Private number plates have been in use for years now, but the growing interest in owning them, especially those with low numbers, also known as “cherished plates”, and has created a new category of investment vehicle – literally.  People who purchased specialised, private number plates have seen their “investment” appreciate in value much faster than average.  In fact, even when the economy hit a rough stretch and most assets, including homes, were losing value, private registration plates continued to appreciate.

Why is this?  Basically, due to simple supply and demand.  There are a limited number of plates available, and of course there can only be one registrant per plate.  Stirling Moss, for example, has plate number ‘SM 7’.  He is the only one who can hold that plate.  Anyone who wishes to have that plate number will have to wait until such time as Sir Stirling wishes to release it.  At that point it would likely be auctioned, if not inherited by someone, and would likely fetch quite a price.

A private number plate has many of the qualities associated with investment material; it is rare, and can be highly sought by collectors.  There is a way to register ownership as well, and it’s unlikely to be stolen, as once displayed in public its whereabouts would be immediately known since the whole point of a private number plate is to display it on your vehicle. 

There are several companies who offer number plates for sale, and if you’re searching for private registration plates, this is a very good place to start.  But because they are considered collectibles by many people, the prices can climb quite quickly.  For example, plate ‘FCA 5H’ was originally purchased for £648.  It sold approximately 18 months later for £7,247, a stunning increase of over 1000%!