CD1: The Sale of a Historic Number Plate and What It Says About Registration Plate Heritage
Few number plates in the UK carry the weight of history quite like CD1. For more than a century, this iconic registration symbolised civic authority, tradition, and continuity in Brighton. First issued in 1904, CD1 was the very first registration number allocated by the local authority and, for 110 years, it marked the arrival of the Mayor of Brighton—and later Hove—at official engagements.
But even heritage can end up with a price tag.
In a decision that sparked both debate and disappointment, Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed it has accepted an offer of £85,000 for the historic plate—just over half of its original £165,000 asking price. The buyer, described only as a local businessman, has chosen to remain anonymous.
The sale was first approved as part of the council’s 2012 budget, with the intention that proceeds would be redirected towards supporting community and voluntary groups across the city. According to council leader Jason Kitcat, the deal is now in its final stages.
“An offer has been accepted on the number plate CD1. The agreed price was £85,000 and we are currently in the process of completing the sale.”
After negotiating the agent’s commission down from 5% to 2.5%, the council will ultimately receive £82,875 from the transaction.
Not everyone, however, was convinced this was the right decision.
Conservative councillor Lynda Hyde criticised the move, arguing that Brighton’s heritage had been undervalued.
“While it is a significant amount of money, once the plate has gone, we will never get it back.”
The debate highlights a wider tension that often surrounds historic registration numbers: are they cultural artefacts to be preserved, or assets that can be responsibly monetised? To some, CD1 was “just a piece of plastic”. To others, it was a rolling piece of British motoring history.
What is beyond doubt is that prefix registrations like CD plates remain highly desirable. Their rarity, simplicity, and status make them attractive to collectors and investors alike—especially when tied to official or diplomatic use.
If stories like CD1 have sparked your curiosity, you can explore currently available CD number plates using Primo Reg’s dedicated search tool here:
Search available CD number plates
Historic plates may change hands, but their legacy lives on—sometimes on a mayoral car, sometimes in a private collection, and sometimes as a reminder that once sold, history doesn’t come with a buy-back clause.
(Story courtesy of The Angus)
