Licence to Thrill: Goldfinger’s Number Plate for Sale

Other than Blofeld, and possibly Scaramanga, there cannot be a more iconic James Bond villain than Goldfinger. It still remains one of my favourite Bond films and I try to watch it at least once a year. Now there is a chance to own a slice of Bond history as leading number plate dealer Primo Registrations has announced the sale of the ‘AU 1’ number plate used on Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce.

Number plates are now big business with enthusiasts and investors recognising their value and investing large amounts of money in them as valuable assets. For a typical two-letter, number one licence plate you would typically look to pay between £100,000 and £500,000. At £300,000, the ‘AU 1’ registration (AU the chemical symbol for gold) for sale here certainly isn’t cheap. In fact, for the same money, you could be looking to buy two or three of the best supercars on the market. But for fans of James Bond and film history, this one number plate cannot be replicated and its exclusiveness is where its value lies.

Peter Johnson, managing director of Primo Registrations, showed his excitement about the ‘AU 1’ registration, stating: "As iconic number plates go, this one has to be right up there with one of the best, not least of all because of the plate’s association with the famed car used by Goldfinger and Oddjob to smuggle gold out of the country! It’s also nothing new that short number plates are fast becoming increasingly popular, not only because of their aesthetically pleasing stature on any vehicle but because of their investment potential, too. The last time ‘AU 1’ sold, it realised a huge return on investment for its then-owner, and we anticipate the trend will only continue, especially with shorter plates. We can’t wait to see where this one will go in the future – maybe it’ll go onto another Rolls-Royce!”

There are no age restrictions associated with the number plate meaning it can go on a car of any age. The price also includes VAT and the transfer fee.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Primo Registrations