If I were a judge that could rule, I would rule the man could never sell the car, and that it become encased in a family trust. The only way the car could leave that trust would be straight to destruction. (at least that, or I would rather return the car, and demand the full and complete restoration be done quickly, permanent registration, and on the State of Kansas' dime.) Sort of like museums having items that cannot be held in ownership by anyone, yet be held in possessive custody. People make laws, people can make allowances and provisions in the laws without undermining them. But, might be a reason I am not a judge. (in addition to not going to law school and passing the bar and practicing and all that other stuff...)
When I sold my 71 GS455 to New Jersey, around 20 years ago, I noticed something weird. Luckily I had records going back to one of the earliest owners with registrations. At one point, it got registered and a couple of the numbers in the VIN got swapped. But we were afraid it may be a problem when it got to NJ. So I made an appointment with the Washington State Patrol to review all of the documents to address it prior to completing the sale. I got to the inspection site with a folder full of registrations, when it was sold as a used car, etc... told the guy and showed him the VIN, current registration, and he said... "fixed." No problem. But it could have been a big deal when it got to NJ. It's one of those things I think about whenever someone is selling a car and says "Lost title, but they're easy to get..." If it's easy - get it!!!
Who would have thought that removing the VIN plate could cause all those issues I doubt this was a body swap. You would think a professional restoration would have included the proper rivets, it that had been done this would not have been an issue.
Pretty sad when a state like Kansas are a bunch of Commies now, why are they even looking at his Vin plate ? I would have filed an insurance claim the day they stole my car .
In MO, if you want to title an out of state car, you either need to have it inspected by a state qualified location, or have the cops come out and do a VIN verification. I don’t think they’ve ever looked that closely at mine, though. They have a knack of filling out the paperwork wrong, though. Always one of the new guys that comes out and I end up teaching them how to fill it out.
I am not surprised at the issue, but I do wonder where the stealership he bought it from stands on this? He probably has a civil case pending against them.
I live in Kansas. When my Wildcat came here from New Hampshire, I had to go to the Kansas Highway Patrol for inspection. While my VIN tag was properly attached, the trooper looked at the other, not so visible locations for the VIN and they matched. Either the trooper who inspected this car stopped at the rivets and never checked elsewhere, or the judge is being obtuse. If the numbers are good all around, he should’ve got his car back by now. Something doesn’t quite make sense here.
This happened in Kansas? I find that truly amazing. Apparently, a lack of common sense in the law can occur anywhere.
While many on this site subscribe to the idea that removing tags is no big deal, it obviously can be a big deal. Given how many Corvettes were stolen back in the day, there maybe more to the story than we know. Either way, I don't think it fair to judge Kansas law.
Yup, as we've discussed these laws vary state to state. It certainly can be a big deal but, assuming this one was a legit deal done to to restore, if it had been done correctly it wouldn't have been an issue. On the other hand, & I'm not blaming the victim per se, but had the buyer done his due diligence and consulted an expert(s), this could've been avoided. That's what makes this site such a valuable resource. One can for all intents and purposes get a free evaluation on any Buick here. I can't imagine there aren't comparable Corvette sites.
Same in Florida. The guy wrote the mileage where the weight should be entered. For five years I have been the only owner of a 2005 Dodge Magnum RT that weighs 134,000 lbs. The state finally caught it on the third renewal of the registration. I will get the matter resolved Wednesday.
OK LISTEN UP!! I was a part of this deal. I was brought in as an expert witness about this car. Before everyone gets their panties in a wad. Let me tell you this side of the story. This car has a VIN plate that was tampered with. They used like 1/4 inch x 1/2 rivits first off. Unless the state can find the secondary VIN the law states they impound the car. The back up VIN on the frame it was found welded over and ground smooth. The engine doesnt match the title or the VIN. In the state of Kansas it is required to be impounded. Is is right to crush the car NO! but this guy didnt do his homework when buying the car. He tried to sue the state over "damages" to the car when in fact the restoration on this car is about 20 years old and it was a Earl Shibe paint job at best. Ive seen the car in person and its not that nice. He should be suing the people he bought it from if hes not already. That cars paperwork looks like a stolen car. that someone swaped VIN plates on. I wish it wasnt true but it is. Social media wont fix this either. The news media knows nothing about cars either. THERE IS A CRIME thats call tampering with a VIN . Its a felony to fuk with the VIN PLATE. You have no idea how many people mess with their VIN and it could be terminal to the car. The car in my opinion should get a new state ID and let the guy keep it. Everyone wins that way. The problem is the VIN and title are to a car not stolen but nothing else can prove it. Thats the bottom line.
Thank You Mike, it's always good to hear the other side of the story. It makes more sense now. Hope they find a way NOT to destroy the car.
