First look: rare NSW number plates up for grabs

With bidding just days away, some of the sought-after plates are already attracting bids of more than $160,000.

Dozens of rare NSW number plates are about to be sold at auction, with some bids currently reaching more than $160,000.

The collection of 30 never-before-released black plates, which are being handled by Lawsons, have already attracted hundreds of eager bidders.

“The plates are based on a European design, with a distinct New South Wales identity - including our state flower, the waratah, and the letter N for NSW” said Barry Newling from Transport for NSW.

Martin Farrah from Lawsons added: “the last time we auctioned the Euro Numeral category plates was in 2006… with the “N 2” plate fetching $70,000.”

Never before released NSW Number plates are to go under the hammer. with current bidding on some being well over 100,000 dollars. Picture: Supplied

With the auction to be held on Wednesday, a whopping bid of $162,000 has been placed on the “N 11” plate, while the “N 18” plate has 78 bids, the highest being $124,000.

The cheapest plate in the collection of 30 reads “N 1971”, with a current bid of just $15,000. All money raised from the auction will apparently be “reinvested” into Transport for NSW initiatives.

History buffs and motoring enthusiasts have had no issue paying outrageous sums for number plates.

There is a bid of $162,000 for N-11. Picture: Supplied

Earlier this year, the “NSW 1” plate sold for the cost of a Sydney mansion, more than $11 million.

“NSW 966” sold earlier this year for than $427,000.

And the plate “NSW 1114”, once attached to a 1930s Chevrolet owned by the late cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman, sold in April for $232,000.

Bids can be placed on via lawsons.com.au