Buying an out-of-state car in CA

[Excaliber]

Lets review the thread question:

Buying an out-of-state car in CA

How can I register that car in California, is the fundamental question. The quick answer is: SB100

jwd's mystery 1965 "car" is an unknown variable, as he wisely chooses not to divulge exactly WHAT it is registered as. We will assume it's a "Cobra" until further notice. One thing we do know for sure is; it aint no 1965 "whatever".

The very gray and controversial answer appears to be, any kit Cobra legally titled in another state as a 1965 Cobra. The KEY to that controversial question is the "legal" status.

twoshelby's think's his car meets that criteria, a quick glance at the original California title shows clearly that is not the case. Bringing that car BACK to California and attempting to register it as before will all but certainly result in failure or fraud charges at some point in time, if not immediately.

jwd is sure his car is legally registered as a 1965 Cobra, apparently without quailification, (we assume in the state of Washington). That car will not past muster with the California DMV as a "real" 1965 Cobra. Neither will any future prospective buyer fall for it (at least let us hope not).

But let's assume it DID, or twoshelbys did, or anyone else with a 1965 Cobra title!!! What's the value of a 1965 Cobra for California tax purposes? $500,000? A million dollars? At what,,, 7% tax? You will be BEGGING them to re-do the title as a "kit" car, worth a fraction of that amount! You will be swearing up and down it's all a big horrible mistake, PLEASE don't register it as "real".

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Lets review the thread question:

twoshelby's think's his car meets that criteria, a quick glance at the original California title shows clearly that is not the case. Bringing that car BACK to California and attempting to register it as before will all but certainly result in failure or fraud charges at some point in time, if not immediately.

Where did I say that? I merely provided factual evidence that SOMEONE ELSE did, and for one year, got away with it - whether it's right or not I'm not offering an opinion. And that Colorado registered it as such (as evidenced by my title) and it's the norm here. Your mileage will vary.

I for one will only make permanent residence in California if someone decides to plant my pine box there. That state is goofy.