To tie together three topics as one, I split this thread from the thread about a thermostat for a UK Twin-Spark 164 because I didn't want to hijack the other thread.
Here's a handy explanation. http://www.no1reg.co.uk/number-plate-history/
Up to 1999, the number plate letter changed only once per year, so G would be 1990, H 1991 etc. I think the changeover took place halfway through the year, so a 1991 car could be G or H, and I guess that is why the English specify the year letter to make this clear.
Then in 2001 the numberplate format changed completely. Second-half of 2001 registrations are '51', while '02' means the first half of 2002. So, if something is '54'-reg, it means the second half of 2004.
Secondly, I've just purchased a Personalised Plate here in NZ, last night, which represents a large and extravagant purchase, almost the same price as my 164 itself! Half of the price goes to road safety funding. I considered it a one-off purchase because it can be transferred from car to car. The actual plate shall remain a secret until I have it attached to my 164. I will update this thread with a pic.
In England, personalised plates have to be actual registration numbers (!) while in NZ we have free reign over six letters/numbers. I paid $100 extra to have a European-sized number plate (not as tall and wider than normal, actually the same huge size as a UK plate and not at all like those in Italy!)
Thirdly, what is the situation in the USA - are personalised plates issued on a state-by-state basis, are they transferrable, is it difficult to get the one you want, and are they expensive (i.e. the value of a 164?) I was just interested as I spotted 'ALFA4ME' (didn't I?) in some of the pictures here.
Thanks,
-Alex
Yes - good point!
Here's a handy explanation. http://www.no1reg.co.uk/number-plate-history/
Up to 1999, the number plate letter changed only once per year, so G would be 1990, H 1991 etc. I think the changeover took place halfway through the year, so a 1991 car could be G or H, and I guess that is why the English specify the year letter to make this clear.
Then in 2001 the numberplate format changed completely. Second-half of 2001 registrations are '51', while '02' means the first half of 2002. So, if something is '54'-reg, it means the second half of 2004.
Secondly, I've just purchased a Personalised Plate here in NZ, last night, which represents a large and extravagant purchase, almost the same price as my 164 itself! Half of the price goes to road safety funding. I considered it a one-off purchase because it can be transferred from car to car. The actual plate shall remain a secret until I have it attached to my 164. I will update this thread with a pic.
In England, personalised plates have to be actual registration numbers (!) while in NZ we have free reign over six letters/numbers. I paid $100 extra to have a European-sized number plate (not as tall and wider than normal, actually the same huge size as a UK plate and not at all like those in Italy!)
Thirdly, what is the situation in the USA - are personalised plates issued on a state-by-state basis, are they transferrable, is it difficult to get the one you want, and are they expensive (i.e. the value of a 164?) I was just interested as I spotted 'ALFA4ME' (didn't I?) in some of the pictures here.
Thanks,
-Alex