Is this a Legit title

I got this title when i bought the car, only thing is, is that it's titled under the engine number rather than the plate on the door jam. Is this a legit and useable title, i was told its the original one. Oh and the engine that was in was long gone along time ago. Can anyone help

 

You covered up the year of the car, but I'm assuming it's a 30s... which yes some states title the car with the motor number, ie. before VIN#s were assigned. All model As and Ts I believe were the same, the motor number was the number stamped on the frame.

 

Sorry I covered the actual titled number, but its for a 53 210, but it was hand written which makes me suspicious.

 

why wouldn't you take a question like this to your state agency?

You are subjecting yourself to MANY unqualified opinions here. (no offense, Chad)

 

i was gonna say the same.

 

Thanks Scotty... none taken!!! But you don't know, I could be an expert!!

 

Does your state inspect the car for matching numbers?

If yes, then you need to find out how to correct the situation.

If no, then it's probably not going to be an issue unless you plan to do things in the car that the police tend to frown upon.

 

if its clear with your name as buyer they wont ever see the car.

 

It just struck me as odd, because of it being handwritten, and a completely different looking title than the ones i've had in the past. Just wanted to see if anyone on here has had one like this. Thanks for the help guys, I'll cruise on down and pay a visit, to the fine staff at the tax collectors office.

 

Sure looks good to me. My first drivers license was hand written with no picture (Connecticut).

I have an old Texas title that is nothing more then a 5"x4" card typed on an old typewriter.

 

Does the engine number match the VIN on the door plate? If it doesn't and the motor is long gone I'd think the title won't be any good.

 

I just went through this, and will have to do it again on my current project.

If the title is to the engine, and the engine in gone, the title is useless.

In KY, it's fairly easy to apply for a new title, don't know about the sunshine state.

Rich

 

Using the engine number instead of the VIN was common in many states in the 1950s. Here in Virginia, that was the norm. I have two 1952 Chevy trucks and both have original titles with the engine number. Now, I have yet to get that changed, since I have to change the engines, but that's another thread.

 

I guess its just a cool piece of paper to go along with the car should i sell it! unless i can find the engine> impossible. Looks like i got a bit of foot work for a title, kinda sucks a bit because that was the selling point for me, "CLEAR TITLE" I said deal.

 

If you approach the DMV agent all timid and nervous, they'll look at it harder. Walk in politely with the assumption that all is well with your papers.

 

And, when you go in, take your bill of sale with you.

 

Im no expert, so I called the girl at the DMV in the small neighbor town when I got the 35 Pickup titled. Per our conservation;
Title numbers go to a vehicle so it can be tracked, taxed, verified as not stolen, and such. How the title numbers were issued from state-to-state back in the 30-40-50s, and varried from using engine block numbers, frame numbers, to some states not requiring a title at all. There is nothing to say that a engine wouldnt be changed out, same goes with a frame (although less likely). You can make the numbers on the frame rail match the title. When you take it to the DMV, they only verify its a real number that doesnt belong to a current title that is either in use, or is reported as stolen. They are required to verify the numbers on the vehicle, but it seldom happens.

Me Personally; I had the original title (yes, from 1935) for the 35 Ford PU and a couple of bills of sale from the original owner to my grandpa and one from him to me (none were notorized). They wouldnt issue me the title until they verfiied the numbers on the frame. Same thing happend on the 34 Sedan but it had a normal title signed over from 2007 and it was notorized. However, I traded the 35 Ford PU for a 28 Ford Sedan, and it had a current title and all they wanted was proof of insurance. For the 1949 Ford Pickup for my daughter, only insurance, notorized title from the 80s and no look-see on it also.

Bottom line, she said they are supposed to verify (I was unclear if every vehicle or just those in question) but it is not possible (only two girls working and always a long wait) so some get checked and some dont.

Id get insurance on the car (you can insure a project or even a pile of parts) take the title and bill of sale to the DMV and get it switched over.

 

Chevy had vin numbers by then. Missouri used the a-pillar to id the car, I used Broadway Title and I had to produce a bill of sale for the 54 235 that was in there, and pay tax on it separately. once the man got his check, he gave me a fresh title.

 

Lots of 60's titles were handwritten. My 63 Galaxie was done that way in '65 for the second owner. Looks almost identical.

Just make the frame match the (missing) engine. No worries.

I'd be more worried they'd question the 1960 title and the non-dated notary stamp
Very few owners that titled cars in 1960 are alive today, I mean to say.

 

In Fla. they will require the number on the car or the frame. you also need a bill of sale with the same number. Anyone at the DMV office can look if you get the car to them. Cop can come to you. Someone at a dealorship can also sign off on a form you can get at DMV. This was all true four years ago, should still be..

 

No kidding, 50 states=50 different sets of regulations. State's rights can be pretty cool.