The recent number plate auction showcased an exciting array of personalised number plates, attracting collectors and enthusiasts alike. From high-value name plates like NA74 SHA, which topped the auction at £45,033, to creatively crafted word and car-themed options such as 8055 M and 330 S, bidders had plenty to choose from. With plates reflecting names, hobbies, and even football clubs, the auction highlighted the diversity and unique appeal of customised registrations.
Top Performers
The standout performer in this auction was the private number plate NA74 SHA (Natasha), fetching a total of £45,033. Following closely was 8055 M (interpreted as "Boss M") which sold for £32,193. Among the car-themed plates, the top sale was 330 S, going for £30,267; a likely choice for someone with a Ferrari 330 in their garage. Rounding out the top five were two name-based plates: AYA 9N (Ayan) sold for £28,970, while 55 UKH (Sukh) fetched £28,854.
Word Plates
A diverse selection of word plates was up for grabs. The first, D199 GER, which sold for £12,933, could work as either a personal nickname or as a nod to a JCB operator or fan. KLA 55Y, a creative take on the word "classy," went for £11,649. BAN 3D (possibly interpreted as "band" or "banned") achieved a sale price of £9,209, while the Halloween-themed GH05 STX was appropriately sold for £6,500.
CU55 TOM went for £7,810, most likely representing "custom" rather than an offensive jab at anyone named Tom. Meanwhile, BA11 AST (£7,810) could reference anything from construction to electronics, but the buyer's intent remains unclear without further hints.
GAM 2E, which sold for £6,782, would suit a gamer, game designer, or gaming retailer. MED 18A (£5,229) is a fitting choice for a journalist, digital creator, or marketing professional. The plates UN74 MED (£5,088) and HOR 11D (£4,613) suggest that caution may be needed around these vehicles!
A couple of plates seemed to hint at the frustration of dealing with slow drivers: SHE 510W sold for £6,513, while UUU 510W went for £4,266. The intended messages behind these are anyone's guess.
Name Plates
We've already covered some top name plates like NA74 SHA, AYA 9N, and 55 UKH. Other notable name registrations included AKE 6LM (Akeel) which sold for £20,624, BHA 4V (Bhav) at £19,545, AFZ 81 (Afzal) for £19,353, and MRS 41F (Mr. Saif) fetching £17,581. SOH 9L, clearly for "Sohal," went for £17,427, while RHE 2A (£16,400) represented "Rhea" despite the presence of an extra numeral—an example of how even imperfect representations can still work effectively.
HAR 155K (Harris K) and BR17 ONS (Britons) both sold for £14,217. Given the abundance of "Singh" plates like J851 NGH, which sold for £10,365, it’s surprising that there are still new variations available. It's a versatile name that fits numerous registration patterns.
Car-Themed Plates
As mentioned earlier, 330 S was a top performer and likely headed for a Ferrari. Another likely Ferrari plate, 488 JP, sold for £15,527. The auction also featured several Porsche plates, a common sight at these events. Notable sales included 992 SW for £12,920, 911 HW for £12,419, 997 JAY at £12,291, 911 LRH for £10,378, and POR 911W, which was a relative bargain at £4,176.
Sports Plates
For football enthusiasts, AR57 NAL (£9,081) and W657 HAM (£7,335) represented effective yet affordable club-themed plates.
Symmetry and Visual Appeal
As usual, the auction offered some plates valued purely for their visual symmetry and aesthetic appeal, rather than any specific reference. These typically feature popular characters like X, O, and 0. Prime examples include OO14 OOO (£5,807) and XXX 777X (£4,009), demonstrating the allure of repetition and balance in registration design.