Motors.co.uk launches definitive list of celeb 58 plates

Despite the credit crunch, sales of personalised number plates are continuing to rise year on year with over 120,000 personalised plates registered in the first half of 2008 – a number set to rocket with the launch of the new 58 plate on 1st September.

The UK’s most expensive personalised plate - ‘F1’ sold for nearly £500,000 earlier this year but even this is dwarfed by the world’s most expensive plate - ‘1’ which was bought by an Emirati businessman for £7.25M.

Yet according to leading used cars website motors.co.uk, creating the perfect personalised plate need not be a costly exercise.

Personalised number plates have been made famous around the world by celebrities such as Sir Alan Sugar, whose black Rolls Royce Phantom sports the ‘AMS 1’ license plate. In a global multi-million pound industry other famous names to have their own personalised plates include Paul Daniels - ‘MAG1C’, 80’s comedian Keith Harris - ‘ORVIL’ and James Martin - ‘6HEF’.

But according to motors.co.uk, the launch of the new plate 58 plate on 1st September will give many car buyers the chance to secure perfect plate at a prudent price.

To show buyers how it’s done, the website has put together its unofficial ‘Top Ten’ of celebrity 58 plates, featuring everyone from Beckham to Brown.

Katie Armitage Marketing Manager for Motors.co.uk said:

“The launch of the new 58 number plate is a busy time for the new car industry with many buyers looking to personalise a plate for their new pride and joy. The good news for many buyers is that the 58 plate opens up new opportunities to get a plate without the celebrity price tag. The DVLA offers over 2.5 million personalised plates with prices starting at £250 and there’s a real opportunity for buyers to have some 58 plate fun whether they are buying a new or used car.”

To show car buyers see how it’s done, Motors.co.uk has put together an irreverent guide to the best celebrity plates on offer.

1. HA5 8EEN- Gordon Brown
2. HA5 8OOZ- Amy Winehouse
3. HA5 8UST- Jordon
4. HI5 8IKE- Chris Hoy
5. HI5 8ALL- David Beckham
6. HI5 8OAT- Ben Ainslie
7. HE5 8ENT- Jeffrey Archer
8. HE5 8ACK- Daniel Craig (James Bond)
9. IT5 8UST- Adam Applegarth (former chief exec of Northern Rock)
10. HU5 8AND- Guy Richie