The DVLA’s September 2025 Timed Online Auction (B276) took place between Wednesday 3rd and Tuesday 9th September, attracting thousands of bidders from across the UK and beyond. With more than 2,000 personalised registrations on offer, ranging from dateless number plate classics and short combinations to playful, themed plate competition was fierce and several registrations reached impressive hammer prices.
As always, the spotlight fell on the rarest and most desirable lots. And this time, one plate stood head and shoulders above the rest: 52 O, which achieved an astonishing £102,010, making it the headline result of the sale.
The Star of the Auction – 52 O
The highest-grossing private number plate of the September auction was 52 O, a short, dateless-style registration that sold for £102,010after starting at just £2,500.
Single-digit and single-letter combinations are regarded as the “holy grail” of personalised registrations. Their scarcity, timeless appearance, and status-symbol quality make them highly sought-after by collectors, investors, and high-end car enthusiasts.
This result echoes the enduring demand for plates ending in “O.” The most famous example is 25 O, which sold for £518,000 in 2014, setting a long-standing DVLA record. While 52 O didn’t reach quite those heights, its six-figure hammer price cements it as one of the standout sales of 2025 so far.
It’s likely that 52 O was purchased either by a collector looking to add to a portfolio of rare plates, or by a luxury car owner keen to pair the minimalist registration with a prestige vehicle. Either way, its combination of simplicity and exclusivity clearly resonated with bidders.
Other Top Performers
While 52 O dominated headlines, the auction produced plenty of other notable sales:
- ELL 10T – £80,810
The second-highest result of the auction, this clever name private plate smashed its £300 reserve to fetch just over £80,000. Name-based registrations consistently draw attention, and ELL 10T demonstrates the market’s willingness to pay a premium for popular, easily recognisable formats. - 91 SS – £23,110
Dateless plates continue to prove their worth. 91 SS more than doubled its £2,200 starting price, highlighting the enduring appeal of short, symmetrical formats. - AUC 210N – £20,000
A playful nod to “auction,” this plate attracted attention and sold for a strong £20,000, showing how creative or industry-relevant registrations can find their niche buyers. - TA21 SHA – £17,510
Another strong performer in the names category, TA21 SHA shows that personalised name plates remain a core part of DVLA auction success. - 7 FUN – £17,010
Plates with humour or personality also found buyers, with 7 FUN standing out in the “fun dateless” category. Its clean format and cheeky message clearly appealed to bidders.
Full Top 10 Results
| Rank | Plate | Category | Starting Price (£) | Hammer Price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 52 O | Dateless | 2,500 | 102,010 |
| 2 | ELL 10T | Names | 300 | 80,810 |
| 3 | 91 SS | Dateless | 2,200 | 23,110 |
| 4 | AUC 210N | Names | 250 | 20,000 |
| 5 | TA21 SHA | Names | 250 | 17,510 |
| 6 | 7 FUN | Fun Dateless | 1,200 | 17,010 |
| 7 | AAR 11A | Names | 300 | 16,010 |
| 8 | 520 G | Cars Dateless | 2,500 | 15,030 |
| 9 | 240 S | Dateless | 2,500 | 13,000 |
| 10 | 164 SM | Dateless | 2,200 | 10,010 |
Auction Trends
A closer look at the September results reveals some interesting insights into the current number plate market:
- Dateless Plates Dominate
With six of the top ten sales falling into the dateless category, it’s clear these plates remain the most bankable. Their universal appeal and adaptability across vehicles give them long-term investment value. - Name Plates Prove Popular
Personalised name-based registrations like ELL 10T, TA21 SHA, and AAR 11A all performed strongly. These tend to resonate with end-users who want a plate that feels truly personal. - Fun and Themed Plates Hold Value
Quirky registrations such as 7 FUN show that novelty plates still have a place, often appealing to those seeking something distinctive or light-hearted. - High ROI Potential
Many plates started at reserves as low as £250–£2,500 yet reached five-figure hammer prices. This illustrates why DVLA auctions continue to attract investors as well as end-users.
Final Thoughts
The September 2025 DVLA auction (B276) was another resounding success, with over 2,000 registrations snapped up and several headline-grabbing results. The sale of 52 O for £102,010 not only underscored the continued appetite for short, exclusive plates but also highlighted the strength of the personalised registration market overall.
From high-value dateless classics to cleverly styled name plates, the auction demonstrated that demand remains broad and diverse. Whether for investment, personal pride, or pairing with a prestige car, number plates continue to be a fascinating market—one where simplicity and scarcity often command extraordinary premiums.
The next DVLA auction is already on the horizon, and if September’s results are anything to go by, bidders can expect more fierce competition and exciting results in the months ahead.