Investing

Investing in Number Plates

By Ruby Speechley

Some people are even buying up plates as an investment for their children or grandchildren, in the hope that in ten or twenty years time the value of the plates will be substantial.

Ex-Marine diver Roger Silcock took the decision to use his children’s’ trust money to buy WET 1 and 1 WET. “Their grandparents left them some money in trust but I thought it would be better to invest that money for them in number plates. My daughter Adrienne loves windsurfing and my son Ewan teaches sailing and wind surfing. I’m also a professional ocean yachtmaster, so you can see why these particular plates suit our family. I’ve always had an interest in number plates. As a child, I used to like spotting them, especially number ones and foreign embassy plates. At least this way my children can enjoy their money whilst it grows. I think it’s a far better option than stocks and shares, and a lot more fun too!”

Already steeped in number plate history, VIP 1 is a famous plate that has shot up in value in recent years and probably more so now that the late Pope John Paul II has sadly died. It was issued in 1984 for his visit to Ireland and used on his ‘pope-mobile’. Although it is an Irish mark, it made its way into the British system.

Andrew Fulmer from Buckinghamshire bought it for £85,000 in 2000. “I saw it advertised in the newspaper and just had to have it. I admit it was a bit of an impulsive buy! It looks great, so over the top, but my girlfriend says it looks tacky.” Since then the plate has changed hands and is now back on the market, this time for £250,000.

If you’re looking to invest in personal number plates, seek advice from the professionals before making your purchase. Leading number plate dealer, Regtransfers recommend that you start with at least £10,000 to buy a decent quality plate. “There’s not much point investing in a cheap number because it is unlikely to jump up in value very much. You need to buy one that has a wide appeal, like MON 3Y, D1 SHY or CLA 5S, and these cost several thousand pounds,” says Investment Manager, Martin Wightwick.

In other words, don’t be tempted to buy a plate that only says something if you add a bit of tape here or a screw there. You’re not going to fool anyone except yourself. Above all, make sure that you buy one that you actually enjoy, because if it doesn’t increase in value as much as you’d expected, you could be stuck with it for Y3 ARS!

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