March, May and July auctions of newly released registrations
Viruses and lockdowns may come and go but the private number plate market marches on!
Seriously, we have all experienced a very worrying time and, no doubt, there are still challenges ahead but that makes it all the more encouraging to see signs of economic activity and indications that people are doing their best to live life as normally as possible.
The personal registrations market has repeatedly proven itself to be surprisingly resilient during difficult times: the industry fared well in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and has remained very active even during the Covid-19 epidemic.
This resilience has been demonstrated again in the three recent DVLA auctions of newly released numbers that took place in March, May and July of this year. Clearly, public health considerations have made live auctions impractical, so these last three events all took place online.
March's auction offered 2250 lots for sale. We saw some great opportunities for bargain hunters as a couple of decent word numbers, HU57 LED and LUN 471C, were snapped up for relatively modest prices. Both could prove to be worthwhile investments.
May's auction of 1250 numbers produced some spectacular results. Unassailable champion of the bout was J42 MES, achieving an all-in price of £102,826. Runners up included 4 RS (£95,109), IG 5 (£87,739), 88 O (£57,899) and 8 YK (£47,973). Once again, there were also bargains to be found. 54 LAM ("Salam") sold for £23,860 but we can easily imagine this one achieving a higher price should the right buyer be tempted.
Continuing the upwards trajectory of auction prices, July's sale was a corker. 2250 lots were available for bidders to choose from and there was plenty of activity. Highlights included 86 A, which sold for £111,814, SUN 1A (£45,174), 9 YK (£40,012), 1 NAB (£36,186) and 10 RA (£33,104).
- Number 1 plates prove to be an incredible investment. You can find more number one plates here.
Indisputable star of the show, however, was the wonderful 1 NHS. A stunningly topical and relevant number that surely anyone would be proud to display. We don't yet know who purchased it or what plans they may have for it but we'll let you know as soon as we hear anything. And the price for this fantastic registration? A cool £154,211.
