$1 million for a number plate? Motorbike plate “1” in NSW is up for Auction

We’ve seen some amazing number plates go up for auction in years gone by, but the iconic and simple Number 1 has to be the most desirable of them all. And right now, that very number plate for a NSW registered motorbike is about to go up for auction.

It last appeared for sale seven years ago, and would be sought after by the wealthiest of motorbike owners in NSW.

Lee Hallet from Collecting Cars who are auctioning the item says “This is a rare opportunity to secure a piece of Australia’s motoring history,”

“If you’re a motorcycle lover who appreciates history, number plate ‘1’ is the ultimate accessory.” 

The plate originally belonged to a Penny Fathing Dealer named Bennet and Wood in 1918 and after that company become the importer of Honda Motorcycles in Australia the plate was sold to Honda’s general manager in 1935 and was later transferred to a Southern Highlands family where it was fitted to an MV Agusta Motorbike

If this were a “1” for a car in NSW this would go for many millions, with that plate selling for $11.5 million last year.

“The Australian market for heritage number plates has emerged as a booming asset class for many collectors,” said Hallett. 

Collecting Cars’ latest Australian heritage number plate auction includes other rarities, such as car number plate ‘37’ (NSW), ‘Q42’ (QLD) and other low-number combinations from other states. 

The auction kicks off on February 18 and goes until Feb 25.