Sale of Max Bygraves legendary MB 1 number plate

There are quite a few well-known private registration numbers in the UK. Some, such as F 1 and 25 O, are notable for achieving prices which, in their day, were record-breaking. Others, through their history and association with famous people, have become iconic: comedian Jimmy Tarbuck's COM 1C registration, for example, or the late Paul Daniels' MAG 1C.

The story behind the plate

Originally issued between July 1922 and July 1925 by Cheshire County Council, MB 1 gained its fame as the personal registration of Max Bygraves. That name may not be familiar to younger readers but it was a household name in British entertainment throughout the mid-20th century. Max Bygraves was more than a familiar face. A singer, comedian, actor and writer, his career spanned six decades and almost every medium - radio, theatre, film, television, and music. He was awarded 31 gold discs, appeared in 20 Royal Variety Performances, and was made an OBE in 1983.

And for years, MB 1 followed him, mounted on a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, a visible reminder of an entertainer who moved easily between working-class charm and West End polish.

Today, Regtransfers is proud to announce the return of this notable piece of motoring and cultural history - MB 1 is once again available for acquisition.

A rare acquisition

Regtransfers first acquired MB 1 in 1998, alongside the Rolls-Royce it was displayed on. It was a purchase made with more than commercial interest, it was a recognition of the fame and history represented by the car and plate.

Number 1 registrations are highly sought after, and MB 1 combined the coveted single digit with a very common set of initials (one of the top 5 in the country), guaranteeing that there would be no shortage of potential purchasers. Of course, its history and fame simply added to its appeal.

The car was sold shortly after, but MB 1 remained with us until it passed to a private collector in 2002. Now, over two decades later, Regtransfers is delighted to have, once again, acquired MB 1. This famous number 1 registration is available exclusively from Regtransfers

Purchase or enquire about MB 1

MB 1 and the man who made it one of Britain's most famous numbers

Singer, comedian and actor Max Bygraves was one of the biggest stars to find fame during the period of change after the Second World War. As a recording artist and radio performer, he soon became a household name. In the 1950s and 1960s, he began to appear on, and later to host, many television shows. The frequent TV work continued through the 1970s and in the 1980s he served time as the host of the long-lived game show Family Fortunes.

From 1972, Bygraves recorded a series of sing-along albums for an older audience. These recordings, comprising medleys of old standard songs, sold millions and were a familiar sight in the album charts for years, thus extending his career and popularity. His fame and his distinctive voice and mannerisms also made him a great favourite of TV impressionists such as Mike Yarwood.

Fame rubbed off on his personal number plate, and his splendid MB 1 became one of the best-known celebrity plates on British roads. At a time when there was really only one car to drive if you were famous, Max lived up to what was expected of a showbiz star and displayed his registration on a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit.

End of an era

As the years passed and his career had effectively run its course, Max became increasingly fond of Australia and often visited the country that would later become his final home. As he prepared to relocate, various items were gradually sold off in order to clear the way for his emigration. In 1998, a Regtransfers employee heard on the radio that the Rolls bearing the famous MB 1 registration was up for sale. Management were alerted and we quickly got in touch with Max's people. When managing director Tony Brown collected the car from his secretary and chauffeur, the employee who had alerted him to the sale went along for the ride.

A rare opportunity to own a piece of history

Whether you're drawn by the prestige of a number 1 plate, the appeal of the initials MB, or the cultural legacy of Max Bygraves, this is a chance that doesn’t come around often.

MB 1 is more than a registration, it’s a conversation starter, a collector’s dream, and a subtle but unmistakable signal of status. Its unique combination of rarity, relevance, and recognisability makes it one of the most desirable plates on the market today.

Contact our team for more information or enquire about MB 1 today.