The F 1 number plate is one of the most famous and historically important vehicle registrations ever issued in the United Kingdom. With roots dating back to the very start of vehicle registration, and a long history of cancellations, reissues, and high-profile ownership, F 1 is widely regarded as one of the most desirable number plates in existence.
Early History and Original Issue (1904–1920)
F 1 was originally issued by Essex County Council on 1 January 1904, placing it among the earliest registrations allocated under the Motor Car Act 1903. It was issued to Percy Sheldon, the County Surveyor of Essex, who lived in Springfield, and was first displayed on a blue Panhard-Levassor.
F 1 was cancelled in October 1906, reissued to Percy Sheldon in May 1910, and then cancelled again in December 1917.
In January 1919, the plate was reissued to Samuel Withers of Shrewsbury, but this allocation lasted only 14 months, with F 1 being cancelled once more in May 1920.
Reissue to a Council Vehicle (1955)
After several decades off the road, F 1 was reissued again in June 1955, this time being placed on a council-owned vehicle.
Sale by Essex County Council (2008)
In January 2008, Essex County Council made the decision to sell F 1 at auction. The sale was handled by Bonhams, where the winning bidder was Afzal Kahn, founder of Kahn Design and Project Kahn.
- Hammer price: £375,000
- Total including fees: £440,625
When F 1 was sold at auction in January 2008, it broke the record for the most expensive UK number plate ever sold at the time. The previous record had been held by M 1, which sold for £331,500 in July 2006, also at a Bonhams auction.
The council said that the proceeds from the sale were used to improve road safety.
Afzal Kahn and Modern Ownership
Following the purchase, F 1 became closely associated with Mr Kahn, who has displayed the plate on a number of Bugatti models over the years. He is also known to own two other 1x1s: 1 K and 4 K.
For many years, F 1 has been advertised for sale online at £15 million, with Mr Kahn stating publicly that he turned down an offer of £6 million.
Comparison With Record-Breaking Plates
While F 1 is among the most valuable and historically significant plates in the UK, the current UK price record is held by the similar 1x1 plate 1 F, which sold for £926,000 at auction in November 2025.
The number plate U 1 also sold in November 2025 for £750,000
Why F 1 Is So Valuable
- Single letter and single digit format
- First issued in 1904
- Strong association with early motoring history
- High-profile modern ownership
- Comparable plates achieving record prices