McDonald v Coys of Kensington (Sales) Ltd [2004] EWCA Civ 47 is an English unjust enrichment law case, concerning the nature of an enrichment.
Coys of Kensington, an auctioneer, had sold a Mercedes 280 SL to Mr McDonald for ã20,290. However, Coys mistakenly included the personalised number plate (TAC 1). This alone was worth ã15,000. Mr McDonald became statutorily entitled to it and he registered it in his name. Coys compensated the carâÂÂs former owners with ã13,608, Mr and Mrs Cressman, who were executors for the late Mr T A Cressman for the loss of the numberplate. Coys then sought a 100% contribution from Mr McDonald plus the remaining ã1,392 as assignees of the Cressmansâ cause of action.
Mance LJ held that the full ã15,000 could be recovered from Mr McDonald. He was unjustly enriched, and it was not important that this was connected to the statutory scheme for registration of number plates.