New record
Everybody thought that GBP 331,000 would be the ultimate record for the M1 UK license plate, topping Russian gazillionaire and Chelsea owner Abramovich's GBP 281,000 bid for the VIP1 plate. But today we can officially report a new record, set by Afzal Kahn from Project Kahn who paid an astounding GBP 375,000 for the 'F1' UK number plate (that's GBP 440,625 including taxes, almost 600,000 Euro or USD 875,000).
The F1 number plate was sold by the Essex County Council who has been in possession of the plate ever since 1904. Lord Hanningfield, the current leader of the authority, said: "It will be with some sadness that we will be losing this little piece of Essex history.”
Afzal Kahn, President of Project Kahn, said “I am privileged to have acquired such a prestigious marque. I am extremely happy the money raised from the sale will help improve road safety and through the training of young drivers.”
For now the F1 license plates is used for a Mercedes SLR McLaren, but in a few weeks time it will move to Kahn latest, a Range Rover Cosworth. Stay tuned for that!
Press Release
“F1” Sold!
The UK’s most expensive ever number plate has been sold for £440,625 Inc. The F1 plate, previously owned by Essex County Council has been sold to automotive designer and entrepreneur Afzal Kahn from Project Kahn LTD.
Essex County Council Leader Lord Hanningfield and an Essex advanced trained young driver will hand over the most prized ID in Britain to its new owner on January 21st 2008 at North Weald Airfield, Near Epping, Essex.
The “F1” number plate was sold for £109,625 more than the previous record holder, the “M1” plate, sold at Bonhams recently for £331,000. The record sale also eclipses the sale of VIP 1, reputedly sold to Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich for £285,000.
The money raised from the sale will go to the education and training of young drivers. Hundreds of young and recently passed drivers will be given help to take the Pass Plus test, which gives advanced training in driving techniques. The test, designed by the Driver Standards Agency, gives youngsters knowledge of how to drive on motorways and in poor weather conditions. The test is recognised by many car insurance companies, lowering insurance premiums and also by many employers.
F1 was first registered in the Essex County Register of Motors in 1904 as belonging to the County Surveyor of Essex. It was the official car of the first Chairman of Essex County Council, Andrew Johnston, and has remained in the county council’s possession ever since, having had pride of place on the Chairman’s car until recently when it was replaced with the plate, “ECC1”.
Council Leader - Lord Hanningfield said “It will be with a little sadness that we will be losing this little piece of Essex history but I am pleased to say the money raised will help improve the safety of our roads through the training of young drivers. I believe we have got an excellent for Essex in selling this asset. I congratulate Mr Kahn on his purchase”
Afzal Kahn, President of Project Kahn, said “I am privileged to have acquired such a prestigious marque. I am extremely happy the money raised from the sale will help improve road safety and through the training of young drivers such as James. The training of young drivers is a very important issue and I am privileged to have contributed to such a worthy cause.
“I look forward to The F1 number plate being placed on the groundbreaking Range Rover Cosworth that we will be launching in the coming weeks.”
