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.