In an unprecedented display of automotive prestige, a single vehicle registration number has shattered all previous records in India's VIP number auction history. The coveted combination HR 88B 8888 has attracted a staggering bid of ₹1.17 crore, marking the highest amount ever offered for a VIP number in the country.
The Record-Breaking Bid
The Haryana transport department conducted the online auction through the ministry of road transport, setting a modest reserve price of ₹50,000 for the prestigious number. What followed was an intense bidding war that far exceeded expectations. A total of 45 bidders competed fiercely for the right to own this unique combination, with the final bid reaching its peak at 5 PM, settling at the remarkable figure of ₹1.17 crore.
The registration number belongs to the Badhra subdivision in Charkhi Dadri district of Haryana. While authorities have maintained confidentiality about the highest bidder's identity and the vehicle make, sources within the department revealed that the prospective owner is Sudhir, a resident of Hisar.
The Fascination Behind the Numbers
The extraordinary appeal of HR 88B 8888 lies in its visual presentation. The number creates the illusion of either seven consecutive 8s or seven Bs, though most enthusiasts believe the former interpretation drives its popularity. In Indian culture and numerology, the number 8 holds significant value, often associated with prosperity and success, which likely contributed to the intense competition.
To participate in the e-auction, bidders had to pay ₹11,000, which included ₹1,000 as registration charges and ₹10,000 as security deposit. Department sources clarified that the bid will only be considered complete after the bidder makes full payment of the final amount. The department plans to allow a reasonable timeframe for the payment process.
Previous Records and Consequences
The current bid dramatically overshadows previous VIP number records across India. Just in August this year, an Innova owner in Chandigarh paid ₹36.4 lakh for the number CH01-DA 0001, setting a record in the Union Territory that nearly matched the vehicle's price itself. Earlier in April, a Kerala resident purchased the 'KL 07 DG 0007' number for approximately ₹46 lakh.
There's significant financial risk involved for the highest bidder. Currently, only the initial ₹11,000 has been deposited. If the bidder fails to pay the remaining amount within the stipulated time, they will forfeit the entire security deposit. The department maintains strict protocols to ensure the auction process remains transparent and binding.
This record-breaking transaction highlights the growing fascination with unique vehicle registration numbers in India, where status symbols often command prices comparable to luxury vehicles themselves. The phenomenon continues to gain momentum as more enthusiasts participate in these specialized auctions, driving prices to unprecedented levels.
