The M1 number plate went to an anonymous private UK bidder who will be taking the plate back to the North West of England where it came from. "M1" was the first registration to be issued in Cheshire, when, in 1902, motoring enthusiast and then owner of Tatton Park acquired the registration for his 1903 12/16hp 2 cylinder Darracq - the same car that was driven by Henri Farman and came second in the 1901 Grand Prix de Pau.