When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ah, so that answers it. I missed the bit about no title. I was wondering if it was in fact the one owner lady selling the car or if it was a flipper. My guess would now be it's a flipper and bought the car from the estate or after all these years the lady is old and forgot where the title is.
I believe Mass doesn't issue titles for anything that old. It probably has a transferable registration which acts as the title. This is common practice in many states. The seller would do himself a favor by clarifying that in the ad, if he wants to attract out of state buyers. Unfortunately craigslist doesn't have this option when listing the title status.
As for the car, if it was closer I'd look at it. I have always liked the patina look, if it's solid as claimed to be, its a decent buy IMHO. Looks ok from here, but a thorough inspection might prove otherwise. Stranger things have happened.
The sound deadner leaking from the dash tells me it probably has a strong aroma of mouse ****..
I believe Mass doesn't issue titles for anything that old. It probably has a transferable registration which acts as the title. This is common practice in many states. The seller would do himself a favor by clarifying that in the ad, if he wants to attract out of state buyers. Unfortunately craigslist doesn't have this option when listing the title status.
That was certainly the case when I lived in MA in the 1970s.
any car or truck no matter the year requires a title in mass,it has been this way for quite some,maybe the 80s.it would be possible for someone to own something from before that title change that didnt require a title when they got it.it can be a real problem here
any car or truck no matter the year requires a title in mass,it has been this way for quite some,maybe the 80s.it would be possible for someone to own something from before that title change that didnt require a title when they got it.it can be a real problem here
Interesting.
In NY state, no vehicles prior to 1973 have titles.
Wonder if the seller is aware as it seems he never legalized it. Im assuming the rear license plate is original ?
He may have the transferable regi without realizing it...
"i have some paperwork including orig bill of sale from peter fuller oldsobiel"
I am not a Massachusetts residence, but my research tells me:
Classic vehicles in Massachusetts generally need a title, but there's a significant exemption: passenger vehicles model year 1980 and older purchased before November 26, 1990, are exempt from titling, while newer or later-purchased classics usually require a title to register, often using the previous owner's signed title or, if title-exempt, a bill of sale and registration for registration.
When a Title IS Needed:
Most Classics: If you buy a classic car (even an older one) after the cut-off date (Nov 26, 1990) or if it's a newer classic (like 25+ years old but post-1980), you'll need the seller's signed-over title to register it in MA.
When a Title IS NOT Needed (Title-Exempt):
Pre-1980 & Pre-1990 Purchase: If the vehicle is a 1980 or older model AND was purchased before November 26, 1990, it's exempt from titling.
Proof for Exemption: For these exempt vehicles, you'll typically use the seller's signed registration and a bill of sale to register it at the RMV.
I am not a Massachusetts residence, but my research tells me:
Interesting.
I did some research of my own inspired by your post. Some ametuer detective work on my part if you will.
No front plate ?
Answer = front plates were not required till 1993.
Only 6 digits on plate ?
Answer = beginning in 1995 they started adding a 7th digit.
Type of plate ?
Answer = green on white 6 digit were issued from 1977-1993.
Taking all this into consideration along with info and pictures provided in ad. This car has been off the road for 30 years ?
By the way Keith good looking Olds in your signature pic. Hot Rod was impressed to say the least with your model, May 1988.
"The Cutlass Calais International Series Coupe and Sedan are proven performance cars. To cite just one accomplishment: In only its third outing in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk race series, a Quad 4-powered Cutlass Calais beat all the Porsche 944s and Ford Mustang GTs in qualifying." https://www.hotrod.com/features/cutl...982-1406-18j-1
Wow ! My friend had a gorgeous 944, it was fun, great car, and 5.0 Stangs need no introduction.
So the 1988 Cutlass Calais International Series was the precursor to the last 442 ... and the last 442 had credentials....
In NJ the buyer of an old car from a no title state requires absolute proof the person who sold you the car was the owner. So with no title a registration with the sellers name and address will suffice. Without this you are S O L.
Looks like no accidents but surface rust is everywhere. How deep is the question. Its a cutlass, 5 grand tops..if you can get a title. It would be a fun project no doubt. Seems like a very solid loaded old cutlass.
