
If you’ve read the title then let me just preface by saying that there is absolutely nothing special about this Volvo. It’s a first-gen V70 with a fair share of miles on it, I’m sure. What you see is what you get with this car; no special V12 or freakish work under the hood, no secret nitrous either. So why the gobsmacking $20 million price tag?
If you want to see what’s so special about this basic-looking ride then take a peek at the front bumper just below the grill. That’s right. You’re looking at the one and only “NEW YORK” adorned New York vanity plate in the state’s history.
When New York vanity plates became available in the 1970s, one resident successfully ordered the first and only “NEW YORK” plate. Since then, the vanity plate has become a bit of a family heirloom being passed down from vehicle to vehicle, generation to generation ever since.

Now as to why the owner thinks this particular Volvo with its vintage plate is worth $20 million is beyond me, but that is his asking price according to the classifieds site, duPont Registry Daily making it the most expensive Volvo in the world.
“In the late 1970s when I suggested to my father to order the plate, I knew that it was special… I just never realized how special,” said the owner.
Per the car’s description:
“This one-of-a-kind piece of memorabilia is a significant part of New York’s history – so much so that its likeness is sold in souvenir shops across New York City as well as online. It is the only street-legal New York license plate that exists bearing the name of its state, and it can never be duplicated. There are very few things in the world of which there is only one– Will you be the ONE to own a piece of New York’s history?”
Don’t get me wrong I like a nice dependable Volvo as much as the next guy but let’s be real here. This isn’t a $20 million Volvo! This is a $20 million license plate with a free Volvo thrown in!
But hey with a $20 million license plate I guess you have some certain bragging rights over the person with the “N3W YORK” plate.
