For most people, a personalized number plate is just a flashy way to add personality to their car. But for businessman and Formula 1 superfan Afzal Khan, it’s an investment worth tens of millions of pounds—and he refuses to cash in.
Khan owns the UK’s most expensive number plate, ‘F1’, which he purchased in 2008 for £440,625 from Essex County Council. At the time, it was assigned to a Volvo S80—but Khan had much grander plans.
He quickly transferred it onto a Mercedes SLR McLaren, then later a Bugatti Veyron, making it one of the most iconic and sought-after registration plates in the world.
And while its value has skyrocketed over the years, Khan has turned down offers of up to £10 million—insisting that F1 is simply not for sale.
From £440K to £10 Million – The Rise of the ‘F1’ Plate
Since Khan acquired the F1 plate, its value has ballooned beyond belief.
🚗 2008 – Purchased for £440,625, making it the most expensive UK plate ever (a record still standing).
💰 2013 – Khan rejects a £6 million offer, already a 13x return on his initial investment.
💰 2018 – He turns down a £10 million offer, a 21x profit had he chosen to sell.
Yet, despite the astronomical bids, Khan remains firm:
“We have received a significant multi-million-pound offer for the F1 plate, which we rejected out of hand.”
“Mr Khan has no interest in selling F1, which is his favourite plate.”
For Khan, this isn’t just a luxury asset—it’s a priceless statement of prestige.
The Obsession With ‘F1’ – Why It’s Worth So Much
What makes this number plate so special?
1️⃣ Formula 1 Branding – The ultimate status symbol for motorsport fans and car collectors.
2️⃣ Rare & Exclusive – Unlike cars or property, one-of-a-kind plates don’t depreciate—they only go up in value.
3️⃣ Number 1 Plates Are King – Across the world, single-digit plates fetch record prices.
According to Angela Banhsaid of Regtransfers.co.uk:
“Number one registrations are always highly sought after, but F1 is a special case.”
“It has obvious appeal to anyone in Formula One, but also anyone who wants to make an impression behind the wheel.”
Simply put—if you own ‘F1’, you’re making a statement.
Khan’s Multi-Million Pound Collection – More Than Just ‘F1’
Khan isn’t just holding onto F1—he’s built an empire of elite number plates, all of which have serious value.
“I have more than sixty unique registration numbers,” he revealed.
Some of his prized plates include:
🔹 ‘4 AK’ – A play on his name, Afzal Khan.
🔹 ‘1 NVV’ & ‘NO 4’ – More ultra-rare collector’s plates.
🔹 ‘4HRH’ – Purchased for the Royal Wedding, later received a £1 million offer after displaying it on a Mercedes 4×4.
Clearly, Khan knows how to spot an investment opportunity.
Will Khan Ever Sell ‘F1’?
At this point, it seems unlikely.
Khan understands that cherished number plates don’t lose value—they only appreciate over time.
“It really shouldn’t be a shock to people that the number plate is worth millions of pounds.”
With F1’s global popularity only growing, the plate could soon be worth even more.
But for Khan, it’s not about cashing in—it’s about owning the ultimate motorsport status symbol.
For now, the £10 million number plate stays right where it is.
