If you thought GBP 331,000 would remain a record for the most expensive UK license plate “M1″ ever, after it topped 281,000 bid by the russian gazillionaire and Chelsea owner Abramovich for “VIP1″ then you are wrong.

Uk’s most expensive number plate has been sold for an astounding 440,625 Pounds! The “F1″ plate, owned by Essex County Council  has been sold to automotive designer and entrepreneur Afzal khan who owns Project Kahn (www.projectkahn.com , www.kahndesign.com)

Essex County Council Leader Lord Hanningfield and an Essex advanced trained young driver handed over the most prized ID in Britain to its new owner at North Weald Airfield, Near Epping, Essex.

The money raised from the sale will go to the education and training of young drivers. Hundreds of young and recently passed drivers will be given help to take the Pass Plus test, which gives advanced training in driving techniques. The test, designed by the Driver Standards Agency, gives youngsters knowledge of how to drive on motorways and in poor weather conditions. The test is recognised by many car insurance companies, lowering insurance premiums and also by many employers.

F1 was first registered in the Essex County Register of Motors in 1904 as belonging to the County Surveyor of Essex. It was the official car of the first Chairman of Essex County Council, Andrew Johnston, and has remained in the county council’s possession ever since, having had pride of place on the Chairman’s car until recently when it was replaced with the plate, “ECC1”.

Council Leader - Lord Hanningfield said “It will be with a little sadness that we will be losing this little piece of Essex history but I am pleased to say the money raised will help improve the safety of our roads through the training of young drivers. I believe we have got an excellent for Essex in selling this asset. I congratulate Mr Kahn on his purchase”

Afzal Kahn, President of Project Kahn, said “I am privileged to have acquired such a prestigious marque. I am extremely happy the money raised from the sale will help improve road safety and through the training of young drivers such as James. The training of young drivers is a very important issue and I am privileged to have contributed to such a worthy cause.

“I look forward to The F1 number plate being placed on the groundbreaking Range Rover Cosworth that we will be launching in the coming weeks.”