DESIRABLE number plates went under the hammer for staggering sums of money at a auction in Crewe.
The DVLA auction at Crewe Hall saw hot bidding on a range of registration plates which will set vehicles apart from the rest.
But the one which caused the biggest stir, attracting bids from across the country, was SCR 4P.
A mystery buyer, believed to be a scrap dealer, paid £54,000 for the privilege of the plate adorning his car while a boating enthusiast paid an undisclosed sum for 5 ROW.
Bidders with a penchant for designer clothes, bags and shoes by Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior had their purses and wallets at the ready when 30 LV and YSL 600 went under the hammer.
And there was a flurry of activity among fitness fans when RUN 10K was offered for sale.
DVLA auction manager Damian Lawson said: 'We stage around seven auctions a year at highly prestigious locations across the country.
'The auction is where buyers find the real atmosphere and bidding in person is still the most popular way to buy a plate.
'There's always a real buzz at these events but for people who can't get to an auction we offer facilities for telephone, written and internet bids.
'Judging by the turn-out at Crewe Hall, it's fair to say the desire to own a unique plate is stronger than ever.'
More than 1,400 plates went under the hammer during the three-day event.
Crewe Hall sales manager Rob Parry said: 'A company called Premier Auctions staged the event for the DVLA. It attracted several hundred visitors over the three days.
'It brought its own computers, banking facilities and staff who set up in the Long Gallery and Great Library.
'They displayed plates on screens and in catalogues. Reserve prices started at £250.
'Everyone wanted to hear what happened to SCR 4P, which of course, looks like SCRAP.
'It was expected to go for about £45,000 and to sell for £54,000 just shows what people will pay for individuality.
'Apparently each auction generates about £4m in sales.'
AN AUSTRALIAN banker who leapt to worldwide prominence after being caught on television looking at erotic pictures of a woman while at work has been allowed to keep his job....
Read
Article
