Sale of historic U1 number plate agreed

The agreed price was the highest of two submitted to specialist dealers engaged by the council and, subject to completion, it is believed it will be one of the top sums ever received for a private number plate in the UK. The identity of the buyer cannot be disclosed by the council as part of the conditions of the sale.

The U1 plate will be replaced on the Lord Mayor’s civic vehicle by L6EDS, a plate also owned by the council, but which is substantially less valuable.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, said: "This sale will generate crucial funds to help deliver important services against the backdrop of a uniquely challenging financial situation.

“Protecting those services has to be our priority and we are pleased this process has given us the opportunity to raise such a significant sum.  I am also pleased that the Lord Mayor's car will still be recognisable through the unique number plate L6EDS as they carry out their duties across the city and beyond."

The Motor Car Act of 1903 required all cars to have number plates, with the U1 plate being the very first issued in Leeds.

Local resident Rowland Winn, a founding member of the Automobile Association and one of the city’s first car dealers, purchased the U1 plate.

When his friend Arthur Currer Briggs was elected Lord Mayor of Leeds that year, Mr Winn gifted the U1 plate to him to use on his civic vehicle, and it has been used by Lord Mayors of Leeds ever since.

Mr Winn was himself later elected Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1938-39. He retired from public life in the 1950s and was awarded the Freedom of the City in 1956, in recognition of his contribution to the city’s life and prosperity.  

ENDS