Canberra number plate '35' sells for record $203,628 after 99 years in family
Historic Canberra number plate '35' sold for a record $203,628 after 99 years in one family since 1927.
The two-digit plate '35' sold Wednesday through CARBIDS, setting a new record for ACT number plates. The buyer will pay $214,318.47 including the 5.25 per cent premium.
The previous record was $181,000, set by plate '54' in November 2025. Bernard Vant received the plate as his driver's licence number on July 1, 1927 when the Federal Capital Commission issued it.
It passed through his family for 99 years, from his son Cliord, to Cliord's wife, then to his grandson Warren. Over the decades it appeared on a Morris, several Holdens, a Mitsubishi Magna and most recently Warren's Nissan X-Trail.
Warren decided to sell after his mother's death, and this was the first time the registration had been publicly offered since its original issue nearly a century ago.
- July 1, 1927
- Original issue date
- $203,628
- Hammer price
- $214,318.47
- Total with premium
- Plate 54, $181,000 in November 2025
- Previous record plate
Why it mattersRare early registration plates are collector items and investments, with lower numbers commanding higher prices because fewer were issued.
AustraliaThis is a Canberra record and reflects the strong local market for historic ACT number plates, attracting buyers seeking both collectability and sentimental value.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
