Skip to content
Monday 17 August 2026London --:--Frankfurt --:--Zurich --:--
NewslettersSearchEN · DE
MorningWire

European business, markets and politics

FTSE 100
10,750.11
-0.21%
DAX
26,440.31
0.00%
CAC 40
8,636.80
0.00%
STOXX 50
6,539.59
0.00%
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Opinion
More
GermanyFranceBankingAIEnergyFintechPropertyCapital Markets
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • DE
Tuesday 01 November 2016 10:24 am

This “simple man” just spent £7m on a car number plate

By: Emma Haslett

Add as a preferred source on Google

What do you buy the man who has everything? One Dubai zillionaire just solved that problem, by spending a cool £7.3m on a number plate.

Property developer Balwinder Sahni bid 33 million dirhams at a government auction for a number plate bearing the number five, according to CNN Money.

It's not the first time Sahni has splashed out on a single-digit number plate – he is also the pound owner of the number nine, on which he spent 24.5 million dirhams (£5.4m). 

Read more: Now anyone can drive a supercar around Silverstone

But Sahni, who told CNN he is "a simple man", said it was his way of giving to charity. 

"I believe in giving back," he said. "This city has given me a lot."

The number five plate will adorn Sahni's white Rolls-Royce – the number nine plate is already afixed to his black Roller. 

In the UK, number plates are rather cheaper. The most ever spent on a UK-registered licence plate was £518,000 spent by Ferrari dealer John Collins on "25 O". 

That's followed by £440,000 spent by Bradford businessman Afzal Khan on "F 1" in 2008, and the £404,000 spent by an anonymous bidder on "S 1", thought to be Scotland's first ever number plate.

Meanwhile, Roman Abramovich spent £285,000 on "VIP 1" in 2006. 

Now read: McLaren 570GT review – McLaren's most practical supercar yet

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Similarly tagged content:

Categories

  • Life&Style

Related Topics

  • Cars

Trending Articles

  • Is the Zeekr 9X Super Hybrid the new luxury SUV to beat?

  • Grandparents fund university degrees to avoid inheritance tax net

  • Aldi boss wades into supermarket ‘price-gouging’ row

  • Brompton Bicycle sues former adviser for ‘professional negligence’

  • Revolut chatbot goes rogue by charging users to cancel subscription

More from Morning Wire

  • Will Ibai take home a Toast the City Award?

    Toast the City
    CITY AM Toast the City Awards 2026 logo superimposed over an upscale bar and restaurant interior.
  • Billionaire Easyjet founder in line for £800m payday from takeover

    Markets
    Easygroup boss Stelios hits out after trademark defeat in London
  • Bonheur by Matt Abé review: This Michelin magnet left me hungry

    Life&Style
    Elegant restaurant interior with round tables, plush burgundy booths, and textured floral wall art
  • The Debate: Should Britain set up a No 10 North?

    Opinion
    Andy Burnham supporters rallying with banners and signs at a political event, showcasing enthusiasm and solidarity
  • On This Day : Reagan declares: “We begin bombing in five minutes”

    Opinion
    Ronald Reagan speaking at a podium with microphones, holding a paper, family photos visible in the background
  • Roasting heat putting Brits off roasts, warns Toby Carvery owner

    Hospitality
    Close-up of a plated roast dinner with meat, roasted potatoes, peas, carrots, and gravy on a white plate
  • On this day: ‘We begin bombing in five minutes’ – Reagan’s accidental broadcast

    Opinion
    Ronald Reagan at a podium in Washington in 1982, pointing to his right while speaking.
  • Clyde and Honour look keys to crack Hackwood

    Sport
    Symbol of Honour representing integrity and excellence in business, featuring prominent award trophy against a sleek backdrop
MorningWire

Independent European business, markets and political news for decision-makers.

Morning Briefing

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • UK & Ireland

Business

  • Markets
  • Banking
  • Technology
  • Energy
  • Property
  • Fintech

Editorial

  • Opinion
  • Editorial Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Company

  • About Morning Wire
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
© 2026 Morning Wire Ltd · Published by Morning Wire Media, Bahnhofstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Privacy · Terms · Cookies · Facebook