UK registration numbers

[IJWS15]

I understood that suffixes were applied to vehicles from 1963 but have seen comments that some authorities had flexibility on when they started applying them - ie a 64 bus could be a “B” or without suffix! Is this correct?

[MrBen986]

Yes, from what I've read, some registration offices continued to use up their existing stocks before switching to suffix plates.

[caziques]

"A" and "B" suffix (63 and 64) were voluntary, from 65 C reg was mandatory.

Very few places issued A reg, some places used both no suffix and some B reg in 1964 (Nottingham for example)

[Panamax]

1960s plates with "E" suffix are also few and far between - it was only used for six months. The changeover date was moved from January to August at the request of the motor trade. They thought it would boost sales as more people would want to buy "a new car on the new registration letter" in summer than in winter.