Collecting Cars has announced the auction of what could be a million dollar plate.
A million dollar plate? That’s what global online platform Collecting Cars suggests this century-old heritage motorcycle number plate could go for at auction.
The black-and-white NSW-issued ‘1’ plate last appeared publicly for sale in 2018.
“This is a rare opportunity to secure a piece of Australia’s motoring history,” said Lee Hallett, Head of Asia-Pacific at Collecting Cars.
“If you’re a motorcycle lover who appreciates history, number plate ‘1’ is the ultimate accessory.”
According to Collecting Cars, this number plate was originally owned by a Penny Farthing dealer named Bennett and Wood back in 1918. The company later became an Australian importer of Honda motorcycles and the plate was then sold to Honda’s general manager in 1935 before being transferred to a Southern Highlands family, at which time it was fitted to an MV Agusta motorcycle.
The corresponding NSW heritage number plate ‘1’ for cars sold for more than AUD $11.5 million early last year, smashing Australia’s previous number plate sale record.
“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.
Bidders keen to secure these plates, and NSW heritage motorcycle number plate ‘1’, can bid online at collectingcars.com from 18 February. The auction ends 25 February 2025.