Essex County Council east of London said the registration number - which has been on sale for three years - was sold privately to automotive designer and businessman Afzal Kahn.

The previous record of 331,000 pounds was held by the 'M1' plate.

'F1' was first registered in 1904 when it belonged to the county surveyor of Essex and has remained in the council's possession ever since. The money raised will go towards training schemes for young drivers, the local authority said.

Mr Kahn said he was honoured to have such a prestigious plate and would put it on his new Range Rover. -- AFP