DB 1 and HC 1 Turn Heads at Goodwood Revival: £437,000 and £229,500 Results

Two historic UK registrations–DB 1 and HC 1—made headlines at the Bonhams sale during the Goodwood Revival on 13 September 2025 (Chichester, Goodwood). The pair underscored continued strength in blue-chip number plates, with DB 1 selling for £437,000 and HC 1 closing at £229,500.

Sale Highlights

DB 1 – £437,000 all-in (hammer £380,000 + 15% buyer's premium on the hammer)
HC 1 – £229,500 all-in (hammer £170,000 + VAT on the hammer + 15% buyer's premium on the hammer)
OA 1 – reached £120,000 on the hammer but did not sell (reserve £140,000)

For collectors tracking market moves, these results place both plates among the year's standout sales. Explore more notable prices on our Sales Explorer.

HC 1 – Fees and VAT Breakdown

HC 1's total of £229,500 came from a £170,000 hammer price with VAT applied to the hammer, plus a 15% buyer's premium (with VAT applied to the premium):

Hammer: £170,000
VAT on hammer: £34,000
Buyer's premium (15% of hammer): £25,500
Total paid: £229,500

Issued in the early 20th century and long admired for its brevity, HC 1's combination of early provenance and single-letter format ensured strong bidding. Full lot details: HC 1 at Bonhams.

DB 1 – The £437,000 Result

DB 1 achieved a £380,000 hammer with a 15% buyer's premium applied to the hammer–bringing the total to £437,000. The "DB" initials benefit from strong association with Aston Martin's DB series, giving the registration wide international appeal. Full lot details: DB 1 at Bonhams.

OA 1 – A Near Miss

OA 1 reached a £120,000 hammer but remained unsold against a £140,000 reserve. Originally issued to Birmingham City Council for the Lord Mayor's Rolls-Royce, the plate was purchased from the council by the Lord Mayor's family in the 1960s and remains with them today.

Why These Results Matter

Rarity & brevity: Ultra-short registrations remain highly sought after.
Cultural pull: DB 1 draws worldwide interest due to its Aston Martin and Bond associations.
Historic provenance: Early municipal and early-issue plates like DB 1 maintain exceptional collector appeal.
Market strength: Strong bidding confirms resilience at the upper end of the cherished plate market.