Some car brands are more commonly associated and often seen displaying a private number plate due to their image, target market, and the type of owners they attract. Here are the car brands most likely to have personalised or private number plates and the reasons why:
1. Luxury Brands
(e.g., Bentley, Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Jaguar)
- Why? Owners of luxury vehicles often have the disposable income to invest in personalized plates, which can be quite expensive. These plates serve as a status symbol, further enhancing the prestige associated with driving a high-end car. Personalised number plates also disguise the age of vehicles making them appear newer for longer.
2. Sports and Supercar Brands
(e.g., Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin)
- Why? Supercar owners may see their vehicles as an extension of their personality and lifestyle. Personalised plates are a way to make their already rare and unique cars even more distinctive. The plates can also be seen as a collector’s item, aligning with the exclusive nature of these vehicles. However the number plates can be used and transferred on to any road legal vehicle. LAM 80S fetched £11400 at auction in 2010, whilst F296 GTB made £12010 in 2021.
3. Classic Car Brands
(e.g., Lotus, MG, TVR, Morgan)
- Why? Classic and vintage car owners are passionate about their vehicles and often view them as investments or treasured possessions. They take great pride in maintaining the pristine appearance of the paint work and chrome trim. A personalised plate can be chosen to reflect the car’s history, model name or number, or the owner's personal connection to it. Some lower value vehicle specific registrations are often left with the cars to enhance the appearance when the vehicles get sold on. 10 TUS (LOTUS) sold for £14,200 back in 1996.
4. High-Performance Brands
(e.g., McLaren, Pagani, Bugatti Koenigsegg)
- Why? High-performance vehicles are associated with innovation, speed, and cutting-edge technology. Owners of these cars often use personalised plates to highlight the vehicle’s capabilities or to align with the vehicle model name or number. MCL 720S. (Mclaren 720S) sold for £20,200 at auction in 2017.
5. Niche and Customisable Brands
(e.g., Mini, Jeep, Land Rover)
- Why? Brands like Mini, Jeep, and Land Rover have a strong culture of customisation. Owners who enjoy personalising their vehicles with unique features and accessories are more likely to invest in a personalised plate to complete the look.
6. Performance Sub-Brands
(e.g., AMG, M-Series, S-Line, Alpina, SVR)
- Why? Performance-oriented sub-brands of luxury car makers, like AMG (Mercedes), M-Series (BMW), or S-Line (Audi), attract enthusiasts who are passionate about speed, looks and performance. Personalised plates can be used to highlight the top of the range models or portray the look of a performance model. AMG 805S sold at auction for just £2100 in 2013.
Conclusion
The common thread among these brands is the association with luxury, performance, and status. Personalised number plates serve as a further expression of individuality and affluence, making these vehicles stand out even more. Owners of such cars are often willing to spend on these plates as a way to make a statement, enhance the vehicle’s exclusivity, or simply express a personal connection to their car. Many agree that the look of a personalised number plate improves the overall appearance of a vehicle, so is a very worthwhile accessory to have.
