This rare heritage plate could sell for $400,000

A three-number Victorian heritage number plate is expected to sell for between $300,000 and $400,000 at auction – enough to buy a brand new Porsche 911.

According to the auctioneers responsible for selling it, the “994” plate is “particularly desirable due to the presence of two consecutive identical numbers”.

Heritage plates were the first licence plates issued in each state around Australia, before plate formats were standardised nationwide in the 1950s.

“The heritage plate market is witnessing a significant surge, with a multitude of plates being presented at auctions and many surpassing the price of luxury vehicles,” said Lloyd’s Auctions COO, Lee Hames.

“This trend seems to align with the nostalgia-driven appreciation seen in the classic car market over recent years.”

The most valuable Victorian plate is “1” is currently held by an ex-CEO of supermarket chain Coles and beer brand Fosters, who has reportedly turned down offers of up to $2.4 million for it.