Azzura:
Right you are. Here , on the other side of the pond, we cannot buy existing plates as you can. We have to request them from the Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV), and as you say, if no-one else has them, and they are not rude, they will issue them for an extra annual fee. I traded my C5 Corvette for the 124, and the plate was transferred. ICNTDR55, in deference to the 55mph limit from so long ago, not to mention Van Halen.
My Bugeye (Frogeye to you) sports BUGEYERX in reference to it's all Mazda RX7 drive train...engine, trans(gear box!) and rear axle. A long story, but testament to the disease that no doctor can cure! My British friends (I grew up in UK)
think I committed sacrilege by modifying the Sprite. As mentioned elsewhere on this forum, if it pleases you and makes you smile, do it. Cheers.