Leading UK private number plate seller Plates4Less has unveiled the most expensive personalised registrations sold over the past year, following the high-profile auction of '15 LAM' for a staggering six-figure sum. This sale has cemented 2025 as a record-breaking period for the industry, highlighting the emergence of what the company now terms "Hyper Plates."
The Rise of the 'Hyper Plate' Phenomenon
The '15 LAM' registration was auctioned on 20 January, fetching £156,010 plus auction fees, bringing the total to £192,908.36. This transaction exemplifies the growing trend of ultra-rare, dateless plates that command premium prices. According to Plates4Less, Hyper Plates are characterised by their brevity, timeless design, instant recognisability, and high desirability, often featuring a single number—with "1" being particularly coveted.
Record-Breaking Sales in 2025
In the past year, several headline-grabbing sales have pushed market expectations to new heights. Notable examples include:
- '1 F' sold for £926,000
- 'U 1' achieved £750,000 (valued and marketed by Plates4Less for Leeds Council)
- 'JB 1' went for £608,600
These transactions underscore the escalating value of exclusive registrations, with Hyper Plates now regarded as serious assets rather than mere novelties.
Expert Insights from Plates4Less
Antony Clark, Marketing Manager at Plates4Less, commented on the trend: "A Hyper Plate is not driven by novelty or trends. It is super rare, normally very old as the very first of that particular issue, and distinctive. Historically, number plates with just a letter and a number one were often issued to councils for use on the chauffeured vehicles of their chief executives or their Lord Mayors, but now they are starting to become available to private buyers."
Introducing the Live Market View
In response to surging interest in Hyper Plates, Plates4Less has launched a new Live Market View page on its website. This innovative feature provides a real-time overview of the most expensive private number plates currently available on the open market, ranked by price and updated continuously.
The Live Market View enables buyers, investors, and industry observers to gain unprecedented insight into current market conditions at a glance. Antony Clark added: "Private number plates at the very top of the market are now widely recognised as serious assets. Our new Live Market View gives clients clarity and confidence, showing exactly where the market stands in real time."
Industry Leadership and Experience
With nearly three decades of experience and over one million successful sales, Plates4Less continues to advise buyers, sellers, and UK councils on the valuation and marketing of high-value registrations. This includes expertise in rare 1×1 dateless plates and six-figure transactions, positioning the company as a key player in this niche market.
The revelation of these top sales not only highlights the financial potential of private number plates but also signals a shift in how they are perceived—from personalised accessories to valuable investments in the UK's automotive and luxury sectors.
