Before you start making a number plate, you should get an idea of how much one is going to cost you.
Thankfully, at Demon Plates, we have affordable options that won’t break the bank, but have you ever thought about what is the most expensive number plate?
To many, they are more than just a combination of letters and digits on a vehicle; they are a symbol of prestige, enabling personalisation and enhancing the value of a car.
According to Muhammad Kashif, owner of the UAE Number Plates Company, "Just having a Rolls Royce isn't enough these days. People want exclusive number plates to go on the car."
Number plates in the UAE come with a default of five digits, however, the fewer the digits on the plate, the higher the price.
For instance, number plates with four digits can cost around 5,000 dirhams ($1,300), but prices soar for numbers that are memorable or identical.
Car enthusiasts around the world have been known to shell out exorbitant sums to secure unique and exclusive number plates. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of 10 of the most expensive number plates across the globe.
P7 - Dubai
Dubai, known for its opulent lifestyle and extravagant displays of wealth, takes the lead with the most expensive number plate in the world.
In 2023, the plate with the number 'P7' was sold at the Emirates auction for a staggering £12 million (55 million dirhams).
AA9 - Dubai
The previous most expensive number plate was 'AA9,' which made headlines in 2021 when it was sold for £7.5 million at a charity auction.
The buyer chose to remain anonymous, emphasising the desire for exclusivity and anonymity in the world of luxury number plates. The high price tag reflects the rarity and prestige associated with single-digit plates in Dubai.
AA8 - Dubai
In 2022, another Dubai number plate, 'AA8,' fetched approximately £7.5 million, again at a charity auction. The allure of these plates lies not only in their numerical uniqueness but also in their contribution to charitable causes. The auctioning of high-value plates for charity adds a philanthropic dimension to the exclusivity of these plates.
D5 - Dubai
In 2016, the number plate 'D5' was sold at an auction for approximately £7.3 million. This extravagant purchase was made by Balwinder Sahni, who added this prestigious plate to his collection, reinforcing the cultural significance of these plates as status symbols.
1 - UAE
A previous UAE record was set in 2008 when the plate '1' was sold to Emirati businessman Saeed Khouri for £7.25 million. The UAE has always prided itself on being the vanity plate record holder, reflecting a cultural affinity for exclusive and unique number plates.
2 - Abu Dhabi
Dubai's neighbouring emirate, Abu Dhabi, joins the ranks with the number plate '2,' which sold for approximately £5 million in 2022 at, lo-and-behold, a charity auction.
The plate holds historic significance, marking the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971.
Such plates are not just status symbols but also carry a sense of national pride and heritage.
O9 - Dubai
The number plate 'O9' from Dubai, sold for £4.4 million in 2015, further illustrates the demand for plates with unique and aesthetically pleasing combinations. Balwinder Sahni, a prominent collector, once again added this plate to his impressive assortment.
5 - Abu Dhabi
In 2007, the number plate '5' from Abu Dhabi was sold for £3.5 million. Purchased by stockbroker Talal Khouri, this transaction highlights the enduring appeal of exclusive number plates as valuable assets.
7 - Abu Dhabi
With a price tag of £3 million in 2010, the number plate '7' from Abu Dhabi found a buyer willing to invest in this prestigious identifier. The resale in 2016 at a slightly lower price suggests that these plates, while highly valuable, can also be considered as investments.
R - Hong Kong
The number plate 'R,' considered lucky, was sold in 2023 at a government auction in Hong Kong for £2.6 million. This sale reflects the global fascination with exclusive plates, extending beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
F1 - England
We felt it an honourable mention for a British plate in our list, and for a very good reason - the 'F1' number plate, was purchased in 2008 for a Bugatti Veyron SuperSport.
Linked to Formula One, if you had not already guessed, this plate was bought for £440,000 by British automotive designer Afzal Kahn, so a little bit far off some of the others bought above.
However, since its placement on the vehicle and the growing popularity of the sport in the Middle East, there have been offers of over £15 million for the sought-after plate.
The world of luxury number plates is a fascinating intersection of prestige, culture, and investment. Dubai, in particular, seems to be leading the way with valuable and luxurious number plates.
If your car registration holds sentimental value, or you wish to give your prestigious number plate the enhancement it deserves from a reputable company, then Demon Plates has got you covered.
Explore the possibilities of creating your own unique and exclusive plate style by building your number plate. Reach out and contact us today here at Demon Plates.