Number plates have evolved into distinctive canvases that represent personal hobbies, funny statements, and even status symbols. They are no longer limited to simple letter and digit combinations for identifying reasons. These number plates can be sold or auctioned for a large sum of money.
Take for instance, Azhar Sulaiman, a local actor, who intends to auction his vehicle’s registration plate, MAF14, with bidding commencing at a minimum price of RM1.85 million. The actor uploaded the announcement through their Instagram social media account.
“The only MAFIA title to be released. Bidding starts at RM1.85 million. If you’re a true mafia, make a bid if you dare,” he stated. Behar, the amiable alias of Azhar Sulaiman, also provided a portion of the Vehicle Motor Licence (LKM) as proof that he was the rightful owner of the MAF14 registration number.
So if you have RM1.85 million laying around, and you feel like a Godfather, you may contact the actor to purchase it.
Don’t you just find it entertaining going through the comment section and reading the creative minds of our netizens?
Recently, JPJ announced that the number plate ‘BRK’ will be up for bidding on their online auction platform. And as expected, the Malaysian netizens have come up with various impressions of what the number plate sounds like.
Each time Bugatti announces a new model, it is sold out almost immediately. And because only a very small number will be made, it is already a collector’s item. The Centodieci, for example, was so sought after by customers that all 10 units were booked even before being officially revealed.
With the Chiron Profilee, however, it is a different matter: Bugatti has announced it and shown it but is not taking any bookings for the single unit built. This will be a truly one-of-a-kind model which will be put on auction by RM Sotheby’s on February 1, 2023, with a percentage of the proceeds going to benefit charitable causes.
One of two ultra-rare original 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection has been auctioned for 135 million euros – that’s equivalent to RM626,822,715 at today’s exchange rate – to a private collector. It’s the highest price ever paid for any car and the money will be used to establish a ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’.
One of only two units
Only two units of the prototype sportscar were built and named after the chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Apart from its rarity, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is considered to be one of the finest examples of automotive engineering and design by automotive experts and enthusiasts worldwide.
The auction was held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum and managed by renowned auctioneer RM Sotheby’s. The sportscar auctioned was part of the non-public vehicle collection belonging to Mercedes-Benz Classic, which has more than 1,100 automobiles ranging from the invention of the automobile in 1886 until today.
“The private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart,“ said Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes Benz Heritage.
Global scholarship programme
“The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are milestones in sportscar development and key historical elements that have shaped our brand. The decision to sell one of these two unique sportscars was taken with very sound reasoning – to benefit a good cause. The proceeds from the auction will fund a global scholarship programme. With the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’, we would like to encourage a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative footsteps and develop amazing new technologies, particularly those that support the critical goal of decarbonisation and resource preservation,” said Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
“At the same time, achieving the highest price ever paid for a vehicle is extraordinary and humbling: A Mercedes-Benz is by far the most valuable car in the world,” he added.
The proceeds from the auction will serve as seed capital for the global initiative, and Mercedes-Benz is committed to investing additional resources in the coming years. The Mercedes Benz Fund will be divided into two sub-categories: University Scholarships in order to connect, educate and encourage students to realize/conduct research on environmental science projects, and School Scholarships focussing on pupils to realize local environmental projects in their communities.
The programme funds will be directed to individuals who otherwise do not have the financial means for their projects and career paths. The programme will go beyond financially supporting the young people and include extracurricular elements like Mercedes-Benz mentorships opening up new career prospects.
Rudolf Uhlenhaut and his Coupe
The special circumstances behind its creation, its unique design and its innovative technology have endowed the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe with a remarkable level of mystique that endures to this day. The design set benchmarks that put it among the world’s most significant automotive icons – not least on account of its distinctive gullwing doors. Added to this is the outstanding performance delivered by its thoroughbred racing technology.
Serving as the head of passenger car development at Mercedes-Benz which included the racing division, Uhlenhaut was also the father of the 300 SL and the W 196 R “Silver Arrows”. The Coupe exceeded the technical possibilities of its time and became the pinnacle in the life’s work of the genius engineer who persistently strove for the maximum.
A rare Subaru Prodrive 555 Group A Impreza GC8 47D is currently being auctioned in Australia by Lloyds Auctions. The car was used by Colin McRae as well as Carlos Sainz in the World Rally Championship (WRC) is unrestored and in untouched condition from when it was retired in 1996.
This rallycar, developed in 1993, is a significant model in WRC history and was the first car to use the famous L555REP numberplates, celebrating Repsol’s sponsorship with Carlos Sainz and Subaru. It won 3rd place in the 1994 Monte Carlo Rally with Sainz at the wheel.
The Subaru is authenticated original by ICAAARS and Possum Bourne Motor Sport (PBMS) and has been in storage with only 3 owners since it was raced. It still has the original Prodrive 2-litre turbocharged boxer engine and 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Subaru rallycar in action during the 1995 World Rally Championship.
“When we originally saw this car, it was a barn find with an estimated value of A$15,000 – $20,000 (about RM45,600 – RM61,000). Today it’s had a wash and a check of its history, and it may well be worth more than A$1 million (about RM3.041 million),” said Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer for Lloyds Auctions. The current bid for the car is A$255,000 (about RM775,600).
Barrett-Jackson, which bills itself as ‘The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions’, recently kicked off its ‘Road to 50’ – a year-long celebration toward the company’s 50th Anniversary. The event was its largest and most successful auction in its 49-year history with a record number of bidders vying for over 1,900 vehicles that sold for more than US$129.7 million (about RM528 million).
Over 1,200 pieces of automobilia brought in more than US$3.7 million (RM15 million) and US$7.625 million (RM31 million) was raised through the sale of nine charity vehicles, bringing the total amount sold on the Barrett-Jackson auction block to more than US$141 million (RM574 million).
Among the nine collections auctioned – the most ever offered by Barrett-Jackson – was the Paul Walker Collection with 18 cars and 3 motorcycles. This collection was one of the most anticipated and set several auction records. The most notable was the 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight model – not one but five – that he owned. Walker, who passed away in November 2013, was an avid fan of BMW and had a total of seven M3s in his collection (including the 5 Lightweights).
Barrett-Jackson collected a total of US$1.32 million (RM5.37 million) for the 5 cars which were auctioned at prices varying between US$220,000 (RM895,500) and US$385,000 (RM1.57 million). The highest price was paid for the unit which had 7,500 kms on the clock (the lowest mileage of all the cars).
The M3 Lightweight was a very rare variant and while BMW never said how many were produced, between 120 and 130 were believed to have been built. The ’Lightweight’ refers to the focus on reducing weight for improved performance. Power came from a BMW S50 3.0-litre inline-6 engine and its output of 240 bhp/305 Nm passed through a 5-speed manual gearbox before reaching the rear wheels.
Intended for customers who wanted to go racing, the M3 Lightweight was pretty bare as many regular items – radio, air-conditioner, sunroof… even the toolkit – were omitted to save weight. As it is, the M3 of that era was not exactly luxurious with Teutonic obsession for functionality and along with aluminium doors, it was about 90 kgs lighter than the standard E36 M3.
Other celebrity-owned cars that were auctioned included Simon Cowell’s 1977 Ford Bronco and 2009 Bentley Azure, Mariano Rivera’s 2020 Toyota Supra Launch Edition and John Elway’s 1992 Dodge Viper. Two VIN 001 vehicles were also sold, one of them being the first retail production unit of the first-ever mid-engine Corvette. Powered by a 6.2-litre LT2 V8 engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it brought US$3 million (RM12.211 million), all of which went to the Detroit Children’s Fund.
According to Craig Jackson, son of co-founder Russ Jackson, the auction experienced a surge in new buyers who are snatching up high-quality, drivable customs and Resto-Mods. “New buyers want cars that offer all the modern luxuries and technology with the classic body styles, which continues to drive the demand for Resto-Mods. As their passion, knowledge and experience with collector cars mature, their focus shifts to collecting professionally restored, matching-numbers cars, which is a trend that is keeping this hobby alive and strong.”
Bentley Motors has revealed the Flying Spur First Edition at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala, where it will be auctioned in support of the fund-raising charity at the inaugural Midsummer Party, Picozzi’s Villa Dorane on France’s Cap d’Antibes on July 24th.
The Flying Spur First Edition, limited to just 12 months of production, is rare, collectable and incredibly luxurious. A range of totally exclusive features includes a First Edition exterior badge and a First Edition Fascia badge – a Union Jack flag with the numeral 1 in the centre; a choice of First Edition Bentley Winged Emblems embroidered into the headrests; and First Edition treadplates – presenting the Union Jack flag with First Edition written through the centre.
The very best – with virtually limitless choices
The very best of design, technology and craftsmanship, the Flying Spur First Edition includes as standard some of the most luxurious interior and exterior features that are usually optional, and has been impressively thought through to take Bentley through the century. For the new owner of a Flying Spur, the choices are virtually limitless – from exterior paint colours to interior leather and trim combinations and personalised seat stitching.
The electronic Flying B mascot, undoubtedly one of the most iconic elements of the new model, has been exquisitely redesigned and is featured for the first time since 1959. The wings illuminate and the mascot deploys electronically when the owner approaches and unlocks the car.
One truly distinctive feature is the Bentley Rotating Display, which enables switching between technology and classic design, allowing you to choose either. A technologically progressive touchscreen display, controlling apps, media and vehicle systems; a clean and beautifully veneered fascia; or three classic analogue dials – one for temperature, one which is a compass, and one which is a journey timer (chronograph).
Mood lighting is configurable so the cabin can be personalised, with a choice of 7 different colours in two variations – vibrant or muted. These mean the driver or passengers can set the colour of the highlighted ring around the interior to suit their mood and separately adjust the ambient lighting as well as the light intensity. The mood lighting also follows the wing shapes found throughout the interior.
Finally, a panoramic sunroof, where the front panel tilts and slides rearwards over the top of the fixed panel to open, is another sumptuous element of the cabin which demonstrates Bentley’s craft and creativity, keeping the customer always in mind. Colour-matched Alcantara blinds can be deployed electrically when the sun is at its highest and keeping cool is a priority.
0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds
When required, the Flying Spur’s W12 engine can rocket the car from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds, it is claimed. An 8-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission maximises smooth acceleration and quick gearshifts, delivering improved fuel economy and efficiency. Additionally, Active All-Wheel Drive System and All Wheel steering ensures maximum sure-footedness and an engaging driving experience on demand.
The third generation of the Flying Spur was launched last month and orders will be accepted during the fourth quarter of this year. Deliveries will commence in 2020.
This year’s Classic Car Auctions in the UK has recorded a very good turn out. About 80% of the vehicles that rolled onto the auction block were sold, which roughly equates to £6.1 million (RM3.4 million) worth of cars. This result is a testament to the demand for classic cars and evidently CCA’s best year yet.
Though demand across the board was quite strong, the ones that garnered the most interest were the 1980s Porches. The most expensive, a 1989 911 Carrera Supersport (SSE) sold for £71,500 (RM391,162), which was more than £11,000 (RM60,179) over the estimate.
“What a fantastic way to end the year!” said Gary Dunne, Classic Car Auctions’ sales manager. “Demand for ‘everyman’ classics remains incredibly strong and we’re delighted to have achieved some great prices for our vendors.”
He later added, We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in one of our sales in 2017 and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”
Later on, a 1985 911 3.2 SSE Targa was sold for a similar figure at £68,750 (RM376,118). These were two of nine Porsches successfully sold during the auction. and besides Porsche, several Fast Fords caused some waves at the auction as well, with 10 of them successfully sold.
A concours condition 1987 Sierra RS Cosworth sold for £37,950 (RM207,617), a 1986 Escort RS Turbo Series I which fetched £10,120 (RM55,364) and a 1983 Escort RS1600i which sold for £9,900 (RM54,161). Then, a pristine 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTi convertible, formerly owned by Sir David Jason OBE, sold for £17,820 (RM97,490).
Considered rubbish during that era, 1980s cars are starting to gain popularity especially among those who were at the time, too young or broke, to afford such vehicles. Cars like the MkII Escort, MkII VW GTI and early generation Skylines are starting to go up in value. And it won’t be long until their prices begin to skyrocket as they become more rare and desirable than before.
At the recent Silverstone Auctions that was organised in association with Porsche Club GB, over £2.5 million (RM 14 million) changed hands in about 3 hours during the sale of several Porsche cars. The bidders comprised of enthusiast from all over the world including Denmark, Poland and Indonesia.
It was a successful day because 64% of all cars at the auction were sold, some for significantly more than their estimate prices suggested. Bids were placed from the auction floor, online and by phone for the converted 1992 Porsche 911 (964) RS Touring.
The car, one of only 6 in the UK, sold for £219,375 (RM1,221,719), which is about £34,375 (RM 191,437) more than the original estimate. But the most expensive Porsche sold during that day was a 1998 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo S, which went for a whopping £253,125 (RM 1,409,675).
Other notable mentions include a 1962 Porsche 356B ‘Super 90’ Cabriolet that fetched £163,125 (RM 908,457), 1968 Porsche 911 SWB for £92,250 (RM 513,748) and a 1988 Porsche 911 Supersport (SSE) 3.2 Carrera Targa, which sold for £103,500 (RM 576,400).
“It was a remarkably successful auction, helped enormously by the quality of the cars on offer and the tremendous support of Porsche Club GB,” says Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions. “I’m grateful to all our vendors and bidders, and very proud of my team for putting together such a fantastic catalog of stunning Porsches.”
Apart from this, many more Porsche cars were sold during the day and if you would like to know morea bout them, CLICK HERE.
We covered the history behind several of the priciest Porsche cars that were sold at auction and a few others that weren’t that special. The Silverstone Auctions is an annual event held in the UK that brings together avid enthusiasts and collectors to bid on some of the most expensive and coveted cars ever made.
Silverstone Auctions is collaborating with the world’s biggest car club, Porsche Club GB, for an event that will see 59 of the finest Porsche vehicles roll onto the auction floor, which is sure to garner quite a bit of attention.
These vehicles range from an entry-level 2003 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 2 Tiptronic, right up to a prestine 1998 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo S. That said, out of the 59 cars, 3 of them a little more special then the rest and should fetch a significant amount of money over the reserve price.
First off is the Turbo S, which is 1 of 26 built in right-hand drive, and is considered one of the most desirable and powerful version of the 993 generation. estimated at £245,000 – £285,000, (RM1,372,478 to RM1,596,556) it features one of the last of the air-cooled generation engines, the car boasts 450bhp , Ocean blue body colour with a grey leather and carbon-fibre clad interior.
The second car, is a 1985 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo SE that is owned by Glenn Tipton, lead guitarist of the legendary rock band, Judas Priest. He has owned the car since new and happens to be very fond of it. In fact, this was the very car that was the inspiration for the platinum-selling album ‘Turbo’, and the hit single ‘Turbo Lover’, both penned by Tipton.
Despite his fondness for it, Tipton has decided to sell his prized possession and probably move on to something else. The car has an estimated value of between £180,000 – £220,000 (RM1,008,351 to RM1,232,430) and should fetch a similar figure at auction.
Lastly, one of the rarest cars at Silverstone, is a 1992 Porsche 911 (964) RS Touring. It is one of six UK-supplied cars that are in right-hand drive and has a black body colour as well as a black interior. It is an extremely desirable vehicle that has been featured in several specialist magazines and road tests, estimated value is between £185,000 – £210,000 (RM1,036,361 to RM1,176,410).
Silverstone Auctions will take place on the 21st of October and will see 59 Porsche cars roll on and off the auction floor with substantial money changing hands as they are are sold to their new owners.
JPJ Introduces New ‘BRK’ plate, Netizens Have a Laugh!
Don’t you just find it entertaining going through the comment section and reading the creative minds of our netizens?
Recently, JPJ announced that the number plate ‘BRK’ will be up for bidding on their online auction platform. And as expected, the Malaysian netizens have come up with various impressions of what the number plate sounds like.
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