[elmariachi]

You DO NOT NEED A VTR-68-A. The MSO is the original virgin title and bears the VIN #, so your efforts with law enforcement and TXDPS/DMW are not only not needed, they are a waste.

Step one is to get your insurance from an agent dealing in these cars (like Robin at Midwest Classic) and make sure the insurance matches the MSO (1965 Cobra). Then go get it SAFETY inspected only, no emission required. Tell the inspector to enter it into the state computer just like the insurance (1965 Cobra) and they will. Then take the insurance, inspection receipt and MSO to the county tax assessor office where you buy your normal car tags. They'll do the rest. Now more than likely, your car will end up being titled as a 2010 Assembled Vehicle (ASVE) with the notation "1965 Cobra Replica" shown on the title face. If you get lucky you might find an old school title clerk to title it as a 1965, but doubtful as TXDMV has a mandate to stop that practice.

There is also the debate about sales tax, as you purchases a roller kit car and historically the State assumed you paid incremental sales tax on all the parts, and as such does not collect sales tax on the completed car. You may or may not be asked to pay sales tax.

P.S. You can either buy new normal Texas plates or supply a set of vintage 1965 plates (available from various collectors online and Craigslist) and surrender those at the time of registration. As long as they are authentic and not assigned to any other car in Texas, they can be assigned to your Cobra.