4D Retro number plates — also called 4D Bevelled plates or 4D Diamond plates — are a premium number plate style that combines classic retro aesthetics with modern raised acrylic characters.

Unlike standard 4D number plates that use flat block letters, Retro plates feature bevelled/faceted edges, meaning the characters are angled, not square. When light hits these angled edges, the plate catches reflections and instantly makes the car look sharper and more premium.

Think: vintage badge styling + modern depth.

Why choose 4D Diamond number plates?

Customers tell us the same thing over and over:

“It completely transforms the look of the car.”

Here’s what makes them different:

• ✅ Raised bevelled characters (diamond-cut edges catch light from different angles)
• ✅ Premium glossy finish — not the cheap matte acrylic that fades
• ✅ Retro design + modern 4D depth
• ✅ Hand-built in the UK
• ✅ Automotive-grade 3M VHB adhesive (not sign tape)

If you want an upgrade that makes people notice the car — not just the plate — this is it.

How Are 4D Bevelled Number Plates Made?

1. Premium acrylic sheets are laser-cut into individual letters & numbers
2. Each character is bevelled / diamond-cut
3. A reflective BS AU 145e plate is prepared
4. Characters are bonded with 3M automotive adhesive
5. Plates are press-set to cure

This creates:

• Crystal-sharp edge detail
• Deeper shadows and contrast
• A premium OEM-plus finish

Cheap online plates skip steps (or use sign-shop tape). We don’t.

4D Retro vs Standard 4D vs 3D Gel — what’s the difference?

If 3D Gel is subtle and standard 4D is bold — 4D Retro is premium.

🚘 What vehicles do Retro 4D number plates look best on?

Technically, 4D Retro plates look great on any car, but based on installs and customer feedback, they look insane on:

✅ Modern cars (0–7 years old)

Because:

• Glossy surfaces reflect the bevels
• LED headlights add depth and shadow
• Sharp body lines complement the acrylic edging

Examples:

• BMW M Sport models
• Audi S-Line / RS
• Mercedes AMG Line
• VW Golf GTI / R / Scirocco
• Range Rover / Evoque / Velar

✅ Cars with shiny paint (well maintained)

Clean paint + bevelled plates = showroom front end.

If your car is regularly washed, coated, or detailed, the plates elevate the appearance.

✅ Medium and large vehicles

The additional front-end “presence” suits:

• SUVs
• Coupes
• Saloons
• Estates

🚫 Less dramatic on:

• Very old cars with faded paint
• Rusted vehicles
• Matte wraps (the shine doesn’t reflect as well)

Plates won’t fix a tired car — but they will make a clean, well-kept one look more premium.

Are 4D Retro Licence Plates Road Legal?

Yes — Retro 4D licence plates are 100% road legal when made correctly.

They must:

• Follow the legal Charles Wright font
• Use BS AU 145e reflective materials
• Have correct spacing
• Include the supplier name & BS AU 145e mark

Raised acrylic is legal.
Spacing and readability matter.

Our plates are DVLA & MOT legal.

Are 4D Retro number plates ANPR friendly?

✅ Yes.
ANPR reads the character shape and spacing — not the depth.

Are they durable? (Jet wash, UV, weather)

Our plates are:

• ✅ Jet-wash safe
• ✅ UV fade-resistant
• ✅ Won’t peel or bubble

Because we use:

• Automotive-grade 3M VHB adhesive
• BNMA-approved materials
• RNPS registered manufacturing

Cheap sellers skip this and use stationery shop tape.
That’s when letters fall off.

Thickness Options Explained

Can I customise 4D Retro number plates?

Absolutely.

You can choose:

• Plate size (Standard / Short / Square / Oversized / Hex)
• Border (legal or no border)
• Legal text positioning
• Badge or flag options

You design it — we build it.

Pricing — how much do they cost?

Cheap plates = cheap materials + no legal guarantee.

Premium plates = threshold between OEM and show-car finish.

Why choose Bedford Number Plates?

• ✅ BNMA-approved / RNPS registered supplier
• ✅ Built using automotive-grade acrylic & 3M adhesive
• ✅ Same-day collection available
• ✅ Fast UK dispatch
• ✅ Competitive pricing with premium materials

We specialise in quality — not shortcuts.

Final Thoughts

4D Retro plates give you:

• Depth
• Class
• A premium finish

…without modifying the car.

Customers don’t say “nice plates.”
They say: “Your car looks better — what changed?”

✅ Ready to build yours?

👉 Design your 4D Retro Plates here on standard sized plates

Want 4D Retro in a different size?
We offer standard, shortened, oversized, and hex plate shapes.
Click a photo below to customise that style.