Staggering price of ‘rare’ South Australian number plate

A “rare” Australian number plate which first hit the streets more than a century ago is expected to sell for an eye-watering amount.

The No. 8 number plate has hit the auction in SA. Picture: Slattery Auctions

An “exclusive” South Australian number plate first issued in the early-1900s is expected to sell at auction for more than $1 million.

The No. 8 plate was first issued to Arthur Earnest Ayers, son of businessman and politician Sir Henry Ayers, in 1906.

More than a century later, the plate is being auctioned off on behalf of the South Australian government.

With just over a day left on the sale at Slattery Auctions, the sought-after number plate has already wracked up an eye-watering bid of $1.3 million.

The No. 8 number plate has hit the auction in SA. Picture: Slattery Auctions

More than 60 people have bid on the number plate since the auction opened to the public late last month, with a further 1630 viewers.

Historic Plates auctioneer, Stewart Kay, said the last time a single digit plate was issued by the state government was in 1985.

“It’s very rare and special,” Mr Key told 7News.

“Number plates are a very historic connection back to 120 years ago when they were first issued.

Historic Plates auctioneer, Stewart Kay. Picture: 7NEWS

“They’re sort of triple threat, they look fantastic on a car, they have a great return in terms of investment, and they have a certain level of prestige to them.”

Mr Kay said interest in number plates had boomed in the early-00s and has outperformed the sale of vintage watches, cars, and stocks.

A historic No. 1 number plate hit the auction block earlier this year in NSW, with bids soaring over $10 million in the first 72 hours.

Among Slattery Auctions other plates are No. 55, which has a current bid of $226,000, and No. 873 which has a bid of $150,100.

Originally published as Staggering price of ‘rare’ South Australian number plate