Received NJ title for 69 280SL

[Pinder]

So when my brother and I purchased the 1969 280SL from New York it was a bill of sale only transaction. All papers for the car were lost.  in New Jersey there is a 14 step process to get a title. It s a long process but not impossible. Received title a few days ago. Dont pass up on a good car as long as its not stolen.

[Jordan]

Good job Pinder.  I am amazed at how each major jurisdiction is so different when it comes to plating and showing proof of ownership.  Good to hear you didn't have any serious problems.  Wow, a 14 step process.

A lot of people do not realize that New York state does not issue titles for model year vehicles from 1972 and older.  I too purchased my Pagoda in NY and was concerned that there was no title.  It is simply a bill of sale and filling out the vehicle transfer info on the vehicle registration.   I got the NY DMV to send me a letter confirming there was no title so as to reduce any headaches when exporting it to Canada.

[Pinder]

Jordan,

 Yes you are spot on about NY not issuing titles back then. For one of the cars the prior owner did manage to find the registration but the way the VIN was written on it NJ DMV would not accept it.  instead of writting VIN in full the first part was written as 280SL then the last 5 digits.

The 14 step process is well described and relatively easy to follow. What takes time is having to do title searches in  the surrounding states around NJ, (and each state takes its own sweet time about responding),placing an add in the local news paper stating I about to obtain title and getting 3 people to state in a notarized letter that they have seen me in possession of the car.