Kicking off the annual private plate online auctions on January 16th, the DVLA presented a dazzling array of 2,500 registration numbers, sparking excitement among avid collectors and enthusiasts. While a considerable portion of the offerings changed hands for modest sums, the upper echelon of coveted plates commanded staggering amounts, setting the tone for a memorable DVLA number platte auction event.
The Biggest Selling Plates
The highlight of the auction was the prestigious L1 BYA (Libya) private number plate, which fetched a remarkable maximum bid of £102,800. This transaction not only marked a substantial financial exchange but also established a new record, standing as the highest price paid in a DVLA number plate auction since the memorable July 2023 event.
Securing the second position in this illustrious lineup was the enigmatic 8 XP, a registration that found a new owner at a substantial £40,154. It's presumed that the appeal of this particular plate lies in its reference to the Experience Points cryptocurrency, aligning with a trend observed in recent auctions featuring similarly themed numbers. Not to be overshadowed, the third-place entry, 980 S (£32,193), added a touch of automotive elegance, making it an ideal adornment for a Porsche 980.
Name Specific Number Plates
Delving into the diverse privates plates, other notable new registrations that stirred bidding enthusiasm included 16 UY (1 Guy) which commanded £18,120, DEV 7N (Devin) from the highest bidder for a price of £12,922, and DAR 10X (Dario X) changing hands for £11,366. FA73 MAH (Fatemah) found a new home at £9,222, while RY51 NGH (RY Singh) and PB51 NGH (PB Singh) garnered prices of £9,209 and £8,824, respectively.
An intriguing trend emerged as some name numbers incorporated numerical elements, seemingly disregarded by buyers who sought unique and personalised car registrations. Standouts in this category included AK17 TAR (Aktar) at £10,365 and FR18 ANK (Frank) at £8,439.
Word Based & Novelty Plates
Venturing into the realm of words and novelties, The auction featured a few registration marks that sparked additional interest and speculation. OMY 90D (O my god) raised eyebrows with its £12,008 price tag, prompting questions about its release given potential religious sensitivities. The plate 24 FFS fetched £15,488, suggesting a cheeky message that doesn't need spelling out.
STO 13N (Stolen) lived up to its name by becoming an absolute steal at £17,427. BOS 5A (Boss A) added a touch of authority, commanding £10,172, while WAR 110R (Warrior) brought strength and character to the auction, securing a bid of just £7,283. Not just in meaning but visually striking was OCE 34N (Ocean), acquired at the bargain price of £6,513.
Private Plates like OOO 100X (£14,204) and S100 OOO (£4,610) adhered to a trend of visually striking plates without clear meanings. Notably, those featuring repetition of the letter O, the digit 0, and/or the letter X have consistently garnered high interest.
The auction featured a few registration marks that sparked additional interest and speculation. OMY 90D (O my god) raised eyebrows with its £12,008 price tag, prompting questions about its release given potential religious sensitivities. The plate 24 FFS fetched £15,488, suggesting a cheeky message that doesn't need spelling out.
Adding an element of mystery to the proceedings were plates like 60 YRS (£11,007) and 1964 S (£14,217), seemingly alluding to specific time references that piqued the curiosity of bidders.
A plate that stirred speculation was BMT 216G, priced at £7,540. Believed to have found a home with a James Bond enthusiast, it sits just one character away from a Bond plate that gained attention in 2022, further adding a layer of intrigue to its acquisition. The event, therefore, not only showcased the financial and creative fervor surrounding DVLA personalised registrations but also unfolded as a captivating exploration of individual expression and interests within the realm of vehicular personalisation.