Isn't this illegal, swapping vin tags Options

[GaroldShaffer]

This is an auction currently on ebay. Isn't it illegal to swap vintags? I hope this isn't someone here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Quote from auction: "This auction is for a title and all the VIN tags from a 1971 Porsche 914 that was parted out years ago. The title is clear and in my name. I will have it notarized so you can have it transfered to your name. All the ID tags come along with the title. You get what is in the picture no other parts. Great way to get a title for your parts car! "

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...5&category=6763

[larryp]

You see this in classic car circles; you are not purchasing the "title" per se, you are purchasing the car, what is left of the car here is the VIN tags. Unless the DMV has retired the VIN, the tags are still good, and the tags are the car. The title goes along with the purchase.

You then take the tags and rebuild the car underneath them and make a complete car. This is, of course, somewhat easier by sliding a complete car underneath, e.g., by removing and replacing the tags from something existing.

I have seen people (legally and properly) purchase a firewall with a title, and assemble parts around it to "restore" a car. I have also seen one case where an old race car (I am trying to recall, but at present I believe it was a GT-40) when used up and cheap, was sectioned and later, when valuable, different people did this with both sections and (properly but confusingly) claimed to have restored the original car. (Do-able because race cars get build tags but not titles, since they are not registered.)