The bidding was frenzied at Wan Chai's Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday morning, as punters vied for number plates in the final auction before car owners get the chance to create their own registration marks.
Thirty-two of 40 number plates were snapped up, netting more than $4.5 million. Plate number 123 fetched the highest price at $1.5 million, while the hammer came down on ME2 at $340,000.
The bidder, who gave her name only as Ms Chau, strained to keep a straight face as she successfully chased 123, at one point even bidding against herself. But she was delighted to secure the unique plate, which she described as 'cute and memorable'.
A Ms Lam, who snapped up HK2288 for $240,000, said the number held a special meaning for her and she hoped it would bring her good fortune.
Mr Wan was also pleased with his purchase of DD18 for $210,000, but sorry he was outbid for ME2.
'I was hoping to buy ME2 for my daughter, but $340,000 is too expensive.' He said his new plate was destined for his new racing car. He expressed distaste for the government's new scheme, which allows people to come up with their own combinations with a maximum of eight characters.