QUOTE(mepstein @ Jun 2 2020, 01:16 PM)
You will take a big hit without a title or transferable registration.
Just did this a few months ago so I know it is doable. However, I would guess the best way to do this is to do it in California first so that a title is issued. It could then be transferred out of state with "clean" paperwork. I can't speak to the requirements for any other state as far as documentation as every state is different. Don't know the particulars on this car's paperwork, but if there is a chain of bills of sale then it can be done. Since it is represented as being out of the system (not registered in so long that it has been purged from the DMV database) this should be sufficient. Even better if there is a pink slip somewhere in the paperwork. Alternatively you can do what I did, which was pay a company to handle a lien sale, then have the vin certification done by them. Cost around $200 and I now have the title to the car. No matter what, if it is out of the system then it will need an inspection. Unfortunately you have to "surrender" the blue and gold plates. (In reality you can keep them and then pay the extra cost per year to put year of manufacture plates on the car.) The inspection can be done for free by the CHP, at the DMV, or you can pay to have a certified inspector come to your house, as I did. It was cheaper and easier to do it that way for me. I wouldn't let the paperwork deter an in-state buyer. Might be trickier if you are out of state.
Looks like a good car and a nice deal. Too bad I'd have to add the cost of a divorce into the price of the car.....