Choosing the Right Style: Acrylic vs Metal Pressed Classic Number Plates

For any enthusiast, restoring or maintaining a classic car is about far more than mechanics. It is about the details, including the authenticity of the bodywork, the originality of the trims, and the character of the accessories that bring the vehicle’s history back to life. 

Among those details, one of the most overlooked yet vital finishing touches is the licence plate. A well-chosen classic car plate does not just identify your car; it completes the aesthetic and ties the whole restoration together.

At Chase Lane Plates, we know how much thought owners put into their classic car licence plates. Choosing the right plate is about balancing tradition with practicality, and for most collectors and drivers, that means deciding between two main options: pressed metal or acrylic plates. Both materials have their place in the world of motoring, but when it comes to classic car plate styles, each offers a very different look, feel, and story.

A Brief History of Classic Car Licence Plates

Before diving into the comparison, it is worth looking back at the history of vintage number plate materials. The earliest British number plates produced were enamel, riveted onto vehicles in the early 20th century. 

By the mid-20th century, pressed aluminium and steel plates with raised lettering had become the standard, giving cars a distinctive, tactile appearance. These plates were tough, durable, and unmistakably tied to the era of motoring heritage that so many classic car owners want to recreate today.

These black and silver number plates are typical of vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980. Any vehicle constructed before this date which falls into the DVLA’s Historic Tax Class is eligible to display vintage plates and remain fully road legal.

It wasn’t until much later that acrylic plates became commonplace. With the arrival of reflective materials in the 1960s and new legislation around visibility and safety, acrylic began to dominate the market around the 1970s. 

Acrylic number plates provided an affordable, lightweight, and highly visible option, and it gradually replaced metal as the everyday choice. For modern drivers, acrylic is now the norm, and reflective plates are standard - but for owners with historic vehicles, vintage plates are the most authentic choice. 

The Timeless Appeal of Pressed Metal Plates

When you see a classic vehicle fitted with a pressed metal plate, it is immediately striking. The raised lettering, polished finish, and weight of the plate all contribute to a sense of authenticity. For many owners, black and silver number plates are not just an accessory: they are an essential element of the restoration process.

Pressed number plates are made by stamping characters into a sheet of aluminium or steel, leaving a crisp, embossed effect. Vehicles manufactured before 1980 can legally display black and silver number plates and remain road legal while also fulfilling a retro aesthetic. Car enthusiasts often find that fitting a pressed vintage number plate gives their car a “finished” look that no other material can replicate.

Durability is another major advantage. Thanks to their durable aluminium construction, these number plates can withstand decades of use if properly cared for. Rain, frost, and sunlight may fade paint and trims, but metal plates tend to hold their integrity far better than their plastic counterparts. This resilience, paired with their historical significance, makes them highly sought after among collectors.

At shows and rallies, cars fitted with classic car display plates made of metal always seem to attract attention. The reflective gleam of the raised characters draws the eye, and because they echo the exact vintage number plate materials used during the vehicle’s heyday, they resonate strongly with judges and spectators who prize authenticity.

The Practical Advantages of Acrylic Plates

While pressed plates carry undeniable charm, acrylic plates have their own advantages, and it is worth recognising why many enthusiasts choose them for their vehicles. Acrylic number plates are much lighter and often easier to fit, making them ideal for owners who take their cars on the road regularly.

From a practical point of view, acrylic number plates are also easier to clean. A quick wipe is usually enough to restore their shine, whereas metal plates can tarnish and may need polishing to maintain their best appearance. 

Acrylic is also more flexible in terms of customisation. For owners who need show plates for classic cars, perhaps with specific designs or fonts that differ from road-legal standards, acrylic provides a smooth surface that can be adapted to suit almost any display purpose.

Plus, modern acrylic plates are fully compliant with UK road regulations, making them ideal for classic vehicle owners whose cars don’t fall into the Historic Vehicle Tax Class. Acrylic number plates ensure your vehicle is road legal, and can be switched with classic black and silver number plates for display purposes, such as car shows and events. 

Weighing Tradition Against Convenience

So, which option should you choose for your next number plate? The answer often depends on the role your vehicle plays in your life. If you see your car primarily as a collector’s piece, brought out for rallies, exhibitions, or concours events, pressed plates are almost always the preferred choice. Their use of traditional vintage number plate materials and their authentic appearance make them the natural match for older vehicles.

However, if your car is more than a showpiece - if you use it on the open road regularly and want something that requires minimal upkeep - acrylic plates may prove more practical. They still allow for stylish designs and can be customised as classic car display plates, but they also provide the everyday resilience that modern motoring sometimes demands.

It is also possible, of course, to have both. Many enthusiasts choose one set of pressed metal plates for exhibitions and events, and another set of acrylic show plates for classic cars or everyday driving. This way, they preserve the car’s period look when it matters most but enjoy the convenience of acrylic when practicality takes priority.

Classic Car License Plates From Chase Lane Plates

When it comes to restoring or presenting a classic, the number plate is far more than a formality - it’s the detail that ties everything together. The wrong choice can undermine months of careful preparation, while the right one can elevate your car to a new level of authenticity and polish. That’s why choosing a trusted supplier matters just as much as deciding between pressed metal or acrylic.

At Chase Lane Plates, we’ve built our reputation on precision, quality, and an understanding of what enthusiasts value most. Whether you’re chasing the timeless look of pressed aluminium for a faithful restoration or opting for bespoke acrylic plates designed to shine at events, every plate we make is crafted to do justice to your vehicle’s heritage.

Our team understands the subtleties of different eras, from the understated elegance of mid-century styles to the sharper designs of later decades. We know that classic ownership is personal - sometimes it’s about preserving history, sometimes it’s about the sheer joy of driving something with character. Whatever your reason, we create plates that respect tradition while showcasing your pride and passion.

Both pressed metal and acrylic plates have their place, and the choice depends on your car, your use, and your vision. What never changes is the importance of quality and authenticity. 

Ready to finish your classic with the perfect detail? Get in touch with Chase Lane Plates today and let us craft the plates your car deserves.