**Record-Breaking Prices Achieved at Recent DVLA Personalised Number Plate Auction**
The latest Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) auction has once again highlighted Britain’s enduring fascination with personalised car registration plates, as over 2,000 sought-after combinations went under the digital hammer, with some fetching astonishing sums far beyond their initial estimates.
Arguably the headliner was ‘FER 12C,’ which began with a modest opening price of £300, ultimately rocketing to an extraordinary final sale of £35,000—well over 100 times its starting bid. Motoring aficionados have speculated that this plate will most likely find itself affixed to an exclusive Ferrari 12 Cilindri Spider, underscoring the deep association between luxury vehicles and coveted number plates.
Other significant transactions at the online auction included ‘296 VS,’ leaping from its £2,200 reserve to a hefty £25,010, and ‘121 O,’ which climbed from £2,500 to an eventual price of £23,360. These figures emphasise a broader trend: for some collectors and car enthusiasts, the perceived value of stand-out combinations appears to be spiralling ever higher.
The auction also featured several other attention-grabbing purchases. ‘77 LAW’ proved popular with legal professionals or perhaps someone in law enforcement, whose winning bid capped at £21,510. Meanwhile, ‘2 GUD’ saw its initial £1,200 bid escalate to £19,030, reflecting the premium buyers are prepared to pay for plates with playful or memorable letter combinations.
Carl Hanley, the owner of JDM Plates—a business specialising in bespoke and legally compliant number plates—reviewed the post-auction results and commented on the current dynamics within this unique market. “Plates like these demonstrate just how valuable concise, distinctive plates can become,” he said. “There’s a growing interest not just for status, but as long-term investment opportunities. The creativity on show is impressive—nowadays, personal number plates go beyond just names; they’re about showcasing personality and legacy.”
For those curious about the top results, here are the ten plates that secured the highest prices at the most recent event:
1. FER 12C – Sold for £35,000 (Original bid: £300)
2. 296 VS – Sold for £25,010 (Original bid: £2,200)
3. 121 O – Sold for £23,360 (Original bid: £2,500)
4. 74 OO – Sold for £23,010 (Original bid: £2,200)
5. 77 LAW – Sold for £21,510 (Original bid: £1,200)
6. 11 PKS – Sold for £20,100 (Original bid: £1,200)
7. 154 ACS – Sold for £19,540 (Original bid: £800)
8. 1 VLW – Sold for £21,010 (Original bid: £2,400)
9. 810 W – Sold for £21,010 (Original bid: £2,500)
10. 2 GUD – Sold for £19,030 (Original bid: £1,200)
While headline combinations posted substantial returns for sellers, Mr Hanley pointed out that not every plate sees stratospheric bidding. “There is still plenty of opportunity for new buyers and seasoned collectors alike,” he remarked. “At the last auction, 244 plates only exceeded their starting bids by £100 or less, demonstrating that desirable registrations can still be sourced without breaking the bank. Additionally, 30 plates failed to attract any bids, proving the market’s selectiveness.”
Participants were reminded that, once a registration is secured, the only legal requisite for display on a vehicle is possession of a valid DVLA certificate of entitlement (V750). After this, many lucky buyers opt to commission high-quality, road-legal plate designs to mark their purchase.
Interest in the next DVLA auction is already building, with the event scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 3rd September. Bidding will take place online and is open round-the-clock for a full week, with some lots starting from as low as £70. This format offers what Hanley describes as a “level playing field,” where relative newcomers might just land their dream plate if fortune favours them.
Ultimately, the UK’s ongoing enthusiasm for unique number plates shows no sign of waning. Whether driven by a desire for status, investment, or sheer individuality, the appeal of these personalised touches on the nation’s roads endures, ensuring the auctions will remain high-stakes affairs for the foreseeable future.