TOP 10 NUMBER PLATES FROM THE MOVIES
Have you ever sat watching a movie and noticed the number plates on the cars? Displaying instant recognition to that film and its iconic characters, we have listed the top 10 of plates so recognisable you could probably name the film just from it’s number plate.
These car number plates have become more than just identifiers; they have become symbols of their iconic characters, thrilling adventures, and cultural. From time-traveling DeLoreans, to dog-napping villains Cruella De Vil and secret agent Aston Martins, these plates have left an indelible mark on cinema and continue to evoke nostalgia and excitement among audiences worldwide. As we celebrate these classic films and their memorable license plates, we are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling and the magic of cinema.
1. “BAT 1” – Batman (1966)
This superhero themed movie has seen the Batman series evolve from a beloved comic book tale into a multi million dollar blockbuster movie franchise. Actors such as George Clooney and Christian Bale have portrayed the caped crusader, as well as Robert Pattinson. However, going back to the 1960’s version, you cannot overlook the iconic number plate “BAT 1” adorning the legendary Batmobile. While various registrations have graced the Batmobile, “BAT 1” remains the most coveted and sought after, holding a special place in the hearts of Batman enthusiasts and collectors alike.
2. “OUTATIME” - Back to the Future (1985)
Dr. Emmet Brown “Doc” (played by Christopher Lloyd) famously converted a Delorean DMC-12 into a time travel machine back in the 80’s with the addition of the highly advanced Flux Capacitor and plutonium power to accelerate the DeLorean to reach the year at 88 miles per hour, at which point the time machine can travel through time. He then sends Marty McFly a High School student (played by Michael J. Fox) back 30 years in time where he encounters his own parents during their high school years. The Delorean sports its own nod to the movies theme with the private registration plate OUTATIME.
One of the most renowned cars in movie history undoubtedly belongs to the DeLorean from the iconic film, Back to the Future, and this plate becomes a central plot element. Throughout the entire Back to the Future franchise, the “OUTATIME” DeLorean played a prominent role, until its eventual demise in the third instalment.
3. “DEV IL” – 101 Dalmations
Even Disney characters like to have their personalised number plates and in this iconic Walt Disney film was when we first saw the glimpse of Cruella Deville in the iconic Panther De Ville car, albeit in cartoon version until it hit the big screen as a movie in November 1996. The classic Panther De Ville car was produced by Panther Westwinds, a British specialty car maker. In the film 101 Dalmatians, dog-napping villain Cruella De Vil, one of the most recognisable villains in the Disney world, travels around in this classic car with the number plate based on the fur-coat-wearing heiress's name reads DE VIL.
In December 2021, for the very first time, DEV 1L came up at the DVLA Auction, as a perfectly spelt plate it was very much sought after and attracted a lot of bidders on this one, the price started to rise at an incredible speed. Eventually after 2 days of intense bidding the hammer finally went down for a whopping £240,010, with VAT & fees totalling £308,253 and we are the proud owner here at Moonstone Plates.
4. “STARK 4” - Iron Man/Avengers (2008)
Our Movie world is full of iconic superheroes and the Iron Man series featuring billionaire Tony Stark is no exception. With money being no object for Tony (primarily portrayed by Robert Downey Jr), he has collected a number of high end, luxury cars, each fitted with its own private registration plate. Stark likes nice cars and his lineup includes an impressive Shelby Cobra and an Audi R8. Different cars are featured in different Iron Man and Avengers movies and the number plates Stark 33, and Stark 4 have been spotted along with Stark 11.
5. James Bond 007 (Numerous movies)
The James Bond movies have featured a number of different actors and vehicles throughout the years, but possibly the most memorable and beautiful car was the Aston Martin DB5 from the 1965 classic film Goldfinger, driven by Sean Connery. With its hidden ejector seat button, 30-calibre machine gun in each bumper, tyre slashers mounted on its wheel hubs and its bullet proof windows it also featured the private number plate JB 007, clearly signifying the secret agents name, James Bond (JB) and his number 007.
The car was auctioned in London and raised an eye-watering $6.4 million.
6. “AU 1” - Goldfinger (1964)
The “AU 1” registration plate, famously showed up on a Rolls-Royce in the James Bond film “Goldfinger” back in 1964, starring Sean Connery and was chosen because the chemical symbol for gold is 'AU'. In the James Bond movie, the first actor to play the part of the famous spy, the number plate belonged to Auric Goldfinger's Rolls-Royce Phantom III, which featured a black-and-gold paint scheme.
AU 1 is seen as quite a special number plate, not for it's high popularity initials, but for it's feature in the "Goldfinger" film and resemblance to the precious metal, Gold, as AU is what gold represents on the periodic table.
7. “ECTO - 1” - Ghostbusters (1984)
Who you gonna call ?? - In this true retro classic film, Ghostbusters, famously known for its 1959 Cadillac that has been modified into an ambulance/hearse combination and is packed full of all the ghost busting gizmos you could ever need. With plenty of space for your proton packs, ecto goggles, PKE meters and several traps, it’s the perfect car for a ghost busting crew, which displays the number plate “Ecto-1”. This plate serves as a playful nod to the team’s specialised equipment used for capturing ghosts in the supernatural comedy film “Ghostbusters”.
This distinctive number plate has become inseparable from the Ghostbusters themselves, becoming a cherished symbol of the franchise adored by fans worldwide.
8. “NRVOUS” - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
This timeless classic that resonated with teenagers in the 80’s, capturing their yearning for escape and admiration for Ferris Bueller’s audacity In 1986, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. Ferris’s anxious best friend, Cameron, (portrayed by Alan Ruck), struggles with the pressures and emotional torment from his father who values his expensive sports car more than his own son. The car, a pivotal element in the “Day Off”. The car’s number plate, featured on the bright red 1958 Ferrari GT California reading “NRVOUS”, perfectly encapsulates the film’s theme, tying together Ferris’s carefree adventure and Cameron’s journey towards overcoming his anxieties. Ferris and Cameron along with Ferris’ girlfriend, Sloane take the car out for a spin despite Cameron’s protests.
9. “7990 TD” - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
In the magical world of Harry Potter, “7990 TD” stands out as the number plate adorning the 1962 Ford Anglia 105E featured in the second film of the franchise, “The Chamber of Secrets.” This enchanted flying car belongs to Arthur Weasley and becomes the centre of a daring escapade when Harry and Ron, having missed the train to Hogwarts, decide to take matters into their own hands.
However, their adventurous flight takes a tumultuous turn as the flying car collides with the menacing Whomping Willow at Hogwarts, leading to a tumultuous journey that eventually lands them in the mysterious Forbidden Forest.
10 .“FLASHDRV” - Spider-Man (2017)
In this 2017 movie, Spider-man, Peter Parker (primarily played by Tom Holland) Flash’s car an Audi A8 adorning the number plate “FLASHDRV” is driven by none other than Peter Parker’s high school nemesis Flash Thompson (portrayed by Tony Revolori) who is a high school jock and somewhat of a bully. He picks on Peter Parker but ironically admires Spiderman.The sleek motor in question is eventually commandeered by Spider-Man himself. However, despite his heroic abilities of strength, stamina, and agility, as well as the ability to cling to nearly any surface by his hands and feet, Spider-Man proves to be less than skilled behind the wheel, leading to some amusing mishaps for the unfortunate car. As the story unfolds, the Audi A8 becomes a memorable part of the action-packed narrative, adding both humour and excitement to the high school hero’s adventures.
OTHER RECOGNISABLE MOVIE PLATES
LIGHTNING MCQUEEN – 95
McQueen's car number “95” is a reference to the year that Pixar released its first feature length film Cars.
Lincoln Lawyer - NTGUILTY
The 2011 movie stars Matthew McConaughey as Los Angeles defense attorney Mickey Haller. Mickey is famous for conducting business from the back of his Lincoln Town Car, preferring to hold meetings on the back seat rather than in a traditional office. In a nod to Mickey's profession and his history of defending criminals in court.
Jeeper Creepers – BEATINGU (Be-eating-U)
A brother and sister travelling home from college make a gruesome discovery in this horror movie. They end up being pursued by a terrifying creature, made all the more frightening by the fact the truck he drives has a private number plate of ‘BEATINGU’ (Be-Eating-U).
Austin Powers - SWINGER
International Man of Mystery Austin Powers is stuck in the 60 with beliefs and sensibilities that are often incompatible with present day values. That may personality perfectly explain why his private car number plate ‘SWINGER’ reflects his ‘Groovy Baby’
Thunderbirds - FAB1
Being a true aristocrat, it only makes sense that Lady Penelope would own a six-wheeled Rolls Royce with her own personal driver, Parker. Painted in bright pink, this car is equipped with everything a Lady might need including machine guns and bullet proof glass.
Herbie - OFP 857
With its classic red white and blue stripes and the number 53 painted on the front, back and sides; this 1963 Volkswagen Beetle has been driving itself across our screens since 1968 and the film ‘The Love Bug.’ The producer of the first film, Robert Stevenson, first worked with Disney in August of 1957. This is where the licence plate comes from, Our First Production 8 ‘57.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - GEN 11,
Easily one of the most famous cars of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang first appeared on our screens in 1968 and, at the time, was a fully functional road car with the licence GEN 11. Six cars in total were produced for the film for each type of transformation it could perform including hovering and flying.
One of the most expensive reg plate inspired by an on-screen star, Sherlock Holmes’ ‘110 MES’ plate, costs more than a Lamborghini Aventador at £275,350!!!
You could buy three Tesla Model Y cars for the price of Batman’s ‘1 BAT’ reg plate
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