The VIP number plate 'DDC 0001' sold for Rs 2.08 crore in a recent auction, setting a record for car registration numbers in India. Previously fitted on the Maruti Suzuki Ignis owned by Jatin Ahuja, founder and managing director of Big Boy Toyz (BBT), the plate was auctioned during the launch of Auction House by Big Boy Toyz on January 30 in Delhi. Kiran Kolipakula from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, secured the bid, showing interest in such assets from non-metro regions.
Auction House by Big Boy Toyz serves as a dedicated space for luxury collectibles, including cars, celebrity vehicles, number plates, watches, and premium mobile numbers. Jatin Ahuja stated that BBT's established reputation in luxury vehicles supports this new venture. It is to be noted that Big Boy Toyz, started by Jatin Ahuja in 2009 in Gurgaon, deals in luxury pre-owned automobiles across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
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The 'DDC 0001' sale hints at a growing demand for rare assets that blend status and investment value. Ahuja's choice of the humble Maruti Suzuki Ignis for personal use, despite dealing in supercars worth crores, adds an intriguing backstory to the plate's journey from everyday drive to auction star.
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The auction has significantly surpassed previous records for number plate sales. The widely talked about sale of the plate 'HR 88 B 8888' for Rs 1.17 crore last year was ultimately canceled because the bidder did not make the payment. It was subsequently sold again for Rs 26.7 lakh, establishing the DDC 0001 sale at Rs 2.08 crore as a clear new benchmark.
The platform lists items like Dinesh Karthik's Range Rover Sport SVR, Shilpa Shetty's Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, Rohit Shetty's Mercedes-Benz CLA 200D, Rolex Daytona with Tiffany dial, mobile numbers 999999999X and 888888888X, plates CHE78 and HR59 0001, and Hublot King Gold Skeleton Chronograph. Plans include adding handbags, art, collectibles, and real estate later.