Five Film Stars with Personalised Plates – Past and Present

Rather than being a new phenomenon, personalised number plates have long been an essential accessory for the motor vehicle of any self-respecting film star. Take a look at these top 5 film stars chosen by Plate Hunter:

Mary Pickford (USA 93)

Mary Pickford, one of the USA’s most prominent actresses of the 1920s, she took pleasure in displaying her love of the Stars and Stripes with the plate ‘USA 93’. After her acting career, Pickford was noted for her film production with United Artists, a company she co-owned with Charlie Chaplin. Pickford was one of the leading lights in an era when films were predominantly silent, and as a traditionalist she was initially opposed to films with sound.

Hugh Grant (V1 APE)

Maybe British romcom king Hugh Grant was appealing to his primeval side when he purchased the curious plate ‘V1 APE’ – it is certainly an eye catcher. The well-spoken heartthrob has a well-documented affection for putting his pedal to the metal, having been spotted in a Ferrari California and an Audi R8. He was also a guest on the popular TV show; Top Gear. He admitted in 2012: “I have a new obsession with cars. I go on motor racing trips. I get taught how to drive and now go to bed and read my iPad all about how crankshafts work or disc brakes. It’s weird. I don’t know where it’s come from.”

George Formby (GF 1)

George Formby was such a popular figure in war time Britain that he was sent around Europe by the Armed Forces to entertain thousands of troops. He was also the proud owner of a gleaming Rolls Royce, which he purchased with the enviable plate ‘GF 1’. Formby also owned ‘GF 2’ and was reported to have bought as many as 26 Rolls Royces and Bentleys with the help of his £100,000 a year earnings from show business. He enjoyed splashing cash on yachts, houses and race horses.

Vinnie Jones (100 VJ)

Fast forwarding to post-millennium Hollywood, footballer turned big screen hard man Vinnie Jones enjoys driving the LA streets with the head-turning plate ‘100 VJ’. Jones’ breakthrough movie moment came with Guy Ritchie’s box office smash Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, in which he plays a mob enforcer driving a 1974 Rover 3500 V8. He also increased his profile in a car-related hit – Gone in 60 Seconds. Jones enjoys competitive racing, testing his driving skills against other entertainment personalities in the Toyota/Pro Celebrity Race.

Max Bygraves (MB 1)

Perhaps there has never been a more affectionate owner of a personalised numberplate than Max Bygraves. The TV and film actor denied many attempts to buy his beloved ‘MB 1’ plate over the years, including a reported offer from Mercedes Benz. Bygraves – who is remembered for his star role in the 1956 hit Charly Moon, as well as the hosting of family fortunes on terrestrial television – eventually did part with the plate when he sold the Rolls Royce it was attached to.

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