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A1 - the ultimate numberplate?

It's widely accepted that A1 is the first numberplate to be issued and thus makes it the "ultimate" number plate for a lot of enthusiasts- not least Earl Russell- the first owner of the registration number.

below is a brief history of this illustrious plate- it disappears from the radar in 2005 - will it ever surface again? a1 numberplate

1903 The Motor Car Act became law and required all cars to be registered. “A 1" was allocated to Earl Russell- he famously queued all night for the privilege.

1906 The Chairman of the London County Council acquired the car, a Napier, and the Registration.

1907 The car and the number were sold to Mr. George Pettyt, Head of the Maudes Group Motor Business. A 1 was transferred to each of his successive cars, including an Alfa Romeo, MG, Morris Isis, Daimler, Singer, Jaguar and the last, a Sunbeam Talbot 90.

1950 George Pettyt died bequeathing the Sunbeam Talbot and “A 1” to Mr. Trevor Laker. A condition of the bequest was that he use the number until his demise and then it should be sold and the proceeds be donated to a dogs’ charity.

Trevor Laker sold the number, with an agreement that he retained its use until his death or inability to drive.

The £2,500 realized from the sale went to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

1970 On the death of Trevor Laker the ownership and rights to “A 1” passed to Dunlop Limited.

Initially “A 1” was on a Daimler Limousine used to transport important visitors to the Dunlop Factories.
a1 numberplate
It was later transferred to the tyre division and formed part of the extensive promotions for the Denovo runflat tyre.

1975 Following a brief period on an Executive Mini used by the Director of Engineering, “A 1” was returned to the Tyre Division for promotional purposes.

1985 Ownership of “A 1” passed to BTR plc, following the acquisition of Dunlop.

The international BTR Group is one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most successful companies, with interests in the construction, energy, electrical, manufacturing, transport, paper, healthcare and consumer industries. Sales of £4500 million a year are generated by over 700 subsidiaries, employing some 80000 people around the world.

2005 - The late Roy Palmer of Insignia Registrations sold both A1 and 1A to a flamboyant foreign royal, the numbers were transferred quickly and ready for the new owner to be collected from the airport in two identical white Bentleys displaying 1A and A1. It is very doubtful that either registration will ever become available to buy again.