tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603261585489560331.post-72657213503210531992008-04-11T08:42:00.004+01:002008-04-11T10:44:09.277+01:00<img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.numberplates.com/images/articles/a1.jpg" border="0" /> <div>Many of you will be familiar with at least part of the history of <strong>A&nbsp;1</strong>, probably the "holy Grail" of UK private number plates. The story goes that this London number was issued in 1903 to Earl Russell, who displayed it on a Napier motor car. Several books and internet pages have documented various versions of the registration's subsequent history, chronicling its movements between a series of private and corporate owners, and ending with its reported sale to a member of a foreign royal family in 2005. The widely circulated tale tells that <strong>A&nbsp;1</strong> was assigned to a white Bentley for the use of its royal owner, however current data indicates that <strong>A 1</strong> now resides upon a Black Mini Cooper. </div><br /><div></div><div>Over the past few years, Regtransfers has been approached by many journalists and members of the public requesting firm confirmation of the status of <strong>A&nbsp;1</strong>. Some of these people have been interested in the possibility of the mark ever coming onto the market again, while the media have often wanted to include <strong>A&nbsp;1</strong> in various articles about car registrations. </div><div></div><br /><div>The recent low profile of <strong>A&nbsp;1</strong> has contributed to a certain sense of mystery regarding its current situation. Enterprising plate-watchers who have kept tabs on the number have been surprised by its apparent transfer to a Mini: a nice enough car, but perhaps not what one would expect to find kitted out with the UK's ultimate distinguished registration.</div><div></div><br /><div>Clearly, many people would dearly love to know for sure where <strong>A&nbsp;1</strong> is, who now owns it, if it will ever be sold again, why it is assigned to a Mini and whether or not the bearer vehicle is in daily use so they might have a chance of spotting this superstar plate. Regtransfers is trying to find a way to contact the current owner, or their representative with a view to asking if we may have a little information which we can share with the UK's personal number plates enthusiasts. </div><div></div><br /><div>Any contact would, of course, be conducted with total respect for the privacy of the owner. That said, we really would be delighted if we could get just a little more information to bring the history of<strong> A&nbsp;1</strong> firmly and accurately up to date.</div><div><br />Regtransfers is offering a cash bounty to anyone who provides information leading to successful, confirmed contact with the current owner. Again, we emphasise that the owner’s privacy will be fully respected.<br /><br />Anyone with information is invited to contact Regtransfers.co.uk at <a href="mailto:a1@regtransfers.co.uk">a1@regtransfers.co.uk</a>, or to call 01582 470089.</div>Regtransfershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03614403456845931176noreply@blogger.com