Anyone know how to run a vehicle history check on a 40-year-old car?

It’s become necessary for the Dave Woos to invest in a second car. Originally I was going to plunk down about five or six thousand for something like a 1995 Toyota or something; just a set of wheels for running errands, getting my daughter to-and-from a summer job, filling in the gaps. But then I saw the car of my dreams, being sold for a mere $1000 by the owner.

Yes, I have the opportunity to buy a 1966 Checker. It would need some work, but AFAIK, the engine is in good shape. It needs some body work, too, but I’m figuring the overall cost of getting it roadworthy initially would be about what I’d be willing to spend on a later-model car.

I can get a body shop guy to look at it and give me an estimate. Ditto on a mechanic. But I’m a little suspicious of the mileage. It’s got only 58,000 miles on the odometer, and that just doesn’t sit right with me. The story is that the first owner bought it, then died shortly after, and his widow kept it in the garage for years until the present owner bought it and started fixing it up. Yeah, I know; he probably has a bridge he’d like to sell me, too.

I’ve tried to run an online check on the VIN, but it’s too old for the websites to process.

Anyone know how I can find out more of the history on this car? The registration and inspection expired only two years ago, so it was roadworthy as recently as that.

Thanks.

If at any point in your search the name “Christine” appears, you should walk away.

I would think the best place to start would be the DMV of the state of last registration.

It may cost you a few bucks, though.

I’ll second your calling the DMV. I’ve called them to see if an untitled vehicle was stolen. I think that they offered at the time to run a history for a small fee.