The Bonhams sale at the Goodwood Revival on Saturday, 13th September once again demonstrated that classic number plates can command as much excitement as the cars themselves. Two historic registrations, HC 1 and DB 1, drew particular attention, both for their fascinating histories and the impressive sums they achieved under the hammer.
HC 1 sold for a total of £195,500, a result that reflects its rarity and historical importance. Issued in Eastbourne in 1909, it was the very first registration ever allocated in the town. Its original owner was Mr Hissy, a motoring journalist whose early adoption of motoring linked the plate to the very dawn of British automotive culture.
The standout moment of the auction, however, came with DB 1, which achieved a staggering £437,000. First issued in 1904 by Stockport Borough County Council, DB 1 is among the earliest UK registrations still in circulation. Its value lies in its brevity, rarity, and cultural significance. The initials “DB” are forever associated with Aston Martin’s DB series, immortalised by the DB5, the quintessential James Bond car. That connection adds a glamour and international allure that extends far beyond traditional collectors, appealing to fans of film, luxury, and motoring heritage alike.
The sale placed DB 1 firmly in the top ten most expensive plates ever sold in the UK, entering at number seven. It joins an elite list that includes record-holder JB 1, which fetched £608,600 at Bonhams earlier this year, also at Goodwood. Other headline-grabbing sales include 25 O, sold for £518,480 in 2014 and F 1, which achieved £440,625 in 2008 and is owned by automotive designer Afzal Kahn, who is reported to be asking £15 million for it.
The wider market for cherished plates has grown steadily over the past two decades, driven by a mix of investment potential and personal prestige. Unlike many collectables, a registration plate can be actively displayed, whether for exclusivity, individuality or even for marketing purposes. For wealthy collectors, the blend of heritage and visibility is irresistible. What’s more, private registrations are a no-maintenance investment: unlike classic cars, they require no storage, upkeep or restoration, yet they can still deliver daily pleasure when displayed, all while appreciating steadily in value.
These results clearly show the buoyancy of the market, underlining that interest in rare and historic registrations remains strong and that prices for the very best examples continue to climb, making them one of the most resilient and desirable sectors of the luxury asset market.
