OK. Looks 50s or 60s plates. Few years with a 236. I only have full lists from 59.
1953 166 was Appleyards XK120 - worth big money if it's that! 199 seems to be highest number.
1954 No details of 166 or 236 but both numbers valid.
1955 No details of 166. 230 seems to be highest number
1956 166 TR2 OOK400. Seems no 236.
1957 No event (Suez)
1958 166 Rapier RU3. No 236
1959 146 seems to be highest number.
1960 166 A.T. (Tony?) Fisher/ Austin 7 (850 Mini). Part of 3rd club team, so finished. No 236.
1961 163 seems highest number.
More later
Firstly can i say thank you for your help.
The chap i got the plates from said they were pre 1960. After looking at some pictures online of RAC rally's after 1960 they do seem to have stickers rather than plates.
For plate no. 236 I believe it must be a car from 1954 like you listed and have found the following record online.
RAC Rally 1954 Car 236 was a Morgan driven by Dr. John T. Spare and he did finish the rally. Whilst delvin deeper it seems he came 3rd in the RAC rally in 1956 so that gives it another piece of positive provenance.
For plate no. 166 as you say could have a number of possibilities.
I did have a heart flutter when i read about the Appleyards XK120 as it was a great car and now sits in the Nation Car museum. I soon came back to earth when i see a photo of the car with the RAC plate on but the wording is different so i can cross that off the possible cars.
As a huge Mini fan and someone who loves the BMC mini days from the 1960's i am going to assume the plate is from the Mini of A. T. Fisher in 1960 RAC rally. I have found a few photos on line of the car with the plate on and it does look right. I believe A. T. Fisher sometimes listed his name as Tony Fisher and if so he became British Rally Champion twice so again a good bit of provenance.
I will of course keep looking for any information that discounts it being the Mini's plate but for now it will hold pride of place in my collection of other Mini bits and pieces.
Thanks again.
Edited by CharlieCroker, 01 April 2021 - 15:33.