JB 1 ultimate number plate. A record breaking sale. A piece of Motoring History.
A martini. Shaken, not stirred, One of the most famous quote’s from the man himself James Bond and probably the ultimate number plate for him JB 1, selling for a record breaking £608,000 making it the UK’s most expensive number plate to date sold at a public auction.
On July 11th 2025 the ‘Ultimate number plate’ JB 1 just made history, smashing records at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed auction, where it sold for an astonishing £608,000 – the highest price ever paid for a UK number plate at a public auction.
The sale of this iconic number plate sets a new precedence on the cherished number plate industry and proves just what an investment opportunity these have on the market.
The iconic UK registration number JB 1 has just made history, smashing records at the recent auction held by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 11th 2025 where it sold for a staggering £608,000, and breaking the UK’s record to become the most expensive number plate sold at a public auction to date.
The number plate JB 1 was originally issued back in March 1932 by Berkshire County Council and was first registered to Jack Barclay Limited, the worlds oldest Bentley dealership. It’s namesake, John Donald “Jack” Barclay was not only a successful racing driver but also a luxury car dealer. He founded the prestigious Mayfair showroom in 1927 where he supplied Rolls-Royces and Bentleys to British Society’s elite.
The number plate become synonymous with British motoring elegance and was often seen displayed on Jack Barclay’s Bentleys and Rolls-Royces. Following his death in 1970 JB 1 number plate, largely disappeared from public view.
Resurfacing at the auction sparked fierce bidding not only because of its rarity and historical significance but also because of the appeal of short memorable number plates and maybe even a fan of 007 himself “James Bond” and with over 560,000 people in the UK sharing the ‘JB’ initials demand was sky high.
The original estimate of £200,000 – £300,000 was more than doubled on the final sale price of the eye watering £608,00.
JB 1 is more than just a number plate, it is a symbol of prestige, heritage and the enduring allure of automotive excellence.
Personalised Number Plates – Love or Hate them
A bit like Marmite, Personalised Number Plates, you either love or hate them. Whatever your preference, sales have more than doubled over the past decade.
More than 1.2 million transactions took place in 2024, up from about 500,00 in 2014 according to data from DVLA ( Driver and Vehicle Licvensing Agency)
You can purchase cherished number plates from as little as £20 (excluding vat and transfer fee) but the more lucrative plates and combinations can fetch in excess of hundreds of thousands of pounds. The value depends on the popularity of the combination of numbers and letters. The DVLA raised £276m for the government from personalised registrations in the last financial year.
Once thought as purchased by the older generation, personalised number plates are now being sought after by the younger generation. The various social media platforms are a great way of showcasing their cherished number plates as well as the many groups and pages relating to them and people in the car scene are often known by their distinctive number plates.
Personalised number plates are not just for personal use, they are also a great way to advertise your Business or Company.
We have many thousands of number plate combinations, and using our searchable database, are sure we have something for everyone.
Fun Number Plates – perfect if you don’t want your initials and you just want something amusing or naughty.
Bargain or Cheap Number Plates – not wanting to spend a great deal but want to take the age off your vehicle, have an older car that looks in great condition and don’t want to share its age, then these are the ones to buy.
Prefix and Current Style Number Plates – want your initials and don’t want to spend a small fortune then these type of number plates start from £250
Antique or Dateless Number Plates – these are non dating number plates and can go on any year of vehicle, these type of number plates tend to be more expensive.
Have a question or query? then give one of our Sales Staff a call on 0116 235 0116
DVLA Retention Renewals – Important Reminder – DO NOT IGNORE
For anyone that owns a personalised or cherished number plate then please read and do not ignore.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a crucial reminder regarding the renewal of V778 Retention Certificates and V750 Certificates of Entitlement. If you miss the expiry date, there will be no leniency – you will lose the retention certificate/certificate of entitlement and the rights to use your private number plate.
Renewal Process To avoid losing your cherished number plate it is essential to renew your V750 Certificate of Entitlement or V778 Retention Document every 10 years. You can apply for the renewal up to 28 days before the expiry date. The renewal process is straightforward and can be done either by post or online.
Consequences of Missing the Expiry Date Failure to renew your V778 Retention Document or V750 Certificate of Entitlement on or before the expiry date will result in the permanent loss of your right to use the cherished number plate. The DVLA Swansea, will not accept applications made after the expiry date. This means that if you miss the deadline for whatever reason, your personalised number plate will be void and cancelled. There will be no exceptions.
Reminder Letters The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send out a reminder letter usually 28 days before the V778 Retention Document or V750 Certificate of Entitlement is due to expire and there will be guidance on this renewal letter of how you can renew your document either by post or online. Ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you complete the renwal process in time.
Renewal Fees Renewing your V778 Retention Document or V750 Certificate of Entitlement is FREE. Yes, the DVLA at Swansea make no charge.
Final Thoughts Do not risk losing your unique number plate/plates. Mark the expiry date in your diary or put it on your calendar NOW and ensure you complete the renewal process well in advance of the expiry date. If you decide to renew by post make sure you obtain receipts and take photocopies. The DVLA Swansea has made it easy to renew so there is no excuse for missing the deadline.
Treat this as a birthday or a special event and make sure you mark the date in your diary or calendar.
If you want to purchase any cherished number plates then browse our huge database of personalised number plates. We have numbers that start from as little as £104 all inc.
Call one of our Sales Staff on 0116 235 0116 if you prefer, or if you need advice.
We are always happy to help.
Period Number Plates – make your classic vehicle look authentic
Do you have a classic motorcyle such as a Royal Enfield or BSA and want to put a period number plate on it so it looks more authentic then read on, we can help.
Replacing Modern Number Plates with Period Number Plates on Your Imported Royal Enfield or BSA Motorcycle
For enthusiasts who have imported a classic Royal Enfield or BSA motorcycle from India, nothing complements the authenticity of these vintage machines more than a period-appropriate number plate. If you’re looking to replace the modern number plate with a classic one, here’s how you can do it while ensuring your bike stays road-legal in the UK.
Understanding UK Number Plate Regulations
First, it’s important to understand that UK regulations require all vehicles used on public roads to have number plates that meet specific standards. However, there are allowances for classic vehicles, depending on their age.
Verify Vehicle Eligibility
Vehicles registered before 1st January 1980 can use white on black number plates. Check the date of first registration on your Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C.
Research Period Correct Plates
Determine the type and style of number plates that were used during the period your classic motorcycle was originally manufactured. Ensure the design adheres to historical authenticity. Find a supplier that specialises in vintage number plates and ensures they are legally compliant for use on UK roads. Provide your vehicle registration details to the supplier to ensure accuracy.
Update Your Insurance
Inform your insurance provider of the change of registration to ensure your policy remains valid.
Benefits of Period Number Plates
Authenticity: Enhances the historical value and visual appeal of your vintage/classic motorcyle.
Recognition: Period number plates can make your motorcycle stand out and attract attention from fellow motorcyle enthusiasts and collectors and can also make your bike appear like the classic original.
Compliance: When properly registered, period number plates ensure you remain compliant with UK vehicle regulatuons.
Conclusion
Replacing modern number plates with period-correct ones on your imported Royal Enfield or BSA motorcycle not only enhances its vintage charm but also aligns with UK regulations. By following these steps, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: authentic style and legal compliance.
We at Motor Marks have many period style number plates that are suitable for your classic motorcycles and bikes and they won’t break the bank.
Take a look at our bargain number plates These cheap number plates start from as little as £20 plus vat and the £80 DVLA transfer fee so a total of £104.00.
Alternatively you can call one of our Sales Staff on 0116 235 0116 who can help you with your enquiry and find the right number plate for you.
Number Plates – The Perfect Gift this Christmas
Number Plates – The perfect personalised gift to give this Christmas
Christmas is now only a few weeks away. Are you struggling to find that perfect gift? This year why not give them a gift that they will remember and which will be extra special to them. Give them the gift of a Personalised Registration Number. A gift that is as unique as them and also a great source of investment for the future.
Most cherished number plates only go up in value over the years. If you decide the gift you receive is not for you, you will nearly always get back what was paid for it, if not more, so its a win all round.
Number Plates come in various formats.
Dateless Number Plates. These are cherished number plates that can go on any year of vehicle. They do not have a prefix or suffix dating letter and these are also called antique number plates.
Next you have the prefix and suffix number plates. These are number plates that have a dating letter at the front or end of the number plate.
Next are the current style number plates. These number plates have two letters at the front then the dating year and then the three initials.
Cherished number plates do not have to cost a fortune, we have bargain number plates that are £104.00 all inclusive.
We have a fully searchable database of millions of car number plates so we are sure that you will find something suitable.
If you prefer to speak to someone then call us on 0116 235 0116 where we can help with your enquiry.
We have many stock number plates that subject to terms and conditions, can be transferred the same day using the DVLA online system, so even if you leave it to the last minute you can still give your gift in time for Christmas.
So what are you waiting for, browse here or give one of our Sales Staff a call 0116 235 0116.
DVLA CALL FOR EVIDENCE – Complete the survey and have your say !
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and DfT have launched a call for evidence around the existing policies and registration processes for historic, classic and rebuilt vehicles.
The aim is to seek knowledge and expertise about whether these policies need updating to reflect evolving technologies that support the restoration and rebuilding of these vehicles.
DVLA and DfT are very keen to tap into a range of experience, views and research to help identify areas of potential change whilst ensuring that road safety and accurate vehicle records on the national register remain a key priority.
The call for evidence asks for evidence on a number of topics including:
- historic/classic vehicles registration
- rebuilt and restored vehicles
- kit-built vehicles
- vehicles converted to electric propulsion
- Q registration numbers
- the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This call for evidence runs until 4th July and you can respond by visiting the link here
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FHBVC) have posted some draft responses to the consultation on there website if you wish to look into this topic in more detail.
If you require any cherished number plates or bargain registration numbers for your vehicles please take a look on our database, I am sure we will have something suitable for you at an equally affordable price.
Alternatively call now 0116 235 0116 and speak to one of our Sales Staff
Don’t forget to make a difference, respond by 4th July
EURO 2024 We have the Ultimate Number Plate
Are you a football fanatic and cannot wait for the Euros to finally start.
We have the ultimate cherished number plate EUI 20 – EURO
The Euros are scheduled to take place from 14th June 2024 – 14th July 2024 and the tournament will be hosted by Germany. The winner will later compete in the CONMEBOL – UEFA Cup of Champions against the 2024 Copa America winner.
There are 24 countries competing in the tournament with ENGLAND being one of them.
We also have the fabulous ENGLAND private registration number.
Both EUI 20 and ENG 147D number plates are in stock and are on retentions ready for immediate transfer.
EUI 20 is priced at £4995 plus vat and £80 transfer fee and ENG 147D is £19,995 plus vat and £80 transfer fee.
We also have various car plates suitable for football including initials, names and themes, which you can view here Football Number Plates
We have bargain numbers which wont break the bank or into your savings take a look at Cheap Number Plates
If you require any help or information regarding our cherished car number plates please contact our office on 0116 235 0116 where you can speak to one of our friendly Sales Staff.
Enjoy the Tournament and Good Luck to ENGLAND
Saint Patrick’s Day Time to Celebrate – Great PAT Number Plates
Saint Patrick’s Day is held on March 17th and is observed by the Catholic Church as well as others’ especially the Church of Ireland and the day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of christianity in Ireland.
It was made a Feast day in the 17th Century.
Today we celebrate with public parades and festivals and the wearing of green clothing and attire and Shamrocks.
People are also encouraged to eat and drink alcohol with restrictions for lent lifted on this day.
10 Interesting Facts about Saint Patrick
St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish
Despite being the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick was born in Britain in either Scotland or Wales (accounts tend to vary on that point). His parents, Calpurnius and Conchessa, were both Roman citizens and his mother gave birth to him in 385AD.
Slavery was what brought St. Patrick to Ireland
As a teenager, St. Patrick was kidnapped by a pirate raiding party and sold into slavery in Ireland. As a slave, he looked after and herded sheep for many years before fleeing to a monastery in England. While there, he became a devout follower of Christianity and ordained a Bishop, after which he returned to Ireland as a missionary.
St. Patrick actually wore blue, not green
Although everyone is expected to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, all surviving artworks of St. Patrick show him wearing blue robes. It’s the reason why through the years, flags, sports uniforms and coat-of-arms featured the colour. As time progressed, green as a national colour grew in favour particularly in the 17th century.
St. Patrick isn’t technically a saint
While he’s been given the title in popular lore, St. Patrick was never actually officially canonised as a saint. However many still recognise his contributions to the Catholic church and he remains a spiritual figure to this day.
St Patrick’s Day is held on the day he passed away
In the Catholic tradition, the day a saint passes away is considered a holy day to celebrate their ascension into heaven. St. Patrick passed away on March 17 and it continues to be when St. Patrick’s Day is held annually.
St. Patrick probably didn’t drive all the snakes out of Ireland
One of the most popular myths about the Irish saint is that he rid the country of snakes, however modern science has since ruined that belief for everyone. As Ireland has always been an incredibly cold country, scientists have said that it’s highly unlikely that there were any snakes to begin with and there are no fossils to disprove the theory.
St. Patrick’s walking stick grew into a tree while he was preaching
Another popular tale regarding St. Patrick tells the story of how he left his ashwood walking stick in the ground, while he went off to try and convert the villagers of a small town to Christianity. The effort took so long however that the walking stick became an ash tree which the town takes its name from – Aspatria, Cumbria.
Patrick was not St. Patrick’s given name
St. Patrick’s given name was Maewyn Succat. It wasn’t until he became a priest that he adopted a new name – Patrick, after Patricius (which relates to the Latin root meaning father)
‘Drowning the shamrock’ is said to have started with St. Patrick
The tradition of drinking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is said to have started with the saint himself, who announced that everybody should have ‘a drop of the hard stuff’ after an innkeeper was less than forthcoming with a bottle of whiskey. While there was a brief period where drinking on St. Patrick’s Day was banned, the tradition has since returned in full force.
The shamrock as an Irish symbol is said to have been popularised by St. Patrick
As the stories go, St. Patrick supposedly used the iconic shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity while preaching. With each leaf representing Christianity’s Holy Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it was a symbol that showed how they could be three different spiritual entities and yet all part of the same whole.
We have lots of PAT cherished number plates that are referenced to PATRICK and we have listed some of these below.
We have lots of other cherished number plates see our homepage where you can search through millions of number plate or why not give us a call on 0116 235 0116
We also have bargain cheap number plates and name number plates as well as fun number plates.
Mother’s Day – Give a gift as unique as they are. A Cherished Number Plate
This Mother’s Day why not give them a unique present and give them a gift of a Cherished Number Plate
Why we celebrate Mother’s Day
Sunday 10th March 2024 this year will once again be Mothering Sunday. A day that we celebrate our ‘Mothers’
Whether it is your Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Auntie or whoever you choose to call your MUM, this Sunday this will be a time when we all celebrate and show our appreciation and thanks.
This year why not give them the gift of a Cherished Number Plate instead of the usual flowers, chocolates or jewellery. They no longer cost a small fortune, you can buy one all inclusive for £104 choosing one of our Cheap Number Plates.
If you would like to speak to one of our Sales Staff please call us on 0116 235 0116, we are always happy to help.
As well as the bargain number plates we have names, initials, suffix, prefix and dateless registrations all with varying price ranges, we are sure you will find something suitable.
Browse through millions of number plates using our online search facility
Happy Mother’s Day from us all at Motor Marks