If someone went to see the car, they would be able to see the VIN.
At least in the state I'm in, every used car on a dealers lot needs to have a window sticker with: Warranty yes / no , Year , Make , Model, VIN.
When a dealer buys a car, the title is still in the previous owners name but the dealer must send a form to the state listing any cars the are holding with "open" titles. If they are really brokering the car for someone else, they would not be required to do this.
I wonder if there are any CA laws requiring the dealer to list the VIN / make a report to the state?
Also, I posted the below in another thread.
Detecting a cut and move VIN swap requires zero 914 knowledge beyond where the factory VIN's are stamped.
If one X rays the fender stamping it will be apparent a new one has been welded in. Also a careful inspection of the front inner fender to see if it has been replaced but the actual fender is as factory would uncover this.
I'd also expect a VIN buff and restamp to show up in an X ray also.
See this for a VIN cut swap.
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2012/06/12/au.../comment-page-1Here is an interesting wrinkle. Dynacorn makes complete replacement bodies:
QUOTE
Welcome to DynacornBodies.com your source your replacement classic body shells restoring classic cars such as 1967 to 1969 Camaro, 1965 to 1970 Mustang, 1967 to 1969 Firebird, 1970 Chevelle, 1970 Challenger and even a 1947 to 1954 Chevy Truck!, .
What would a car built from a new shell be considered? From what I recall, Porsche offered a reshell program for severely crashed cars, what would one of those be considered?
I value cars / machines on what they are not if they came from the factory a certain way. To me a 2.0 LE is just some paint and options that were available on any other car.