I am going to guess that there is a big difference between the states as far
as how long they keep records and the cooperation you might receive from the
various DMV's (these are bureaucrat's after all). I know Illinois only
keeps those records a short period of time (maybe ten years) and getting
anything beyond a simple license renewal requires huge bribes and lots of
time :-) Also, I don't think you can assume the Michigan was necessarily
the first state of register.
If you are local to the area, you might be able to trace the dealership
using a combination of the real estate records and probate records. It
could though turn into a major job, only to find out the original dealers
records were destroyed years ago. The other consideration in that regard
would be that the dealership records are only going to get you the first
owner. One dead, unavailable or forgetful owner in the chain and your going
to lose it.
Lot's of luck.
Ken Gano
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-vtr@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-vtr@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Andrew Mace
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 1999 2:08 PM
To: Dale Olson
Cc: Vintage Triumph Register general list
Subject: Re: Ownership tracing
On Thu, 30 Sep 1999, Dale Olson wrote:
> Dear VTR,
>
> My name is Dale Olson, VTR Member # 12663, and I am curious if it is
> possible to trace the ownership of one of a car from the first dealer
> down to the present?
>
> I have sent to the BMHIT for the build records of my car, and can
> trace it to European Motors Inc., the original dealer, in Detroit
> Michigan from the information on the Trace Certificate # 99/2044 but
> there the trail ends. I can pick it up for about the past 10 years with
> the previous 2 owners. The first who had the car refurbished, and the
> second who we bought it from. That leaves about a 30 year void in the
> trace.
>
> I would like to contact those involved in the life and times of our
> TR. It is registered as a 1961 model, however was produced in December
> of 1959, and shipped stateside on December 22nd, 1959. The commission
> number is TS 63945 L Any assistance or direction would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Yours Truly,
>
>
> Dale & Jan Olson
> 629 13th Avenue
> Brookings, SD
> 57006
> daleo@choicetech.net
I am copying our membership e-mail list in case others have any
suggestions. I have found that state departments of motor vehicles often
do NOT keep old records. So, unless the previous owners know from whom
they bought the car -- or that dealer still exists and has such records of
first sale and will share them, you probably are pretty much out of luck.
Anyone out there have any other ideas?
--Andy
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* 10/Herald/Vitesse (Sports 6) Consultant *
* Vintage Triumph Register <www.vtr.org> *
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