Being a proud business owner
In the world of UK car companies, some of the most desirable personalised registration plates are more than just plates, they are symbols of history, heritage, and passion. While personalised registrations are often seen on private vehicles, reflecting the owner’s name, interests, or personal connections, some of the most notable ones are owned by car companies. These registrations can be highly valuable and play a key role in brand image and marketing. We explored this world to discover the stories behind some of these iconic plates.
CAR 1
One of the more notable famous registrations in the UK is CAR 1 and has been owned for decades by Ford of Great Britain. This plate is more than just a registration, it’s a piece of automotive history. Ford often use it on vehicles within its press fleet or for marketing events, moving it from one car to another. Value wise it’s estimated around £175,000, although it’s priceless to them as we don’t think they would ever consider selling it.
Porsche and their Iconic Collection
Another company with a deep connection with its Private Plates is Porsche Great Britain. Amongst their prized collection is A 911, being a nod to the legendary Porsche 911 with a value of a very impressive £225,000. They also hold 911 GB and have previously owned THE 928S, which was used on, you guessed it, a Porsche 928 S. These plates not only represent the company’s iconic models but also reinforce its connection to automotive enthusiasts and again we don’t think they will part with them anytime soon. It’s not uncommon today to see a few 911 plates released at the DVLA’s monthly auction.
Aston Martin Lagonda
Another well-known plate within the car company plates is the AML 1, valued at approximately £185,000. Previously seen on a range of Aston Martin vehicles, from brand-new models to classic cars from the 1960s. The plate reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a sense of prestige and history across its lineup. Aston Martin also holds DBS 1, obviously displayed on a DBS and V12 AML which is another nod to one the brand’s heritage.
Bentley Motors Founder
Again, another prestigious plate we are ever likely to see up for sale is 1 WO which belongs to the founder of Bentley Motors Limited, W.O. Bentley. This luxury car producer has a series of registrations that end in BML with the first digits usually reflecting the project number of a specific model.
Jaguar Land Rover’s Valuable LR 1
Owned by Jaguar Land Rover is one of the most valuable plates in the automotive world LR 1, valued at around £250,000 and is often reserved for vehicles transporting the CEO or high-profile guests. It’s a symbol of the company’s distinction and tradition and is unlikely to ever be seen up for sale.
VIP’s
When it comes to VIP transport it’s quite common to see personalised registrations. Not only are they great at hiding a vehicle’s age they are being ferried around in, but they are also a great marketing tool for the company. BMW UK has 1 BMW and 2 BMW on its VIP cars, with 1 BMW valued at around £100,000. It has very rarely been seen out and about which indicates you clearly you must be very special to be ferried around in a car wearing this plate.
Another great plate is SU13 ARU worth around £18,000, which quite clearly reads Subaru and belongs to the importer of the Japanese marque, IM Group, they do have a few others but none that are quite as close to the actual name as this one.
Volkswagen owns a few too, including VWW 1 which is currently on an original Beetle in the UK heritage fleet. They also have G8 VWW on a Golf 8 GTi but one we think is a good plate is P45 SAT or Passat. With a value of around £8,000 and with VW Passat no longer in production, we just wonder if we will see this up for grabs soon.
There are plenty of others around, including RR1 belongs to a private individual who won’t sell so Rolls-Royce has to settle for RRM 1 and Ferrari has a series of plates ending in FNE for Ferrari North Europe.
Out of reach Plates
One plate that The Volkswagen Group would love to get their hands on is AUD 1 which is owned by Jardine Motor Group, valued at £125,000, it’s been in Jardine’s possession for many years, and they have no intention of parting ways with it.
Quirky Plates
Quite often you will see a business vehicle with the Company’s initials or what line of work they are in, Pimlico Plumbers own quite a few great plates on their fleet of vans LAV 1, BOG 1, 701 LET & DRA 1N which are very apt for their business. Or howabout PUP 805S for a dog groomers or boarding kennels available to purchase directly through us.
So, the next time you see a distinctive registration on a car in an advertisement or at a car show, remember, it might not be just a clever prop, it could be a genuine piece of automotive history and owned by the car company itself. These plates carry stories and legacies, adding a unique layer of personality to the vehicles they adorn.
Looking to buy a registration plate?
Take a look on our website at the thousands and thousands of number plates to suit all budgets with prices starting at just £275, it is a perfect & unique gift for everybody.
Click the link www.moonstoneplates.com/buy or press our logo to go back to the home page to begin your number plate journey!
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Alternatively, if you have a number plate and are looking to sell or know someone who might you can click here to go to our sell page or give our team a call on 01995 213112.
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