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British car - how to license in USA?

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KSIS said:
Rick,
Give the DMV in Oak Harbor a call. They are very helpful and understanding. No lines as only three people work there. I'm tending to agree with Gerard.
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Avoid TMI, you'll only paint yourself into a corner... keep it simple... "what documentation do I need to get a duplicate/replacement title?"
 
RickB said:
Thanks Gerard, I think that would definitely be my first route.
Keep it simple - that's the best course.
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Rick, if you can get me the chassis number, I can probably tell you the year. A Traveller should start with the letters "FLA" The chassis plate is on the RH firewall near the fuse block and voltage regulator.
 
HealeyRick, I did'nt say it was right just that those things happen. I do not advocate that but it does happen and usually because someone is trying to avoid a lot of red tape and not for the fraud that the Mustang represents. In that case it is a clear case of deceipt and has probably been passed off as a truly valuable car more than once since it was done and I became aware of it in the 60's. In this case it would be a case of replacing all of a rusted out car with "parts" from the found Minor. Where does one cross the fine line that makes it unethical. It would'nt be the kind of deceipt as the Mustang in my opinion unless the car has a shady history. If you had a bill of sale that would seem to pass that liability to the seller. However I don't pretend to be a lawyer.
Having said all that I agree with Gerard. The best idea is to seek out the authoritys and try to title it as they suggest.

Kurt.
 
nomad said:
HealeyRick, I did'nt say it was right just that those things happen. I do not advocate that but it does happen and usually because someone is trying to avoid a lot of red tape and not for the fraud that the Mustang represents. In that case it is a clear case of deceipt and has probably been passed off as a truly valuable car more than once since it was done and I became aware of it in the 60's. In this case it would be a case of replacing all of a rusted out car with "parts" from the found Minor. Where does one cross the fine line that makes it unethical. It would'nt be the kind of deceipt as the Mustang in my opinion unless the car has a shady history. If you had a bill of sale that would seem to pass that liability to the seller. However I don't pretend to be a lawyer.
Having said all that I agree with Gerard. The best idea is to seek out the authoritys and try to title it as they suggest.

Kurt.
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I hope I didn't suggest you were advocating it, you clearly stated you weren't. I was trying to point out that folks get tempted to take shortcuts with paperwork that can have some bad consequences. In my view the first step in any resto should be getting the title squared away before spending money on a car you can't register.
 
Sorta like the story of the man selling Abe Lincoln's axe. "The head's been replaced three times and the handle twice, but <span style="font-style: italic">it's the same axe!</span>"

All of the damaged, crumpled Mustang parts were simply replaced. Including but not limited to the serial plate. :jester: How can that be illegal...?
 
I think the real issue here is not the state registration but how the car was imported (or not). If there is a federal data base that might at some time in the future show that this VIN was never officially imported and the appropriate duties never paid, the US "owner" could be in a world of hurt. IMHO, this is a candidate for a parts car and nothing else. Even that has unethical (maybe illegal) connotations. Let your conscience be your guide.

Marv J
 
bthompson said:
Sorta like the story of the man selling Abe Lincoln's axe. "The head's been replaced three times and the handle twice, but <span style="font-style: italic">it's the same axe!</span>"

All of the damaged, crumpled Mustang parts were simply replaced. Including but not limited to the serial plate. :jester: How can that be illegal...?
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Interesting timing
Is this a real Maserati?

(sorry to hijack)
 
Not only that but all cars now days have 17 digets in their number. Guess how many are not in old cars. They can not even be put in the number data base.

Fact.
 
I have not seen what year this is, but gerald said that the cars were imported up until 1967. The 17 character VIN started in 1969-1970. The FMVSS, or Federal motor vehicle safety standards was enacted into law in 1970. Thus for a 1967 or earlier car, there is no way to track the car on a federal basis. I think, as others have said, that the fact the car had never been registered in the USA should not be a factor. To be super careful, have the present owner go to the DMV and say that the title and registration was lost, and he wants to register it. If that is too much trouble, then you can do the same, with a bill of sale from the current owner. If you want to buy the car, give the owner a deposit, with it being conditional that you can register it.

I registered my BE 1 1/2 years ago with only a bill of sale from the PO, no chassis tag from PO (had one made up), and an inspection by a police officer of my "car" which was a tub, 4 wheels, without an driveline or interior, but it did have a speedometer with a visible odometer!
cheers, Scott in CA
 
When WA passed "cradle to grave" abouit 15-20 years ago, it toomk away the ability to get around problem titles. You need to write three certified letters to the last registered owner....but if it was never registered, then what?
If it was imported, WA will probably find out for you from the Feds, whether you want them to or not.

Just try and see. Get the VIN and go ask, don't purchase the car first.
I know my Jag was imported in 82, but I do not have that paperwork, but I do have the ship's bill of lading, so I know the exact date. Been licensed Sate of WA every year since, but you should have seen the consternation on their faces with a six-digit VIN with nno letters at all.
Fortunately, I had the Factory Manual in the car showing VIN series.

If the VIN does not show up stolen or liened, you can proceed wth some modicum of safety.

If it was imported, somewhere it was licensed, I would bet. Folks don't usually do one without the other. Chances are the plates are missing is all. You might find one under a seat.
 
Still has British plates on it.
 
Well then, was imported obviously cause it is here. Was never registered.

You have it, ie you are the owner.

Not reported stolen as not in that data base.

New title please. I bet there is a way. I just bet.
 
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