A car plate in England fetched $793,000 breaking the old price record for a UK number plate.

The F1 plate, registered to the Essex council since 1904, was bought by businessman Afzal Kahn in an Essex county council auction.

"I am privileged to have such a prestigious plate," said Khan, who runs a car conversion firm.

Prior to the F1 sales, the previous record was held an M! plate that sold for $656,000.

According to a spokesman for the Essex council, the money raised from the car plate will be used in funding a safe-driving program for young motorists.