A fine collection of photos from former Nyasaland, Northern and Southern Rhodesia are to be found at this web-site link:
http://www.classiccarsinrhodesia.co.za/Makes/SWA.html
There are other African countries represented too, and gen on many interesting cars. Some examples are here:
L=Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia in 1956.
K 2440. K was the Lusaka code in the former Northern Rhodesia which became Zambia upon independence in 1964. Unknown car. Pemberton archive.
RA 790. A & RA = Belingwe & Shabani (now Mberengwa) in Southern Rhodesia-Zimbabwe. Africa’s car – the Peugeot 404.
G/T PW=Govt. Passenger car -Wee. S. Rhodesia 1960. Classiccarsinrhodesia archive
Southern Rhodesia registration 483, estimated 1905
There is not much known of the numeric-only Rhodesian plates which the first vehicles used. South Africa used identical plates at the time – note this Transvaal example below:
465 is a Transvaal issue, 1900-1910 approx.
And, from Western Australia:
1900s numeric-only Western Australia’s 4140
It seems that many (Empire) jurisdictions didn’t expect the expansion of motorcar populations, and thought a simple numeric format would suffice!
Evidence that Britain also influenced early China plates is shown here:
China 1928, reg. 808
Enjoy the Classic cars in Rhodesia website! http://www.classiccarsinrhodesia.co.za/Makes/SWA.html
Great photos.
Even since I read The Registration Plates of the World I’ve been amused by the used of the Scots Wee by Southern Rhodesia-Zimbabwe for very small vehicles.
I’m still wondering what a Moon Hyena is.
Might it be an all-terrain scooter-type thing. Honda ATV etc??
Hi, registration ZBE 665 was a Rhodesian numberplate?
Thanks
Dirck
dirck96@lantic.net
I cannot find the plate photo to which you refer, Dirck. ZBE 665???
Hi Victor thanks!
It was showing on a Facebook site “Old British Cars” , but cannot send a photo here.
I can email it maybe?
Thanks,
Dirck
Yes PLEASE, Dirck!
Shame too late! I can’t find the photo anymore?! L