Celebrity Number Plates: Who Owns What?

Who Owns 007 Number Plate?

The iconic 007 plate was purchased in September 2015 by an anonymous buyer from Guernsey for £240,000 at a public auction. Despite the obvious James Bond connection, the plate is not owned by any of the actors who portrayed the famous spy.

The purchase sparked significant interest across the UK private plate market. While the buyer's identity remains confidential, the transaction demonstrated that the premium collectors are willing to pay for plates with strong pop culture associations.

It's worth noting that the Bond films themselves also featured several memorable number plates over the years. The most famous is BMT 216A, which appeared on the Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger and Thunderball, and later returned in Skyfall. The original DB5 prototype with this plate was eventually sold and had its Bond gadgets reinstated by the private owner after the films wrapped.

What is David Beckham's Number Plate?

David Beckham owns D7 DVB, a plate that combines his initials with his iconic Manchester United shirt number and his wife, Victoria. The registration represents the perfect marriage of personal identity and sporting legacy. Beckham wore the number 7 shirt during his time at Manchester United from 1997 to 2003, cementing it as part of his global brand. It's essentially a set of initials for David Victoria Beckham, and his iconic number 7.

What is Wayne Rooney's Number Plate?

Wayne Rooney's most well-documented plate is WAZ 8 and a reference to his "Wazza" nickname, combined with his England shirt number. The plate originally appeared on his Aston Martin Vanquish S, a 2006 model reportedly bought for him by fiancée Colleen McLoughlin as a good luck gift before the World Cup that year.

The Vanquish S with the WAZ 8 plate was later sold and ended up being won in a competition run by one of Rooney's sponsors. The sale included the private registration, which has since changed hands. The car itself, powered by a 6-litre V12 engine with 520bhp capability, sold for £150,000 with just 5,900 miles on the clock.

Rooney's choice of WAZ 8 reflects the trend among footballers to combine nicknames with shirt numbers. The number 8 was Rooney's England squad number for much of his international career, making the plate both personal and professional in its significance.

Afzal Kahn: The F1 Phenomenon

Perhaps the most valuable celebrity-owned plate in the UK belongs to automotive designer Afzal Kahn, who purchased F 1 from Essex County Council in 2008 for £440,625. The plate, originally registered in 1904, had been owned by the council for over a century before being sold to raise funds for young driver education.

Kahn has since turned down multiple offers for the plate, including a reported £10 million bid. Current valuations place F 1 at approximately £15 million, representing an extraordinary return on investment. The plate usually sits on Kahn's blue carbon Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, one of only three in the world, although it has also been seen on his Mercedes SLR McLaren.

The F 1 plate is part of Kahn's collection of over 60 unique registrations, including NO 4, 4HRH, and K4 AHN.

Other Notable Celebrity Plates

Sir Elton John owns both EJ and B1 G. The EJ plate is a straightforward use of his initials, while B1 G (Big) is a more playful option. The music legend has also owned ELV1S, a tribute plate to Elvis Presley.

Paul Daniels purchased MAG 1C in 1985, creating what became a trademark for his brand throughout his decades-long magic career. The plate appeared regularly on television during The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran on BBC1 from 1979 to 1994. After Daniels died in 2016, his widow Debbie McGee refused an offer of £120,000 for the registration, though she later considered selling it.

Simon Cowell's SC 1 plate has been spotted on his collection of high-end vehicles, including Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, and Aston Martins. The combination of his initials with the number 1 serves as an expression of Cowell's brand in both the music and television worlds.

Alan Sugar uses AMS 1, standing for Alan Michael Sugar, with the number 1 emphasising his business dominance. The plate featured prominently in The Apprentice opening credits, giving it significant screen time and public recognition across his fleet of Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles.

Richard Branson's V6 NSON plate appeared on his Aston Martin DB9, combining the Virgin brand initial with his surname. The registration is typical of Branson's approach to branding, integrating his business empire into personal touches wherever possible.

Vinnie Jones, the former footballer turned actor, owns 100 VJ. His son describes the plate as standing for "100% Vinnie Jones". Jones was part of Wimbledon's 1988 FA Cup-winning team before transitioning to films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. His wife, Tanya, has the companion plate 99 TJ.

Boxer Amir Khan displays his passion for personalised plates with BOX 111G (Boxing), a clever play on his profession. The British professional boxer has assembled a collection of themed registrations, including V60 XER, A180 XER, and R6 KK0, though BOX 111G remains his most recognisable plate.

Why Celebrities Buy Private Plates

Celebrity number plates serve multiple functions beyond simple personalisation. They act as mobile branding, particularly for individuals whose public image is central to their career. A plate like DB 07 or LEW 1S reinforces brand identity every time the vehicle is photographed or spotted in public.

They also signal status in a way that transcends the vehicle itself. A premium plate on a modest car still commands attention and respect. For celebrities already driving high-end vehicles, the right plate becomes the finishing touch that completes the statement.

Buy Private Number Plates with National Numbers

National Numbers is one of the original DVLA-approved private number plate dealers in the UK. With over 40 years of experience and 73 million personalised registration options available, we're trusted by everyday drivers and high-profile clients alike.

Call our friendly, expert team on 01642 363738 or search online for your perfect private number plate.