A CUSTOM number plate that was only expected to sell at auction for just a few hundred pounds ended up going for an eye-watering sum.
The ordinary-looking plate fetched the hefty price after it caught an attendee’s eye for a very specific reason.
At the DVLA auction, the FER 12C registered number plate started out at £300.
But when the hammer fell, it would go for a staggering £35,000.
It turned out that specific registration was wanted for a rare Ferrari 12Cillindri Spider.
This £336,000 supercar came out last year to mark a 70 year anniversary.
A spokesman said: “FER 12C started at just £300 but ended with a final hammer price of £35,000.
“It’s thought it was most likely purchased to use on a Ferrari 12Cillindri Spider.”
The car is a two-seater front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer.
It was revealed at Miami Beach to mark 70 years of Ferrari on the American market.
The stunning supercar was also given the Compasso d’Oro industrial design award this year.
Other big buys at the DVLA auction included 296 VS – which soared from £2,200 to a staggering £25,010.
Another was 121 O, which began at £2,500 and went for £23,360.
The plate 2 GUD also saw a big jump from £1,200 to £17,830.
Plate dealer Carl Hanley said: “The results from this auction prove that what once felt like a luxury item is now a smart and increasingly popular way for motorists to stand out.
“What’s exciting is the creativity.
“It’s not just about having your name on a plate anymore – it’s about personality, exclusivity, and even legacy.”
Top 10 DVLA auction bestsellers
1. FER 12C
Starting bid: £300
Hammer price: £35,000
2. 296 VS
Starting bid: £2,200
Hammer price: £25,010
3. 121 O
Starting bid: £2,500
Hammer price: £23,360
4. 74 OO
Starting bid: £2,200
Hammer price: £23,010
5. 77 LAW
Starting bid: £1,200
Hammer price: £21,510
6. 11 PKS
Starting bid: £1,200
Hammer price: £20,100
7. 154 ACS
Starting bid: £800
Hammer price: £19,540
8. 1 VLW
Starting bid: £2,400
Hammer price: £21,010
9. 810 W
Starting bid: £2,500
Hammer price: £21,010
10. 2 GUD
Starting bid: £1,200
Hammer price: £19,030