Thread: California Black Plates

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Originally Posted by rspears

I've seen several ads for period cars being marketed in California which state that the vehicle has the original black/yellow plates. I knew this was a desirable feature for a vehicle that was going to be registered in CA, but I had no idea that some of these plates are quite valuable. I ran into a young fellow last week who is very much into Shelby memorabilia, and very knowledgeable about everything associated with Shelby American back in the early days. He had just returned from a day trip to bring back a matched pair of mid-60's California Manufacturer's Plates that were assigned to Shelby American, and then issued out to dealer for use on Cobra's and GT 350's back in the day. Apparently there were about 75 sets originally, six were stolen from Shelby back in the mid '70's, and the remaining plates have become collector's items for owners lucky enough to have an original car.

This matched pair is valued in the five figure range, significantly greater than $10K but less than $100K

Attachment 60568

I have no idea how manufacturers plates are designated, but here's a picture of Steve McQueen in a Cobra with "013" number but with a "1D" mfg designation. Does anyone know the difference? Was "013" the mfg designation & the "1D' etc the plate number?

Mick

Originally Posted by lurker mick

I have no idea how manufacturers plates are designated, but here's a picture of Steve McQueen in a Cobra with "013" number but with a "1D" mfg designation. Does anyone know the difference? Was "013" the mfg designation & the "1D' etc the plate number?

Mick

"1D" is the dealer designation, and that's the 13th plate in his line, as I understand.