Why is it that some marques and models attract (usually horribly contrived) personalised number plates so much more than others?
Of course there is no type of classic that doesn't have the occasional devotee of the comedy registration, but with some makes of car it appears to have become compulsory.
And when you see them en masse it instantly turns their "individuality" into a whole different ball-game.
This came to mind twice this year, both times when I saw huge gatherings of F40s. At the most recent, there were 14 of the Maranello wonder-cars in a row and the obsession with personalising them came into sharp, I hesitate to say slightly nauseating, focus.
Of the 14, three (at the most, I had my doubts even about a couple of the 'normal' ones) were still wearing the plates they were born with.
All the rest were personalised, one or two relating to power or colour, but generally just starting with F40. No fewer than eight of the 14 in fact. From F40 SAY to F40 SHY and pretty much everything else you can imagine.
Now, I can see where they are coming from and I bet that a plate starting F40 doesn't make that much of a dent in the pocket, especially if you can afford the supercar to go with it.
