Number Plate Stories

Personal collections of plates

By Ruby Speechley

Sometimes it is individuals who are not satisfied with just one plate, ending up with a personal collection they can pick and choose like a wardrobe of designer suits. John J. R. Smith from Worcestershire wanted to expand his selection of initial plates. For several years he was happy with J888 JRS on his Honda Accord, but when he saw J444 JRS, he thought he would buy that for his Renault Megane to make ‘a nice pair.’ “I upgraded my Accord to the V6 Coupe and thought it merited a dateless plate. Although a lot more expensive, I invested in JRS 789 which really enhances the look of my new car. For now, J888 JRS has been relegated to retention certificate.”

Collecting number plates is nothing new. Probably the most famous collection of all was that owned by Sir Gerald Nabarro. Over many years he managed to acquire an astonishing seven consecutive ‘NAB’ numbers, (from 1- 7) for his classic cars. He was a self-made tycoon who left school at 14. After leaving the army as an officer, following the Second World War, he became a Conservative MP. He famously sported a handlebar moustache and had a booming baritone voice with a ‘Terry Thomas’ accent. The British public adored this flamboyant character, who was knighted in 1963.

One night, on May 21 1971, Nabarro was driving one of his expensive cars with the private plate NAB 1, when he was seen to swerve at speed the wrong way around a roundabout at Totton, in Hampshire. Although cleared of all the charges after a second trial, Nabarro’s health deteriorated and he died a few months later.

Owning more than one number plate may seem egotistical or just plain over the top, but really it is no different than someone else collecting paintings or stamps. And some people collect far stranger things!

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