65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

[Jay G.]

See e-bay # 220588161407 There was a thread on this car couple weeks ago. Sold on ebay or off for $32K. This is a 1965 Vette. But titled in Ca. as 1966 back in 1978. The owner I noticed never reg. in his state. MOST states will ck Vin on an out of state purchase. They'll Get a mirror see Frame number. Wallah, your local law inforsement may have a new ride for its org. owner. The car has 65 interior. Body panels, gas cap etc. Not to be a butinski. But ingorance is not always Bliss. Or an alternative. Insist He get it titled. (Frame ck) with state Police, in his state first to make sure on the up and up. That way someone doesn't wind up with a potted plant of a car. Or inpounded.

[Mike T.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

I see the current auction is up to $11K. That car definitely has had some 'work' done to it alright and there does seem to be a lot of '65 type parts on it other than the chrome inside door pulls. If it was a theft recovery, maybe they had access to a wrecked 65 and that's how all the parts got on there. Couldn't see if the telltale access holes/slots at the drivers front corner (underneath) are there to indicate a 66 BB hood instead of a 65. Also haven't figured out where they put front turn signals since the lower fiberglas extensions seem to have been molded off. Any prospective buyer should go over the car 'in person' with a fine toothed comb and as you pointed out, definitely check frame numbers. As for state DMV inspections of cars brought in from out of state, it looks like he hasn't changed anything yet because the old California Blue/Gold plates are still on the car so Nebraska DMV probably isn't in the picture at this time. In California, they only check the vin tag to see if it matches the paperwork as they did on my '61 when I brought it in from Texas in late '08. If that VIN tag is MIA, then they would continue on and check the frame numbers.
Mike T.

[Jay G.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

I see the current auction is up to $11K. That car definitely has had some 'work' done to it alright and there does seem to be a lot of '65 type parts on it other than the chrome inside door pulls. If it was a theft recovery, maybe they had access to a wrecked 65 and that's how all the parts got on there. Couldn't see if the telltale access holes/slots at the drivers front corner (underneath) are there to indicate a 66 BB hood instead of a 65. Also haven't figured out where they put front turn signals since the lower fiberglas extensions seem to have been molded off. Any prospective buyer should go over the car 'in person' with a fine toothed comb and as you pointed out, definitely check frame numbers. As for state DMV inspections of cars brought in from out of state, it looks like he hasn't changed anything yet because the old California Blue/Gold plates are still on the car so Nebraska DMV probably isn't in the picture at this time. In California, they only check the vin tag to see if it matches the paperwork as they did on my '61 when I brought it in from Texas in late '08. If that VIN tag is MIA, then they would continue on and check the frame numbers.
Mike T.

Now up to 20K plus. Think now Most states will do a through Vin Ck from and for out of State Antique Cars. But... The new flipper owner type seems NOT to have Reg. the Car. That alone refers to skipping Title. I'm from the old school of Complete Transparency. But what do I know. Hopefully the New prospective owner will have a pulse and follow thru.

[Mike T.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

There's probably variations between states as to what they will look for when an out of state car is initially being registered. I 'helped' the inspector checking my '61 in Jan '09 as to where to find the factory VIN tag and she said thanks but also said she has a reference book to help her out on VIN locations if need be.

Hopefully, whoever buys that roadster knows where to look for details but it's always, 'Caveat Emptor', Buyer Beware.
Mike T.

[Jay G.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

There's probably variations between states as to what they will look for when an out of state car is initially being registered. I 'helped' the inspector checking my '61 in Jan '09 as to where to find the factory VIN tag and she said thanks but also said she has a reference book to help her out on VIN locations if need be.

Hopefully, whoever buys that roadster knows where to look for details but it's always, 'Caveat Emptor', Buyer Beware.
Mike T.

In the "Can it get any worse dept". There is NO Trim Tag or Vin Tag! Both ripped out in the 70's. Thus the New 1978 CA Vin.Tag. Body Color based on Old pnt behind the Black pnt. How fast can I run away.

[Mike T.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

Actually, when California issues their own VIN tag, it's typically because the original tag is missing. The state issued VIN tag is sufficient and completely legal and that means checking the frame numbers at this point can't be used for VIN verification. since the paperwork issued in the late 70's identifies this car by that State VIN Tag and not the factory GM tag. I'd expect a potential buyer would still want to check the frame numbers at least to find out if it is a 66 instead of a 65. Kind of a shame that someone ripped out the Trim Tag but with all the mods done to this car, it's less likely that someone would be thinking of returning it to completely stock.
Mike T.

[Jay G.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

Actually, when California issues their own VIN tag, it's typically because the original tag is missing. The state issued VIN tag is sufficient and completely legal and that means checking the frame numbers at this point can't be used for VIN verification. since the paperwork issued in the late 70's identifies this car by that State VIN Tag and not the factory GM tag. I'd expect a potential buyer would still want to check the frame numbers at least to find out if it is a 66 instead of a 65. Kind of a shame that someone ripped out the Trim Tag but with all the mods done to this car, it's less likely that someone would be thinking of returning it to completely stock.
Mike T.

True, I'm playin Devils advocate. Simple. Why wont the new seller reg. it in Neb. Go thru inspection, eliminate all ? With the trim tag gone, Vin gone, suffix pad decked. But has 65 L-78 mtr. All earmarks body, hood, interior etc. point to 1965. With flares, 6 lights. Can't help but feel a stolen 65. An Uneducated Inspection back in 78. (w/CA DMV). Now the potential horror story of trying to reg the car Today. Then and if found to be a 65. The car being shipped back to its alledged stolen owner from the 70's. They'll be happy the new buyer could be out 40K. As thats the word hes trying to get. Ugh.

[Dick W.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

It is illegal in most/all states to own/trade a vehicle on an open title. It is a felony in NC, and I would assume in all states, to deliver a motor vehicle without a marketable title. Seller is leaving himself open to a whole "raft of s**t" if he gets caught.

[Mike T.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

It does look like the current owner is trying to skate on not fees by not registering this vehicle in his name unless he's a dealer. Anybody considering this car has to be very thorough and they should try to contact the PO whose name and address are on the front of that old Calif Pink Slip as well as the California DMV because when they issued that State VIN Tag they would have had to verify the frame numbers to the owners title paperwork. They wouldn't have issued that adhesive backed VIN tag without it. A few calls should be enough to find out if everything is as it should be. Of course with California furloughing state offices one day a week (or maybe it's one day a pay period, not sure), you can bet it will take a while to find out the necessary info.
Mike T.

[Mike T.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

According to that ad, there is a title. That title was signed off in early March this year. If this current seller didn't fill out the info for New Owner on the backside of that Pink Slip, the next guy in line would. There used to be, and maybe still is, a requirement that transfer of Title, again in California, be accomplished within 10 days of the release signature on the front otherwise there is a penalty fee. The only hook is that the seller typically notifies the DMV of the sale of their vehicle and who it was sold to and if the DMV realize's there was another transaction in between 'where they didn't receive their fees', the State Board of Equalization might send the 'interim owner' a letter.
Mike T.

[Jay G.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

It is illegal in most/all states to own/trade a vehicle on an open title. It is a felony in NC, and I would assume in all states, to deliver a motor vehicle without a marketable title. Seller is leaving himself open to a whole "raft of s**t" if he gets caught.

I looked into this car couple mos ago. At 32k. The 1978 to 2010 owner seemed somewhat straight. But then again, not full disclosure. Just Common sense dictates to stay away. The New seller does appears to be fragrently offering this "Ride" without consideration for the potential probs. down the rd. for its new e-Bay owner . Or fraud if you will.

[Mike T.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

Jay, it sounds like the seller is disclosing very little about this Roadster. As you said, that just makes any potential buyer that much more suspicious about the car. Besides the previous owner, who apparently wasn't a wealth of information either, did you have any luck trying to get info from the California DMV? Kind of a shame that it's such an uphill battle trying to get the skinny on this Roadster because it would be neat if it really was, or rather 'used to be', a 65 396.
Mike T.

[Jay G.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

Jay, it sounds like the seller is disclosing very little about this Roadster. As you said, that just makes any potential buyer that much more suspicious about the car. Besides the previous owner, who apparently wasn't a wealth of information either, did you have any luck trying to get info from the California DMV? Kind of a shame that it's such an uphill battle trying to get the skinny on this Roadster because it would be neat if it really was, or rather 'used to be', a 65 396.
Mike T.

I'm in the mrkt. Sold my 67 L79/ N-14/ 977 car Last year. Like an idiot. As my Dad told me "Houses and Cars. You don't think what you have is that Great. Till ya start lookin' around". So this I believed 65 look great. Love 396 or 65 Fuel car. If priced right. But too good to be true. A driver, You could Deal w the flares etc. But got VERY little info. Just enough to tell me its a 65 w/a HISTORY. Person could own that car for long time. Then one Day the "Federales" show up with a smile and piece of paper. Who needs it. Better them than me senerio. But hope the next guy does his homework.

[Ken A.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

It is illegal in most/all states to own/trade a vehicle on an open title. It is a felony in NC, and I would assume in all states, to deliver a motor vehicle without a marketable title. Seller is leaving himself open to a whole "raft of s**t" if he gets caught.

Dick, GM dealers sell open title vehicles to each other every day, except weekends.

[Ridge K.]

Re: 65/66 E-Bay BB 427 Be Very Careful

I'm in the mrkt. Sold my 67 L79/ N-14/ 977 car Last year. Like an idiot. As my Dad told me "Houses and Cars. You don't think what you have is that Great. Till ya start lookin' around". So this I believed 65 look great. Love 396 or 65 Fuel car. If priced right. But too good to be true. A driver, You could Deal w the flares etc. But got VERY little info. Just enough to tell me its a 65 w/a HISTORY. Person could own that car for long time. Then one Day the "Federales" show up with a smile and piece of paper. Who needs it. Better them than me senerio. But hope the next guy does his homework.

Jay, you are 100% correct.

A friend of mine bought a used high-end motorcycle from a casual friend.
Got a tremendous buy.

Then about a year later, an FBI agent knocked on the door. The motorcycle was part of a large interstate chopshop ring inventory.
My friend didn't get into trouble,......just lost the bike and quite a bit of money.
Ironically, the crooked seller somehow got out of charges thru some fancy legal manuvering.