buy and sell number plates | buyandsellnumberplates.com: 2008

Sunday, 21 December 2008

Can your number plate reveal who you are?

Can your number plate reveal who you are?

Personalised number plates and cherished plates are a unique way to personalise your vehcile - but is it true they can also tell us things about your personality?

After being asked by customers and website visitors if their number plates "spoke" about them (think astrology/palmistry and the like) we decided to write a brief summary of number plate styles and what they may say about the owner - it's not exhaustive - more a bit of festive fun- enjoy :-)

See also

who owns a number plate
what does my number plate say about me

Tuesday, 2 December 2008

Do I have to pay to advertise my number plate?

Many number plate dealers offer to sell your number plate "for free"

The fact is this is not a cut and dried offer - though you will never pay the number plate dealer directly for their services - you may find that the selling price for your number plate is less than if you had sold it privately.

why sell personalised numberplates privately

Number plate dealers provide a great service - and all good services should be paid for. But when some dealers charge as much as 15% or a flat fee it can seriously affect the "return" from selling your number plate.

There is an alternative..

more and more people are turning to number plate classifieds as a means of taking control. By dealing directly - the buyer and seller get a great deal - there is no middleman which means more money in your pocket.

To find out more about selling number plates - please visit sellmynumberplate.com or check the links below.

See also
advertise your number plate for free
can i advertise my number plate for free?

Wednesday, 5 November 2008

DVLA sealed bids auction result

The first DVLA sealed bids auction came to a close Monday and the results are in.

This was the DVLA's first move away from the traditional cherished number plate auction format and as such a barmoter for the number plate market in these times of credit crunch too

The results were mixed - not a runaway success but not a complete flop either - we think the DVLA will experiment further with this an other auction formats - in addition to their DVLA buy online facility for private number plates which is now also running.

The good

69% lots sold
£840,320 total sales
£51,250 highest priced lot

The bad

31% lots unsold
low prices achieved- average £816 compared to DVLA average of £3500
Poor advertising & low uptake.

The conlusion
Although the first DVLA sealed bids auction had a degree of success - selling some 69% of the lots - it's still unsure as to the long term prospects of this new DVLA auction format.

The DVLA usually enjoy average sales of £3500 per lot at DVLA auction but the DVLA sealed bids auction averaged only £816 - we feel this is due largely to the poor marketing effort on behalf of the DVLA.

See also
DVLA sealed bids auction - the results
DVLA sealed bids auction

DVLA number plate auction

Friday, 31 October 2008

DVLA sealed bids auction

In a move away from the traditional DVLA number plate auction format - the DVLA have launched (and today conluded) a sealed bid auction for 1500 cherished number plates of varying quality and with varying reserves.

The DVLA auction 1500 number plates 6 times a year in the traditional format and hold a live auction event usually in a picturesque location.

The DVLA sealed bids auction may be the beginning of a more profitable avenue for the DVLA and only the results - published Monday 3rd November 2008 will testify.

DVLA sealed bids auction

Sunday, 19 October 2008

Ferrari number plates

As one of the most sort after and aspirational car brands, Ferrari has spawned an impressive line in personalised number plates - both those relating to Ferrari and those which use Ferraris as a showcase.

Famous ferrari number plates

EN20 - ENZO
ROS50 - Rosso
RED 1
1 FER

The F40 in particular enjoyed success with F prefix number plates and a line of "f40 number plates"

Through the years Ferrari number plates have been the finishing touch and notably Ferrari UK used EHF1 on all the new model ferraris in the UK- EHF represent the initials of Enzo Ferrari.

Ferrari number plates
Car number plates

Wednesday, 15 October 2008

Number plate classifieds

What are number plate classifieds?

Traditonally, number plates are bought and sold via a number plate dealer - They act as the "middleman" and help transact the purchase or sale of a number plate.

How are they different to number plate dealers?

Numberplate classified adverts are an alternative to advertising a number plate for sale with a number plate dealer. As simply a means of advertising the numberplate for sale, you need to conduct the final transfer- but this extra work carries a huge saving in dealer commissions.

Offering a lower cost alternative- number plate adverts like those at www.numberplateclassifieds.co.uk give the buyer and seller greater control in the transaction by "cutting out the middleman" and saving the money he would have charged.

Buying number plates privately and selling number plates privately is very straightforward and in a bid to save some money we predict number plate classified advertising will have a deep impact upon the number plate market in the months and years to come.

numberplate classifieds
number plate classifieds
number plate adverts

Sunday, 24 August 2008

DVLA expect huge demand for F number plates

As the launch of the series of F number plates draws closer- the range will be available to purchase from Tuesday 7th October - the DVLA have announced details of the sale and how it intends to deal with the influx.

As of Monday 8th September you will be able to browse combinations at www.dvla-som.co.uk - but it's worth noting that a great deal of the better quality F number plates have already been auctioned by the DVLA.

See - are there any good F number plates left?

It's not until 7th October that you can actually buy number plates from the DVLA and even then you are limited to one purchase per telephone call.

Only time till tell if F number plates generate the interest the DVLA is hoping for; one thing is for sure- and that's that the DVLA are becoming increasingly aware of number plate sales as a credible revenue stream.

Monday, 11 August 2008

Tuesday, 22 July 2008

Buy number plates at DVLA website - from October 2008

For some time it has been a bug-bear that having found an ideal numberplate at the DVLA registrations website, one must call - during office hours - to make the purchase and listen to a long spiel about legalities... boring!

In it's drive to improve service and efficienct; the DVLA will be launching in October (at long last) the ability to purchase number plates online rather than having to call.

This is great news for the number plate buying public but perhaps not such great news for DVLA resellers who may see a dip in sales as a result.

We are looking forward to what else the DVLA may have in store as they improve and alter how to buy number plates through their website!

Thursday, 17 July 2008

Asian numberplates - 51NGH

51NGH was auctioned by the DVLA in 2006 for the princely sum of £201,000

but why?

well, 51NGH - thanks to autonumerology - reads SINGH - which is a word wideley used by Sikhs and literally means Lion.

Such Asian number plates fetch increasingly high sums at DVLA auctions and in the number plate market.

The plate S1NGH was sold for a more modest £86,000 in 1998.

Sunday, 13 July 2008

UK car - German number plates - are these number plates illegal ?

This morning I saw something worrying on that well known auction website.

I was scanning some number plates for sale and came across an advertisement for a number plate which was clearly illegal.

Or so I thought - I had to double-check but yes the registration number itself was an English combination but the set of number plates would have you believe this car was registered in Germany.

I appreciate that being on a German car this style of number plate was more attractive - but there was no getting away from the fact that these were illegal number plates

It's worrying to think that the Police / DVLA / other motorists could be affected by breaking the rules in this manner- unless you are clued up on number plates do you think you really could identify the combination correctly?

But more to the point - why should you have to? We have number plate laws in the UK for a reason- so we can recognise vehicles and uphold the law.

Are my number plates illegal?

illegal numberplates

sell a number plate
buy number plates

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Don't give an F about number plates ?

So the DVLA are finally launching the F series of personalised registrations for sale to the public.

But do we really need any MORE prefix number plate combinations?

With over 20 million available at the DVLA website- it seems there is plenty of choice for anyone wishing to buy a number plate.

Having witheld F prefix number plates for so long, the DVLA have quietly been auctioning off smoe of the tastier (and more lucrative combinations) via the bi monthly DVLA auctions.

So are there any good F prefix number plate combinations left ?

Having searched the internet, the DVLA and the number plate classifieds I can report there are a number of great combinations already in circulation- one would question what's left apart from many more combinations which will only appeal to those buying number plates to display their initials.

I guess we'll have to see when the DVLA fully release the series- what scraps are left for the less well off number plate buyer..

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

wanted number plate

Agonising is the best way to describe searching for a number plate sometimes.

A fragment marketplace of number plate dealers and private sellers means there is no one-stop-shop to buy and sell number plates.

So when you can't find your ideal personalised numberplate what do you do?

Well now it's simple! you place a number plate wanted advert with smashing plates and let the buyers come to you.

Using the latest Rss techonology as well as keyword searching and intelligent search means a great deal of hassle can be removed from searching for your ideal plate.

Also check out this article to help find your ideal number plate
and it's always a good move to consider how to choose the right number plate

illegal number plates

Is it me or is the number of illegal number plates in the UK on the increase?

From mis-spacing a plate to using different fonts and bolts etc it seems that illegal numberplates have reached epidemic proportions.

I have found a great website which shows you just how bad some peoples plates look and the fact that actually it could affect things like numberplate recognition and crime prevention.

Although manipulating reg plates is seen as harmless now there is always a consequence

Just a thought.....

Friday, 9 May 2008

Avoid the number plate rip-off !

Avoid the number plate rip-off !

The numberplate market in the UK has grown to a level where many thousands of plates are sold each year privately- and many millions are transferred- a market this large has developed some pitfalls and loopholes that could cost you money- here we look at what to avoid when buying selling or transferring number plates.

Buying a number plate

If you are buying a numberplate then once you have found the combination you require it's worth checking the marketplace- some number plates are available cheaper from the DVLA directly at dvlaregistrations.co.uk. If you are buying a plate that's not available here then it's worth checking amongst the other number plate dealers as you can find the same plates as many dealers with different asking prices- check out our numberplate dealer directory.

Be wary of "make your own" combinations as these in most cases are number plates which are sold on behalf of the DVLA via a DVLA reseller at a premium- you could save money buying directly from the DVLA.

Selling a numberplate

When the time comes to sell your number plate using a number plate dealer is the widely accepted route- and they provide a great service. It's worth noting that as number plate dealers charge a commission for their services you may not get as much for your plate as you wish and it may also be advertised at a higher price to accommodate the commission. As with selling anything you will generally get more money back for your plate if you sell it privately via a classified advert.

numberplateclassifieds.co.uk - owned by Smashing Plates Ltd is one of the best places to advertise your numberplate on the internet.

If you are unsure about anything when buying or selling a numberplate- then please contact us for advice - we are always happy to help.

Number plates for business | number plates and advertising.

Number plates for business number plates and advertising.

Numberplates are used widely in business- to promote brand awareness and to introduce new products. As a constant advertisement on your company vehicles- numberplates can be used as an effective marketing tool.

In addition to this owning numberplates can mean an investment in the longer term as increasing demand and limited supply gradually inflate numberplate values.

number plate investment

Here are some fine examples of number plates and business working well

NO5 - to commemorate the famous perfume- Chanel's delivery van sports a very old and valuable combination.

Driving Schools and other companies which have an on road presence also use number plates to catch your attention- and to drop secret hints when taking the driving test (!)

numberplates for business

Wanted number plate

Is there a numberplate out there you want but despite your best efforts you cant seem to find?

Well wanted number plates are a problem for the numberplate market- as there are so many millions of combinations of numberplates and as the DVLA do not disclose details of number plate ownership to the public- unless you see your ideal number plate for sale - a very unlikely event- you will be condemned to searching the number plate classifieds indefinitely.

Smashing Plates has created the first ever dedicated numberplate wanted advertising service- here you can post a wanted number plate advert - it will be seen by Smashing Plate's thousands of visitors- thus vastly increasing your chances of finding your ideal plate.

click here to place your wanted numberplate advert now!

Wanted numberplate

Is there a numberplate out there you want but despite your best efforts you cant seem to find?Well wanted numberplates are a problem for the numberplate industry- as there are so many millions of combinations of numberplates and as the DVLA do not disclose details of numberplate ownership to the public- unless you see your ideal numberplate for sale - a very unlikely event- you will be condemned to searching the classifieds indefinitely.

Smashing Plates has created the first ever dedicated numberplate wanted advertising service- here you can post a wanted numberplate advert - it will be seen by smashing Plate's thousands of visitors- thus vastly increasing your chances of finding your ideal plate.

click here to place your wanted numberplate advert now!

Number plate for sale

If you have a number plate for sale then there are a wealth of places for you to advertise. From the cherished numbers section in EBay, to newspaper classifieds to Top Marques and of course the numberplate dealers- depending on the quality of your plate, how quickly you want to sell it and whether you need help to sell your plate- there are some decisions to make.

I don't really want to get involved with selling my numberplate- I just want it gone!

If you really don't have the time or inclination to become involved with the nuances of buying and selling number plates then we would suggest using a numberplate dealer. Numberplate dealers operate in a similar way to an estate agency- advertising your plate for sale on your behalf in return for a commission on the final sale.

Numberplate dealers conduct the numberplate transfer and attend to the paperwork and settling funds- Although not terribly difficult to do- such tasks can be a pain and so numberplate dealers cater with a fully fledged service.

I don't mind getting involved with selling my numberplate

Classified websites cater as with most markets to those who wish to sell their numberplate and don't mind transacting the whole transfer.

numberplateclassifieds.co.uk is a trading name of Smashing Plates Ltd- the owners of this website.

The first and leading classifieds website for numberplates- it offers keyword searching and a whole host of numberplate specific features. Websites such as EBay or the classifieds in newspapers offer access to a wide audience- but charge for relisting adverts- a cost which can mount up- Smashing Plates don't charge for relisting.

numberplate classifieds

I want to sell my number plate quickly -how long to sell my numberplate?

If you want to sell your number plate quickly then it's worth approaching number plate dealers directly as many of them purchase numberplates of a certain quality for their own stock. You may not get the best price but you could get a very quick numberplate sale.

Number plate retention

Number plate retention

The retention scheme is a way of holding your entitlement to a registration number without having it on a vehicle. Retention must be renewed each 12 months if the registration is not transferred to a vehicle- this costs £25.

The DVLA will write to you to remind you to renew the retention but it is your responsibility to apply for the extension- if you don’t apply you lose the plate- it’s as simple as that.

Is your plate on retention? get a FREE SMS reminder!

Numberplates cans be held on one of two documents- a V750 if they have been purchased directly from the DVLA select scheme but not transferred to a vehicle, and V778 if the plate has been previously assigned to a vehicle but is now on retention.

See also..
What is a nominee?
What is the assignment fee?
what is a grantee?
what is a purchaser?

Number plate trader

Numberplate trader

A number plate trader is a different animal from a number plate dealer. Generally private individuals working on a relatively small scale; numberplate traders attend DVLA auctions, trawl the numberplate classifieds and the internet buying and selling plates much in the same way a car dealer would.

It's not uncommon for some numberplate traders to have 25+ numberplates on the books at any one time and with the market focussing more and more on quality numbers, numberplate traders have the cash, the knowledge and the connections to by and sell some of the most valuable number plates in the UK.

Number plate traders have been around since the number plate market began and will continue to be a driving source in the market so far as prices are concerned. Buying and selling numberplates has been likened to investing in art or commodities- and like any kind of investing the most knowledgeable and fortunate can make a decent living Numberplate traders and numberplate trading is generally an online activity or one conducted by telephone- the only face to face numberplate dealing takes place at the DVLA auctions held six times a year- a draw for any serious numberplate trader.

new to number plates?

Number plate dealer

Number plate dealer

Number plate dealers appeared in the UK way back in the late sixties when the transferring of number plates began to take off. Suddenly registration numbers were a valuable commodity and as such supply and demand created an instant market for the most desirable combinations. It wouldn't be until the 1980's when the DVLA began to sell registration numbers direct to the public- so in the interim period the few pioneering number plate dealers and the hundreds who joined the bandwagon began to establish a new market in number plates. Number plate dealers initially act in a similar manner to estate agents- advertising plates on a commission sale basis- as well as buying and selling numberplates of a high quality.

The number plate market

Since the launch of DVLA Select numberplates; dealers have also become DVLA resellers- reselling the millions of combinations offered by the DVLA - but at a mark-up to what you would pay if you went directly. The thought being that the dealer transacts the sale on your behalf and thus earns the fee.

With the advent of the internet numberplate dealers moved online and have enjoyed a buoyant few years with ever increasing prices for the most sought after plates. The internet has also brought with it classified advertising and websites such as numberplateclassifieds.co.uk are establishing their own niche in the market as the alternative to using a commission based dealer.

number plate classified website

Number plate market

Number plate market

In recent years, the private number plate market in the UK has seen considerable growth.

2.4 million registrations sold by DVLA since 1989
295,000 cherished transfers in 2006
12,000 plates auctioned by the DVLA every 12 months
32 million available combinations to buy from the DVLA
£375000 most expensive numberplate “F1” sold in 2008.

As a limited product and with an increasing demand it is clear that private number plates have advanced from being fun or a way to personalise a vehicle
to becoming a viable investment with credible growth potential.

number plate investment

In the primary market, only the DVLA (Driver And Vehicle Licensing Agency) can sell “fist issue” registrations- as a revenue stream for the government it represents a sizeable income (£100m in 2006)

In the general numberplate market- there are a handful of key players and many tens if not hundreds of small number plate dealers, number plate traders and sole traders. These numberplate traders and dealers buy and sell plates privately and at numberplate auctions held by the DVLA.

Some number plate dealers are also DVLA resellers- selling unissued DVLA registrations from the 25million plus number of combinations.With record breaking numberplates such as F1, M1 and K1NGS, numberplates, the numberplate market and interest in number plates if firmly here to stay and has a wide and receptive audience.

sell a number plate

ANPR automatic number plate recognition

ANPR automatic number plate recognition

By standardising the numberplate font and design- it's possible for ANPR software to read and interpret hundreds of thousands of number plates and trace this data back to the DVLA.

Petrol stations and the police have benefited greatly from the advent of automatic numberplate recognition- numbers of drivers leaving forecourts without paying has been steadily decreasing and conviction rates increasing as the availability of information and the ease of data capture allowed by number plate recognition- allows a quick and simple reference to the DVLA computer.

Numberplate recognition is also used in the congestion charge system in London and can process many thousands of vehicles of varying numberplate types and styles- with shockingly accurate results. Numberplate recognition is set only to improve as the DVLA, the police and businesses such as petrol stations create new opportunities and innovations in the field.

See also..
numberplates & congestion charging
numberplate security
numberplate cloning

illegal number plates

Number plates and the congestion charge

Number plates and the congestion charge

The congestion charging system in London utilises automatic number plate recognition in order to trace users and apply charges and fines accordingly.

Number plate cloning and theft has had an impact on the congestion charge with a number of illegal vehicles accumulating fines and fees which are sent to innocent people which they must contest.

Although until this point the congestion charging system appears to be working and number plate recognition seems to do the trick- the future holds a higher tech way of identifying users.

Singapore is one city which uses electronic transponders to charge road tolls directly to vehicles- thus completely side stepping the numberplate cloning / numberplate theft scenario It remains to be seen when such advanced systems will appear in the UK but rest assured for the time being the humble numberplate will reign supreme.

See also..
numberplate recognition
number plate security

Number plates for bicycles

It is hotly debated- particularly in London- that all users of the highways should be correctly licensed and registered. With the advent of the congestion charge- the numbers of bicycles in London has increased and as such the instances of bad cycling have increased.

Motorists and cyclists famously don't get along- it is often the bugbear of motorists that cyclists run red lights, mount pavements and pick and choose which traffic laws to obey- whereas cyclists are wary that motorists seldom look for bikes and have little understanding / regard for cyclist safety.

The key to resolve the current situation would appear to be the introduction of numberplates for bicycles- a lot of people believe that some form of identification on bicycles would be a good idea. An equally valid argument is that of cyclists and insurance- in the event of an accident involving a cyclist there is no real provision to pay for any damages. . The cyclist numberplate debate is one that will rattle on for a time to come-

Mayor Ken Livingstone believes although a good idea it could be very costly and complex to execute the system- I'm sure once the government realise cyclists as an addition source of taxation the mood will change - watch this space.
Ken Livingstone's view

"I'm now persuaded we should actually say that bikes and their owners, should be registered,"

"There should be a number plate on the back so that the ones breaking the law, we can get them off the cameras."

See also..
numberplates & congestion charging

motorbike number plates

Number plate cloning

Number plate cloning occurs when two vehicles have the same numberplate.

An example would be If you drive a black Ford and a criminal also has a black Ford- by having a set of numberplates made or by stealing your set of number plates and attaching them to his car- the criminal can ensure any motoring offences are directed at you- the registered owner of the vehicle- identified by the number plate.

how can I protect myself from numberplate theft / numberplate cloning?

New technology such as secureplate and secure fixings will help to physically ensure your numberplates cannot be stolen. As for criminals simply having a set of plates made to match yours- it has been proven in a lot of cases that identifying features on the vehicle- such as window stickers or scratches- help to identify that although the plates are the same, the cars are different- so now's the time to get some groovy window stickers and be proud to stand out!

If you'd like a www.smashing-plates.com window sticker then please Email us and we'll post one out to you :-)

Read more about number plate cloning and number plate theft here:

numberplate theft
numberplate security

Number plate security

secureplate - Using patented technology SecurePlate has been developed to meet the new DVLA criteria for theft resistant number plates. SecurePlate prevents your plates being stolen and protects your identity. With number plate theft at an all time high the DVLA and the police have taken action and made advancements in numberplate security.

Secureplate is a unique design which means the number plate breaks into pieces when you attempt to remove it- thus preventing the theft and reuse of the plate. Some leasing companies and large fleets are considering their options- there have been a few early adopters but on the whole the industry is waiting to see as the numberplate technology develops as to the best resolution.

Although the crime levels are increasing, awareness of products such as Secureplate are still significantly poor and we think it will be some time before widespread use of this and similar technologies will crack down on number plate crime and number plate theft in the UK.

Number plate suppliers

Number plate theft

Number plate theft

More than 40,000 sets of number plates were stolen in 2006, a rise of almost 25%, according to police estimates The DVLA is considering forcing all the UK's 1.3 million motorcycles to be fitted with plates featuring electronic tags, which are currently being trialled. Number plate theft is a modern crime but one that is a serious threat to UK motorists.

It would seem that any vehicle can be "cloned" - whereby numberplates are either stolen or created and attached to a similar car- any tickets or fines will be traced back to the genuine vehicle and the burden of proof seems to stop there- an almost guilty until proven innocent scenario. So what can be done?

number plate recognition

Well the DVLA have published several papers on this topic and recognise the inherent risks to UK motorists. It's not enough that when buying numberplates you need identification- as the theft of number plates from vehicles prove- physical security for numberplates is required.

There are currently two ways to secure your numberplate- Secureplate is a numberplate which is fixed to the vehicle in such a way that to remove it destroys it completely, and secure numberplate fixings are attached to the numberplate in such a way that again the numberplate breaks up when it is removed.

The DVLA and the police in the longer term are considering embedding electronic chips into numberplates- this added technology will not only prevent cloning of numberplates, but also provide for congestion charge type schemes and operate in a similar manner to an Oyster card.

See also..
numberplate security
numberplate cloning
number plates security

DVLA auction

DVLA auction

In the past the DVLA have held two types of number plate auctions; The Custom Marks Auction, mainly aimed at the lower priced year letter numbers & The Classic Collection, where more expensive numberplates are sold.

Nowadays the auctions have combine to a 3 day auction held once every two months at picturesque locations up and down the country.DVLA auctions are operated by Premier auctions- Premier was first awarded the contract to be sole auctioneers for the DVLA's Personalised Registrations back in 2001, and is proud to have received a five year renewal of this exclusive contract in 2006.

Each DVLA auction has around 1500 numberplates- all varying in quality, style and cost. representatives from the key Numberplate dealers, as well as numberplate traders and the public meet to battle for some of the most coveted numberplates.

For more information on DVLA auctions- you can visit the DVLA website-

See also..
dvla personalised registrations
dvla
dvla select numberplates
dvla numberplates

DVLA numberplates

DVLA numberplates, available from dvla-som.co.uk are unissued numberplates which the DVLA withhold in the hope of generating more revenue for the government Since it's inception in 1989 the DVLA has seen year on year growth and fuelled an initially specialised market to help it grow into a multi million pound a year fraction of the automotive industry in the UK

The dvla don't just sell unissued registrations via their telesales business- it holds six numberplate auctions a year up and down the country- each with around 1500 lots.
Here you will find not only prefix and new style registrations but dateless and suffix plates- even some record breaking numberplates such as K1NGS which sold for £231000 in 1993.

See also..
dvla auction
dvla personalised registrations
dvla
dvla select numberplates

DVLA personalised numberplates

dvla personalised registrations help to add millions in revenue to the treasury each year via the sale of prefix and new style numberplates at dvlaregistrations.co.uk

Here you can search the millions of combinations available to find your ideal numberplate- The DVLA sell plates directly via their Telesales business for as little as £250- buying direct will save a lot of money as some DVLA resellers can add considerable markups to some numberplates.
The DVLA have been selling personalised registrations since 1989 and each year they release the next registration number in sequence- retailing desirable numbers to the public and removing rude or inappropriate numberplates to ensure they are not available for sale.

See also..
dvla auction
dvla select numberplates
dvla

DVLA select numberplates

DVLA select numberplates

DVLA select numberplates are the numberplates which the DVLA have offered for sale directly to the public for the past three decades.

These numberplates, usually unissued sequential numbers which were withheld for sale, have been a major influence in the uk numberplate market.

DVLA select numberplates allowed the public for the first time to pick their own combinations of letters and numbers from an enormous number of possible combinations. Rather than buying through a numberplate dealer or at a numberplate auction, DVLA select allowed the general public access to numberplates and thus opened the market.

DVLA select numberplates are known today as DVLA registrations - as time has passed and things have evolved the DVLA have responded to public demand and capitalised on the boom in buying and selling numberplates in the UK.

See also..
dvla auction
dvla personalised registrations
dvla

Numberplate books

Over the years there have been a number of books dedicated to the fascinating world of numberplates. ranging from definitive listings of number plate issue dates, numberplate spacing and auction prices - to who owns what and diplomatic numberplates.

Of all the numberplate books to have been published, Car Numbers published by Noel Woodall is the best know and Mr. Woodall was the first to coin the phrase autonumerology and in doing so became the world's first autonumerologist.

After some research, Noel compiled an introductory history of British car number plates. Additionally, he wrote a comprehensive feature on the legendary number A1.
Noel's book featured a record of the various registration codes and the geographical areas to which they applied; This enabled readers to identify where in the UK specific cars were originally registered.

It's interesting to note that many of the coveted number 1 registration plates were registered to mayoral vehicles which were owned by local councils.

Examples of these included FV 1, BK 1, and TR 1 which were registered in Blackpool, Portsmouth and Southampton respectively.

Below is a comprehensive list of published books on the subject of numberplates- if you are aware of any authors / publications you would like to see noted here- please contact us

A1 - the ultimate numberplate?

It's widely accepted that A1 is the first numberplate to be issued and thus makes it the "ultimate" number plate for a lot of enthusiasts- not least Earl Russell- the first owner of the registration number.

below is a brief history of this illustrious plate- it disappears from the radar in 2005 - will it ever surface again?

1903 The Motor Car Act became law and required all cars to be registered. “A 1" was allocated to Earl Russell- he famously queued all night for the privilege.1906 The Chairman of the London County Council acquired the car, a Napier, and the Registration. 1907 The car and the number were sold to Mr. George Pettyt, Head of the Maudes Group Motor Business. A 1 was transferred to each of his successive cars, including an Alfa Romeo, MG, Morris Isis, Daimler, Singer, Jaguar and the last, a Sunbeam Talbot 90. 1950 George Pettyt died bequeathing the Sunbeam Talbot and “A 1” to Mr. Trevor Laker.

A condition of the bequest was that he use the number until his demise and then it should be sold and the proceeds be donated to a dogs’ charity. Trevor Laker sold the number, with an agreement that he retained its use until his death or inability to drive. The £2,500 realized from the sale went to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. 1970 On the death of Trevor Laker the ownership and rights to “A 1” passed to Dunlop Limited.

Initially “A 1” was on a Daimler Limousine used to transport important visitors to the Dunlop Factories. It was later transferred to the tyre division and formed part of the extensive promotions for the Denovo runflat tyre. 1975 Following a brief period on an Executive Mini used by the Director of Engineering, “A 1” was returned to the Tyre Division for promotional purposes. 1985 Ownership of “A 1” passed to BTR plc, following the acquisition of Dunlop.

The international BTR Group is one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most successful companies, with interests in the construction, energy, electrical, manufacturing, transport, paper, healthcare and consumer industries. Sales of £4500 million a year are generated by over 700 subsidiaries, employing some 80000 people around the world. 2005 -

The late Roy Palmer of Insignia Registrations sold both A1 and 1A to a flamboyant foreign royal, the numbers were transferred quickly and ready for the new owner to be collected from the airport in two identical white Bentleys displaying 1A and A1. It is very doubtful that either registration will ever become available to buy again.

Noel Woodall

Noel Woodall

Noel Woodall coined the phrase Autonumerology in 1964 to put a name to his interest in car registrations, thus making him the world's first Autonumerologist.

In the past 40 years , he has remained fascinated by personal number plates and is recognised as an authority on the subject.Noel's interest in number plates began in 1962 - he saw a car with the registration BB 4 in his home town of Blackpool.

It captured Noel's imagination and he immediately questioned who owned the car? He started asking around and his tenacity paid off when he discovered that a local bookmaker owned it.
With this new found interest Noel began to research the subject but found no available books- he compile together his own findings and published Car Number Galaxy

It contained a fascinating list of registrations, the cars they were on, and who owned them at the time. Noel did his homework and included in the book's forward a brief history of car registrations from 1903 on, plus a whole page on the history of A 1 .

The book also contained an index of registration letters and where the cars bearing them were first registered in the UK. The MP, Gerald Nabarro was featured heavily in this first issue as he owned NAB 1 through to NAB 5 (he eventually owned NAB 6 through to 10 as well). Other well-known registrations and their celebrity owners featured were, Arthur Askey (AA 10), Norman Wisdom (NW 4), George Formby ( GF 1 and GF 2 ) and Harry Secombe ( HS 92 ).

Numberplate Rally

Numberplate Rally

A numberplate rally is an entirely static event- usually members of the registration numbers club meet at a country house or prestigious outdoor venue to proudly display their numberplates.

Not just a display of wealth - numberplate rallies are a great place for owners and enthusiasts to meet and talk numberplates- there are so many interesting stories behind plates and there histories- a numberplate rally is the ideal platform to tell these stories.

Generally the Programme will provide a wealth of information about most of the plates you will see on display- a potted history and points of note about each numberplate- and finally a voting form for the awards ceremony.

Awards are given for uniqueness and quality of numberplates as well as collections and extremely interesting numberplate histories.The first car numbers rally was organised by the Cherished Numbers Dealers Association at Beaulieu in 1973. It was a public relations exercise that coincided with the infancy of the cherished numbers business as we know it today.
The name changed when the Department of Transport started to get heavily into the act and created the term "cherished transfer" for the transaction of transferring a registration mark from one vehicle to another.

An annual event- numberplate rallies see a whole host of entrants and a wide array of vehicles- from mopeds to motorbikes to cars to lorries- if the plate is personalised then all entrants are welcomed!. It really is the registration that is the important factor and many will be surprised to learn that there's no snobbery about the car carrying the plate. You'll receive as much acclaim for a distinctive registration on a Vauxhall Corsa as a Maybach. Obviously the cost of numberplates means that the cars are more than likely as prestigious as the numberplates they bear.

Prizes are awarded - judged on the basis of the reason for owning the number and how appropriate it is to the class of entry. There are usually six or seven classes and special prizes for most distance travelled to the event.

Some dedicated enthusiasts make an effort to attend every rally and will schedule their holidays accordingly. The majority of such true enthusiasts don't own top of the range vehicles, but their plates are as cherished (if not more) than that on the most splendid of vehicles in attendance.

Registration numbers club

Registration numbers club.

"The independent nationwide club dedicated to the right to hold and transfer a cherished vehicle registration mark ... a right which has been in existence since 1903"

HISTORY

Established in 1977, the Registration numbers club came to the be at a time when transferring numberplates was troublesome and the red tape was spoiling and endangering a lot of great numberplates.

Alex Jackson along with some like minded friends took action: before long they had enlisted the services of Steve Waldenberg and the Registration Numbers Club was formed.The first ever rally was held at Harewood House near Leeds, and within a short time over 2000 members had signed up

THE RNC TODAY

The club has gone from strength to strength since it's tenuous beginnings; still operated on a voluntary basis the club circulate a quarterly newsletter - the RNC news.
With a dedicated following the club helps unite those with an interest in numberplates and the annual rallies are a great place for members to display their plate and interact with other enthusiasts.

The Registration Numbers ClubSteve Waldenberg, RNC Office, P O Box MT12, Leeds LS17 7UD, UK.

t: 0113 226 7497

f: 0113 226 1110

e: sec@rnc.cc or

organisation@registrationnumbersclub.org.uk

For all press enquiries please contact:-Rod Lomax, RNC Publicity Officer,t: 0161 764 8180 f: 0161 764 3800e: pr@rnc.cc or publicity@registrationnumbersclub.org.uk

Auto numerology

Noel Woodall is the first autonumerologist- so called as this was the name he gave to his new found interest in numberplates in 1964.

With this new found interest Noel began to research the subject but found no available books- he compile together his own findings and published Car Number Galaxy
Since then he has compiled a total of 24 numberplate books.

The Art of Autonumerology describes the reading of number plates as words (some more obvious than others) transposing letters and numbers or even ignoring some altogether to make names, initials, or words. Numberplates are bought and sold primarily on the basis of how they read, the message they convey or the sentimental value to the owner.A1 is commonly accepted as the ultimate numberplate- but there is a wealth of choice for those of us with tighter budgets.
Some numberplates increase in value as they acquire meaning - a good example would be the plate EN20 - this is a dateless numberplate and a valuable one at that- appealing to the initials EN or to anyone who would like it as a neat registration number.

Registration Numbers are like art - if you acquire the right pieces then you can enjoy your investment and watch it grow.
See also - numberplate investment.

Ferrari launched the ENZO in 2002. Suddenly the plate EN20 also rather neatly read the word ENZO and became the only possible combination- and thus the ultimate plate for a Ferrari ENZO owner.

Some examples of expensive plates are testament to the markets increasing value - K1NGS, F1, M1, S1NGH

Numberplates that exactly read words or phrases command the most money- as with EN20 there can only be one- and therein lies the rub- supply and demand dictate the market.

D can be represented by 0
I or L can be represented by 1
R or Z can be represented by 2
E can be represented by 3
A, D, H can be represented by 4
S can be represented by 5
G or B can be represented by6
T or Y can be represented by 7
A or B can be represented by 8
G can be represented by 9
U or H can be represented by 11
R can be represented by 12
B can be represented by 13
N can be represented by 1
V can be represented by D,6,8, or 9
W can be represented by VV
U can be represented by V

Numberplate history

Numberplate history

Far from being a way to recognise vehicles and their owners- numberplates in the UK have evolved into a multi million pound business.

The 1896 Locomotive and Highways Act meant numbers of vehicles on the "roads" had already reached 5,000.

The Motor Car Act of 1903 was created to identify vehicles and their drivers to uphold the law and track motoring offenders. All motor vehicles were to be registered, and to display registration numbers.

The Roads Act 1920 required Councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each vehicle. The number was to be displayed in the prescribed manner. People were also required to notify the local Council when they bought a vehicle. There were also licensing provisions for manufacturers and traders - a General Licence was the forerunner of the present trade plate system. Hackney carriages were required to be fitted with a distinctive sign, and to indicate how many persons the vehicle could seat.The first number plates to be issued were of the format one letter and up to four numbers - specific to each council. The first ever registration in London was A1, issued to Earl Russell - he camped out all night to be sure it was his come morning.

The next formats were two letters and four numbers. These were replaced as and when they were exhausted.

By the mid 1930s three letters followed by up to three numbers series were introduced. AAA 1 was issued (by Hampshire County Council) in 1934 through to AAA 999 and the commencement of the BAA series in 1936. This process continued until the mid 1950s when the sequence was reversed and the format became upto 3 numbers then 3 letters.By 1963 as some councils found they had exhausted their allocation- A 7th digit was added (suffixed) to the combination. This extra digit was a letter, which gave the age of the car. The registration year began with the letter A and ran from 1 January - 31 December, when it was swapped for the letter B etc..

In August 1967 the motor car industry demanded the changeover date for registrations was moved from January 1st to August 1st. The system continued until it ended with the letter Y on the 31 Jul 1983.

The letters I and Z were, never used as they were reserved for Northern Ireland, whilst the letter Q was reserved for kit cars and repaired write offs; for unknown reasons the letter U was never used at all.In the 1960s it was decided that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre should be established to administer the ever increasing numbers of vehicles on the roads - located Swansea, it was supported by 81 Local Vehicle Licensing Offices.

From 1 January 1973 vehicles were required to have reflective number plates - black on white at the front and black on yellow at the back. Reflective plates were introduced so that unlit vehicles could be seen more easily at night. The regulations also covered the size, shape and character of registration marks.By 1983 the "suffix" system was reversed to become the "Prefix" system

In 1999 for the first time there were now two plate changes a year, 1 March and 1 September.In 2001, the new registration format was introduced; number plates would have a format composed of 2 prefix letters( the location identifier), 2 numbers (the age identifier), and then 3 random letters.