A 1 Number Plate: The Historic Story Behind the UK's Most Iconic Vehicle Registration

The A 1 number plate is one of the most famous and sought-after vehicle registration plates in the UK. Although many believe it was the first number plate ever issued in Britain, A 1 was actually the first plate registered in London, not the entire country. Since its creation in 1903, A 1 has become a prestigious symbol in British motoring history, with a fascinating journey through various owners and vehicles.

The First Number Plates in the UK

The Motor Car Act 1903 made it a legal requirement for all vehicles in the UK to be registered. Although the law came into effect on 1 January 1904, the first plates began to be issued in late 1903.

A 1 was issued by London County Council on 7 December 1903, making it the capital's first official vehicle registration plate. The earliest known UK registration overall is DY 1, issued in Hastings on 23 November 1903.

The First Owner of A 1

The A 1 plate was issued to Earl Russell for his Napier motor car. Stories vary on how he obtained it. Some say he queued overnight, while others claim he sent his butler. Russell was an Alderman on the London County Council from 1895 to 1904 and chaired the highways committee, which may have helped him secure the registration. Records show that most of the early single-digit London plates went to politicians or their relatives connected to the council.

The Plate Changes Hands

In 1906, Russell sold the car along with the plate to the Chairman of the London County Council. A year later, George Pettyt, head of the Maudes Group car dealership, purchased it for £30. Pettyt transferred the plate to each of his personal cars over the years.

Following Pettyt's death in 1950, the A 1 plate passed to Trevor Laker, a former editor of Motorcycle and Cycle Trader and a company director of John Bull Rubber. In 1951, Laker moved the registration to a new Austin A90 Atlantic, which became the 37th car to carry A 1.

Pettyt’s will stated that Laker could use the plate for life, but after his death, it was to be sold and the proceeds donated to a dogs' charity. In 1959, Laker sold the plate for £2,500 and gave the money to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, while retaining lifetime usage rights. Upon his death in 1970, full ownership of the plate transferred to Dunlop Rubber Company.

Promotional and Corporate Use

Dunlop placed the plate on a Daimler limousine used to transport VIPs. It was later used on various company cars including a Mini and an Austin Princess, and featured in marketing for Dunlop’s Denovo “fail-safe” wheels. The plate became part of the company’s public image.

In 1985, after Dunlop was acquired by BTR plc, the plate was moved to a Ford Granada at the company’s Birmingham headquarters. During the 1990s, the plate was sold by Insignia Registrations and purchased by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, along with 1 A. Both plates were assigned to matching white Bentley Azures.

A 1 in the Modern Era

On 17 May 2007, the plate was assigned to a black 2007 Mini Cooper S Auto, just three days after the car was registered. Most recently, on 1 April 2025, the A 1 plate was assigned to a white 2014 Audi A1, making for a fitting combination of name and vehicle.