How to Get a History Report for an Antique Vehicle
There are several ways to obtain reports to reconstruct the history of an antique vehicle. Classic car history is often anecdotal. Unless the automobile was made from a kit, every car has a vehicle identification number, or VIN. Use the VIN to look up chain of ownership and insurance claim history occurring in 1981 and later. In 1981, legislation allowed vehicle identification numbers to serve as a searchable tracking code. Query the current owner for ownership history prior to 1981 and restoration history.
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Instructions
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Contact either your Department of Motor Vehicles or Office of the Secretary of State, whichever handles vehicle records in the applicable state. Many offices allow walk-in requests. There may be a fee.
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Examine the record. The record will not display complete vehicle repair history, but rather ownership and nature of title. Title categories vary by state. Typical title categories include "clear" and "salvage." A clear title means that the car has never been classified as salvage. A salvage title is attached to an auto that is damaged and cannot be driven. Restored or repaired cars can be reinspected and reclassified at a later date.
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Order a vehicle history report. Companies like Carfax offer history reports based on the VIN. Reports contain insurance claims and major repairs occurring from 1981. This will include warranty repairs on vehicles under warranty from 1981 or later, and work performed based on insurance claims for weather damage, accidents or vandalism. Vehicle history reports do not include modifications or repairs performed by the owner, or restoration work.
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Ask the owner about restoration work. Look at photos taken throughout the ownership of the vehicle and material provided by past owners.
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Inspect the vehicle to corroborate history. If reports reveal repaired damage, inspect the frame and major components for appropriate repairs.
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Research the history of the car's model. While it may not shed light on the history of the individual vehicle, information on the development of the make and model and the production plant is interesting trivia to round out the automobile's legacy.
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Tips & Warnings
Cars made from a kit, or from scratch, do not have an issued title or VIN. Title can be transferred from a donor car substantially used for parts to create the new car, or an abandoned car. In the case of the latter, a bonded title is issued. This protects the car owner if the owner of the long-abandoned car comes forward. The bond money is paid to the original owner. The title is clear after a period of three years.
References
- Photo Credit classic car image by Mariusz Blach from Fotolia.com vintage car image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
