, or would wish to, have grounds to complain about its appearance in a clearly fictitious work. It is worth remembering that it is only the rights to display a number on a vehicle which are granted, not the governance of its use in other contexts. Presumably, the licensing authority are the only body who could possibly lay claim to any copyright.

Thunderbirds fans may not be able to get their hands on the real FAB 1, or, at least, only one of them can ever do so at any one time. In any event, a three initial 'number one' would cost you upwards of £35,000 (maybe slightly less for the reverse version with the '1' at the front), and those representing a recogniseable word or common abbreviation can be worth considerably more. But how about a 'FAB' plate for just £344? Regtransfers.co.uk, the UK 's leading authority and dealer of personal number plates can offer you some truly FABulous examples, such as X25 FAB (£344) or, in the current style, FB11 FAB (£905).

It's been some 46 years since her ladyship's chauffeur, Parker, first drove her around Tracy Island in the famous pink Rolls Royce. In the original format, the characters were laughably crude marionettes and little attempt appeared to have been made to even hide the strings. The new version will, perhaps somewhat disappointingly for die-hard fans, employ state of the art computer animation techniques. The show's creator, Gerry Anderson was famously quoted as saying that he, "hated working with puppets," because "they can't walk, they can't do anything!"

Find your 'fab' plate here

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