NSW Number Plate Sets New Auction Record

NSW Number Plate Sets New Auction Record
Want a great rate on your next car?
Enquire now
Matt Brand pointing to the buy menuJacob Brooke pointing to the buy menu

NSW number plate ‘12’ has sold at auction for $2.5 million, setting a record for the most amount paid for a two-digit plate from New South Wales.

The low combination sold earlier this month at an auction held by Lawsons, and doesn’t include the additional buyer’s premium added to the hammer price.

According to the auctioneers, ‘12’ is the lowest numerical two-digit NSW number plate to be offered to the public in more than 60 years.

NSW ‘12’ first issued to the NSW Fire Brigade in 1910, along with ‘11’ – with ‘10’ reserved for the Fire Commissioner’s personal vehicle, which remains the case to this day.

The sale fell short of the national record, which was set by Victorian plate ‘20’ in mid-2024 – changing hands for $2.54 million, before premiums.

In September 2024, NSW ‘70’ sold for $1.54 million, while Victorian plate ‘14’ sold in May 2022 for $2.27 million.

With Vic ‘26’ selling for a record $1.1 million in 2020, the value of low two-digit plates has increased by approximately 130 per cent in less than five years.

At the same auction in January 2024, Queensland ‘Q1’ sold for $5.66 million, while NSW ‘1’ sold for $11.5 million – an Australian record.

Are you interested in a
new car
and looking for the best price?

FAQ

keyboard_arrow_down

keyboard_arrow_down

keyboard_arrow_down

keyboard_arrow_down

keyboard_arrow_down

keyboard_arrow_down

Find your perfect car with ease – click for a free, seamless journey with CarSauce and Motor Scout!
Ben Zachariah
Ben Zachariah is a seasoned writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and has written for Drive.com.au, Wheels, MOTOR, 4X4 Australia, Street Machine and CarSales.com.au. He has also freelanced for watch enthusiast website Time+Tide and US defence website Task & Purpose. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
Read more

Other

News

No items found.

Other car news

Yet another Tesla Model Y beater launched in China

Yet another Tesla Model Y beater launched in China

The Xpeng G7 electric SUV received 10,000 in its first nine minutes on sale.
Jack MacKenzie
Jul 4, 2025 5:43 PM
This small SUV is getting EV Power

This small SUV is getting EV Power

With an electrified Dacia Duster all but confirmed, a Renault Duster EV could be on the way!
Jack MacKenzie
Jul 4, 2025 3:43 PM
FCAI Boss Says Lack of Demand For Hybrids and Electric Cars May Hurt New Emissions Regulations

FCAI Boss Says Lack of Demand For Hybrids and Electric Cars May Hurt New Emissions Regulations

Tony Weber, the Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, has voiced his doubts on the new NVES regulations.
Jack MacKenzie
Jul 4, 2025 10:44 AM

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to know when we drop new car reviews.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Thank you! Welcome to the Car Sauce community!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
© 2024 Car Sauce. All right reserved.
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Terms and Conditions