Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Back in 1969 my parents bought a new Shelby GT500. Out of curiousity I would like to try and find it. I have been provided with a potential VIN number and was going to run a title search but wanted to make sure I wasn't breaking any laws since I am not the current owner of the car? I don't intend to bother the current owner I would just like to know if the car survived and where it is. I was only 8 when they owned the car but have some very fond memories and would love to see it again.
So the question is. Can I get in trouble for running a title search on a car that I don't own?

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Dave there is a Shelby Registry. Thy there first.

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Do they have a website? I got the VIN number that might be my parent's old car from Vincent Liska of the SAAC. Are the Registry and the SAAC one and the same?

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

I think......I do not have a website or phone number. One of you Shelby guys help this guy out! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Post the VIN. The SAAC is the club which maintains the Registry and Mr. Liska is one of the Registrars and long time members. If you have been in contact with him, his info will be more complete than just what is in the registry.

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

The VIN provided by Mr. Liska is 9F02R482701

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

If Vince Liska does not know where the Car is, than try to contact the last owner that may Have registered the Car with SAAC. Many Shelbys are still unregistered and may never be as they are wrecked or in the Hands of people who do not care to be bothered with SAAC. I do not know how doing a Title search will help if you do not hav emore facts than just a VIN number. There are 50 States in the US alone and who is to say it is even still on this continent? That said I am a Shelby Owner and an Optimist, so I would get back in touch with Vince and start with everything he knows. you can also post the VIN on the Lost and Found section at www.shelbyforums.com Good Luck!

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

You might talk to your friendly insurance agent. They can do things that may surprise you. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

You can run a title search on any car you want, with just the vin#. The information you receive (if any), depends on the state that you select. Each state has different forms, different rules, and various retention periods. So, if you have a potential state that you would like to search, just find the states DMV site and download the form.

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Thanks guys, I have the form. I just didn't want to do anything illegal by running the title search.

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Give the Shelby Registrar a shot first as 12bolt suggested. When I bought my 69 GT 350 I ran the VIN by Vince Liska and he ran through the previous owners as well as what warranty work was done on my car. Ford has admirably kept all production data on these cars as well as many many others. The SAAC is full of knowledgable people that love the cars and are willing to help you out.

Good luck in your quest https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Unfortunately the VIN number that Mr. Liska provided to me has no previous owner history which is why I was thinking about doing a title search. I am hoping that I can confirm this car to be my Dad's old car by running a NJ title search.

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

I have done the same on several cars in the past; recently, I tried a local swine and he said if you were an actual previous owner and could verify this, DMV in Cal should do this for you here, but I am not certain! Just what I was offered from him... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif

Re: Running title search. Is it illegal?
 

Most DMV bureaus purge their data after a few years, NY is a prime example - you need to remember it was only a few years ago that title's and registration's were one in the same. This really makes tracking prior ownership a "gumshoe" operation that takes a lot of phone calls and hours putting together.