Getting a title on a custom car?

Question

I know when people make custom cars, they have to get it titled with a state issued VIN. My question is that if the car is a complete custom machine, chassis and all, will they tag it as a 2008, or can I get them to tag it for any year? What if the engine came out of a 1970, can I get them to tag it as a 1970? homemade?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You're in a weird area. First thing is to look at your state DMV for vehicle  registration. My state makes it very difficult to register a true custom car that does not have a factory VIN.

It's not impossible, but you have to put it on a truck and haul it to the DMV or some equivalent if you do not have a factory VIN.

If you're serious about this, a builder will either know or can find out. Don't take anyone's word until you check it out yourself

FWIW, if there is a chassis VIN, some states will consider that whatever that VIN is for. You can replace the engine, transmission and rear end and it's okay.

Fieros used to be popular because they were right sized for putting a different body on. Maybe a fake Ferrari on the outside, a fiero inside. On the other hand, you could swap the old engine out for something more exciting. Or an electric.