A rare and exclusive piece of South Australian automotive history is set to go to auction later this month, promising significant interest from collectors and history enthusiasts. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, announced that the highly coveted numeric plate ‘8’, a relic from 1906 and the first single-digit numeric plate issued by the State Government since 1985, will be auctioned online.
Following the substantial $10 million fetched by New South Wales number 1 in January, expectations are high for the ‘8’ plate. The number is revered in Chinese culture as the luckiest number, symbolising strength, prosperity, and victory, and is sought after in numismatology for its symmetry and appeal.
The auction will include a series of additional genuine numeric number plates, ranging from ‘55’, ‘873’, ‘5566’, ‘46000’, to ‘111444’. These plates also come with ‘Class Specific Rights’, allowing the owner long-term entitlement to the plate. It permits the transferral to vehicles registered under the same name and sales to third parties.
This aspect turns numeric plates into potential investment opportunities, as they can be sold to collectors or used for personalised vehicle registration. However, these plates can only be affixed to vehicles registered within South Australia.
The auction, facilitated by the third-party auctioneer Slattery Auctions and Valuations, will open for bids on 28 August and close on 16 September at 7pm. With the revenue directed back to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, the auction will contribute to funding services for South Australians.
Koutsantonis highlighted the significance of this auction by referring to the local record set in 2020, where a bespoke plate commemorating the Adelaide Grand Prix fetched $593,000. “We know the number eight is considered lucky and with any luck a South Australian will snap it up later this month so that ownership of this exclusive and incredibly rare piece of local history will stay at home,” he stated.
Potential buyers are urged to exercise caution, particularly when purchasing Custom Plates through private sellers or third-party auction sites, as the government has flagged concerns over incorrect classifications of historical significance. It was noted that agreements related to Custom Plates do not grant the holder any long-term rights to specific numbers. These agreements could be revoked at any time at the discretion of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
Interested parties are advised to conduct thorough due diligence prior to bid placements and to understand fully the nature of the plate rights and the conditions of their purchase.
With registration for the government auction now open, it marks a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of South Australian heritage that doubles as a significant numerological symbol.
The online auction will be run by third-party auctioneer Slattery Auctions and Valuations. Visit South Australian Exclusive Numeric Plate Auction – Slattery Auctions to register.
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