Neil, I just bought a 83 Chevrolet van (LBC parts retriever) for next to
nothing, took the title (a legal document pressed from engraving plates like a
stock certificate with typed information on it) in to the DMV (Department of
Motor Vehicles). I was told that the great state of Georgia, in its wisdom, has
gotten out of the business of deciding who owns what and only issues
registration to cars over 10 years old. The registration is merely a thin piece
of paper, actually the third or fourth in a stack of carbon copies, that
indicates that I paid the taxes on the vehicle. What a strange thing. I don't
have to prove ownership of the car anymore to get it registered. The bill of
sale was a handwritten piece of paper saying that I bought the car. Not even
necessary to have it notarized any more.
What that means is:
1. The government doesn't care who owns the car as long as the taxes are paid on
it.
2. I can go get that old 77 B down the road with no title (the reason I wouldn't
buy it in the first place) get tags on it and drive it.
The only potential problem is if I sell it to someone in a state that requires a
title.
David Lynes, Woodstock, GA
73 Midget
78 MGB
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