It all depends on what the PO did. The statement seems to say the current seller does not have a title which is different. You can usually apply for a title any time in a few NE states, ME/NH. I suspect your real question is can the car pass between owners without a title now. In Maine, car 15+ years old don't "need" a title to transfer. I think the older cars can pass with a bill of sale but it is on you to prove the ownership chain if someone comes saying it was stolen 30 years ago.
Just bought mine from a 3 decade owner. He could not produce his current state title, which he said he had somewhere, but did have a 20 year old one from another state in his name which worked for me.
QUOTE(toolguy @ Sep 25 2016, 06:04 PM)
Any one from Mass , can you comment on the claim that 1974 cars in Mass do not have a title, only a bill of sale, as stated in the auction. .