Numberplate – Record-Breaking VIP Registration Fetches Rs 2.08 Crore at Delhi Auction
Numberplate – A vehicle registration number has entered India’s record books after the VIP plate DDC 0001 was sold for Rs 2.08 crore at a high-profile auction in Delhi. The sale marks the highest amount ever paid for a car number plate in the country, highlighting the growing appeal of rare identifiers as luxury collectibles.
The auction took place on January 30 during the launch of Auction House by Big Boy Toyz, a new platform focused on premium and collectible assets. The winning bid was placed by Kiran Kolipakula from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, underlining increasing participation from buyers outside major metropolitan areas.
A New Milestone for Registration Number Auctions
Until now, no vehicle registration number in India had crossed the Rs 2 crore mark. The DDC 0001 sale has reset expectations in this niche segment, which blends personal status with perceived long-term value. Industry observers see the transaction as a sign that interest in unconventional luxury assets is widening.
The plate was previously registered to a Maruti Suzuki Ignis owned by Jatin Ahuja, founder and managing director of Big Boy Toyz. Despite his association with high-end supercars, Ahuja’s choice of a modest personal vehicle added a distinctive narrative to the plate’s journey from daily use to auction centerpiece.
Auction House by Big Boy Toyz Enters the Market
The sale coincided with the formal launch of Auction House by Big Boy Toyz, which has been positioned as a curated space for premium collectibles. The platform brings together a range of high-value items, including luxury cars, celebrity-owned vehicles, exclusive number plates, watches, and sought-after mobile numbers.
According to Ahuja, the company’s long-standing presence in the luxury automobile sector provides a strong foundation for this new venture. Big Boy Toyz was established in 2009 in Gurgaon and has since built a nationwide footprint in the luxury pre-owned car market, operating in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
Demand Expands Beyond Metro Cities
One of the most notable aspects of the DDC 0001 sale was the buyer’s location. Kolipakula’s successful bid from Guntur reflects a shift in buyer demographics, with affluent individuals from smaller cities increasingly participating in high-value auctions. This trend suggests that interest in luxury assets is no longer limited to traditional urban centers.
Experts note that improved digital access and growing wealth in non-metro regions have contributed to this broader participation. As a result, auction platforms are seeing a more diverse pool of bidders competing for rare and exclusive items.
Previous Records and a Clear Benchmark
The DDC 0001 transaction has also put earlier number plate sales into perspective. Last year, the registration number HR 88 B 8888 drew widespread attention after it was bid at Rs 1.17 crore. However, that deal was later canceled when the bidder failed to complete the payment, and the plate was eventually resold for Rs 26.7 lakh.
In contrast, the completed sale of DDC 0001 at Rs 2.08 crore stands as a confirmed and undisputed benchmark. It signals stronger buyer commitment and growing confidence in this emerging asset class.
A Wide Range of Premium Listings
Beyond number plates, the auction platform features an array of luxury and collectible items. Listings include high-end vehicles previously owned by well-known public figures, rare watches such as a Rolex Daytona with a Tiffany dial, and premium mobile numbers with repeating digits. Other offerings include exclusive registration plates and luxury timepieces crafted from precious metals.
The company has also indicated plans to expand its catalogue in the future. Upcoming categories are expected to include designer handbags, art, collectible memorabilia, and select real estate opportunities, broadening the scope of assets available to collectors and investors alike.
Signals of a Changing Luxury Landscape
The record-setting sale of DDC 0001 reflects a broader shift in how luxury and exclusivity are perceived in India. Items once considered purely functional are now being reimagined as symbols of identity and investment. As auction platforms continue to evolve, industry watchers expect more unconventional assets to command attention and premium prices.