Hey guys, I've been a lurker on this forum for a little while and with the possible purchase of a 1950 Ford Custom, I finally decided to join. I am about 80% sure I am buying this car, but since the guy who is selling the car is not the original owner he cannot furnish a prior registration and the original owner is long since deceased. He said he bought this car in the fall out of a barn at an estate where it had been sitting since 74'. Since this year did not originally have a ***le and there is no previous registration, am I able to register the car in M***achusetts on a bill of sale from this current owner? Thanks in advance, Craig
I guess my other question is, is this type of transaction normal for a car 61 years old found in a barn, not belonging to the original owner. I know cars are found all the time and I've read of services like Broadway ***le for gaining ***les, but I don't want to learn the hard way in buying a vintage car. -Craig
Never buy a car without a ***le that you intend to register. You are asking for trouble and headaches. I'm not saying you can't do it, but it will be a long bumpy ride.
It can be done, What will make things easier is: You have a bill of sale, a ***le would be better, but you also need to be able to id the car, is the vin plate still on the car? did the seller list the vin# on the bill of sale? if he did that will make it easier, but like tb33anda3rd said, call your dmv or equivalent, they're the only ones who can give you the correct answer.
I'd say no. He should have a bill of sale from the executor of the estate. He should apply for a ***le, then transfer it to you. M*** ***les are merely an excuse to collect sales tax. They want tax from him, then tax from you.
Like others have said DMV is the best source because its sooo different from state to state. I have never had a ***le for anything, CT only needs a bill of sale and a semi legitimate VIN
The M*** DMV website says that a previous registration and bill of sale is needed. I will call both my insurance company and RMV tomorrow and see what they say as I don't want to let his car get away. I thought maybe some people might have gone through something similar, but this deal might be a little sketchy from what I am seeing. Thanks all, Craig
I think you will find that the previous registration and the bill of sale must be from the same person. My son bought a car out of New Hampshire and that's what he had, no problem registering and ***leing it in M***. But if it was a car I liked and the price was right I'd buy it and worry about getting the right papers later.... somehow... Good luck.
If it is a "DEAL" to good to p*** up then don't p*** it up!! Do like that guy with the coupe said: "BUY IT AND WORRY ABOUT ALL THAT STUFF LATER".... Good luck....
Its been a long time and lots of things have changed. I can only speak about California in the late 80's. I used a lean officer and he got me a ***le so fast I gladly paid his fee. Never went to the DMV. See if your state has such a person that can do it. Long shot I know.
Look here under your state, it may be helpful: http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/How_to_***le_a_hot_rod#CA_DMV_Experience Charlie
Thanks for all the input everyone. I've decided to hold of on this car and continue my search. Something about this car just seems a little to good to be true, being the seller cannot furnish any paper work, proof of ownership or past registrations and the fact that registering the car as it is, might prove to be a long process. Thanks again for all the replies and messages. -Craig
Craig I'm not from your part of the country and not up on the laws back there but in response to one of your statements I would think that given the age of the vehicle and the fact that it is a normally street driven vehicle as opposed to a farm vehicle or historical race car (?) you are going to be hard pressed to convince anyone that it has never been registered. Thats just the observation of an outsider. And yes it is common for people especially on this forum to purchase a vehicle without a ***le, or at least pieces of a vehicle without a ***le.
If it was run up into the 70's I seriously doubt it has never been registered. Does it have plates? I don't think the guy is trying to **** you around, but I think he knows about as much about the process as you do. If it's a nice car and a good deal, I would go for it. Hell, use the questionable ***le status as a bargaining point.
As others have said ... definitely contact the DMV. If this car was purchased from a farm, I would get the address of the farm and go talk to someone there (before buying the vehicle). It might be that the family still lives there (if the farm story is true) and the executor of the estate might be able to help. A letter from the executor, a bill of sale (they should have provided a bill of sale when it was purchased from the estate) and proof of the original owners death may be enough paperwork. If that fails, the surviving family (***uming there is someone ... wife, son, daughter) should be able to get a new ownership for it and then sign it over to you. This really should have all been settled by the estate at the time of the sale. If the car was bought this past fall, then your seller should certainly remember where he bought it.
Little bit of an update on this car. I talked to the owner again today and he is going to get the car registered in NH though his buddy, then have the car sold back to either him or me that way there is a current registration with proof of ownership. Thanks again for all the replies and PM's, its much appreciated. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be posting pictures of the 50' getting acquainted to my garage. -Craig
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