Hello.. I am looking at buying a 65 mustang fastback that has a salvaged title..
It was last registered 16 years ago.. The car has extensive front end damage but is good from the firewall to back of car. Front frame , fenders etc all need replacing. I would like to build a Shelby clone but my question is should I invest time and money into a car with salvaged title.. I live in Northern California ..
Thanks

 

If you're planning on keeping it, I don't think it should matter. If you're planning on selling it than I'd try to find one with a clean title.

 

Does the salvage title really matter on a car that is almost 50 years old.? Everything on car will get fixed and replace . If car was sold in 15 years is it worth less because of title..??

 

I think it would at least give everyone pause and reason to dig deeper as to why. And I'm sure it will be a deal breaker for many people looking to buy.

 

There may be a way to get around the title. Not really sure on all the options you have. I would consult with some professional restoration businesses. I don't know if vin numbers can ever be cleared if a total rebuild of an antique car is performed. A vin may be flagged permanently but I'm not positive. I know of quite a few ways to do it that are not totally legal of course also but are done constantly. My vin number and title were sold without the rest of the car for instance. Not by me of course. Either way you go, it will never bring top dollar but can be a really great car. And some people don't really care what the title states if the car was rebuilt correctly. If you do buy it and rebuild it, document everything throughout the rebuild process.

 

The car will be out of DMV records can I would get the car

 

If you are looking for a car to restore and enjoy, then by all means go for it. You should factor the salvage title into what you are willing to pay for it though.

If you are looking to restore it as a long term investment or a profit making venture, I would find a different car. The salvage title will more than likely be a factor when you are looking to sell it.

Unless it is a specialty production vehicle - an unrestored, banged up 65 mustang is really not all that valuable - salvage title or not.


Buy it cheap and have fun restoring it. Your sense of accomplishment for taking a busted old Mustang that no one wants and breathing new life into it will be something you can enjoy for a lifetime. I did it with a 71 Malibu Convertible and although the car is LONG gone, I still enjoy the memories.