The Bonhams auction at Goodwood Revival on Saturday 13 September proved once again that the world of private plates and cherished registrations continues to captivate collectors and investors alike. With demand for rare DVLA number plates at an all-time high, the event delivered some truly eye-catching results.
Among the standout highlights were two exceptional registrations HC 1 and DB 1. Both plates carry immense historical weight and unrivalled rarity, and their record-breaking prices underline just how significant unique number plates have become, not just as collectibles but as cultural artefacts and smart investments.
HC 1: Eastbourne’s First Private Plate
- Sale Price: £195,500
- Origins: Issued in Eastbourne, 1909, this was the very first registration ever allocated in the town.
- Notable Early Owner: Mr. Hissy, a motoring journalist.
- Why It Matters: HC 1 is not only historically significant but also carries the aura of early British motoring when the motor car was still an emerging technology and registrations were few. As a cherished number plate, its allure stems from both its age and its connection to motoring’s foundational chapters.
DB 1: The Crown Jewel of Cherished Number Plates
- Sale Price: £437,000
- Issued Origin: Stockport Borough County Council, 1904.
- Rarity & Format: Among the very earliest UK DVLA registrations still in use. Its brevity and simplicity, just two characters, make DB 1 the kind of private plate every collector dreams of.
- Cultural Resonance: The initials “DB” instantly evoke Aston Martin’s DB series, the DB5 in particular, carrying connotations of glamour, speed, cinematic history (hello, James Bond), and luxury motoring. That gives DB 1 a broader appeal far beyond the world of number plate investing.
Where DB 1 Ranks in the Private Plate Hierarchy
DB 1 doesn’t just stand out. It now stands among the UK’s most expensive private registrations ever sold. With its sale, it moves into seventh place in that elite list, rubbing shoulders with:
- JB 1, sold for £608,600 (also at Goodwood earlier this year)
- 25 O, sold for £518,480 in 2014
- F 1, which fetched £440,625 in 2008 and is owned by designer Afzal Kahn
These are not just numbers. They are benchmarks in the market for rare cherished number plates and historic DVLA registrations.
Why Private and Cherished Number Plates Are More Than Just Vanity
Heritage & Identity
A registration like HC 1 or DB 1 carries stories, origins, associations, places, famous first-owners. For many collectors, the value lies not just in owning something rare but in owning something with heritage.
Visibility & Prestige
While other collectibles can gather dust, a prized private registration is displayed daily on the front of a car, in shows, at events. It is visible prestige, a status symbol in both motoring circles and beyond.
Investment Potential
These sales reaffirm that rare number plates continue to appreciate. Buying private plates is relatively low-maintenance compared to classic cars. No restoration work, no storage costs, yet they often deliver strong returns over time, especially for the rarest examples.
Market Resilience
The fact that plates like HC 1 and DB 1 can command such high prices in 2025 shows that the market for dateless, historic, and DVLA number plates is not fading. It is growing. Demand is strong among collectors, investors, and car and culture enthusiasts alike.
What This Means for Anyone Looking to Buy Private Plates
If you're in the market for a cherished registration whether for identity, investment, or collecting, here are some key takeaways:
- Provenance counts. The older the registration, the fewer there are like it, the more history behind it, the better.
- Simplicity is golden. Short number plates (especially two or three letters/digits) tend to be the most valuable and the most eagerly sought after.
- Cultural ties help. Associations with car brands, film and motorsport heritage, or a famous first owner can skyrocket value.
- Regulation & transfer matter. What makes a DVLA private plate usable is its legal status, the ability to transfer it, the compliance with DVLA rules. Make sure any registration has all paperwork in order.
- Think long term. While not every private plate will reach the heights of six-figure sales, many appreciate steadily, especially in a market where demand for rare, historic registrations outstrips supply.
Conclusion
The 2025 Goodwood Revival’s Bonhams auction has once again shown that private plates, especially the very rare, historic, and visually striking ones, are far more than decorative additions to a vehicle. They are symbols of heritage, prestige, and investment. HC 1 and DB 1 are perfect embodiments of that. Rooted in history, commanding headline-grabbing prices, and demonstrating that the world of cherished number plates is as vibrant and competitive as ever.
Whether you're a collector, an investor, or someone who simply wants to make a personal statement with your motor, the lessons from HC 1 and DB 1 are clear. Rarity, history, simplicity, and story all matter. And for those attributes, many are willing to pay premium sums when they buy private plates as part of their motoring identity.