I was looking into buying a Blue Star in California. But there is too much to risk and it's not legal as a 1996.

DAEK was a 70s car built to a high spec in the early 2000s afaik.

BIG AL

I'd agree, shouldn't be a problem. The vin on car should match the vin on title. The DMV doesn't need to see the car, the out of state inspection should satisfy them.

And money, they like money.

That brings up a good question. There has to be a pile of minis with messed up paper work. Each year some more become 25 year cars even if not imported as such. What knid of mess would you have as say a new buyer getting legal paper for a currently legal ( 25 years ) car here. You could lift the vin from the bonnet drip rail. What if it is on a stolen list then. What a mess. I'd want to be in front of that not behind. Steve (CTR)

The best way is to wait for another 7 years and not ask dumbass questions in a public environment.

 Ouch!

I do out of state inspections here in Central Ohio and the two things that are looked at is odometer reading and the # on the V.I.N. tag recorded. ( We're not looking at the title, just the car ). It doesn't have to be running or complete but vin tag must be attached. If there is not a vin tag that matches your title you better make one. Most vin tags are not stamped (from front) but embossed (struck from back side with reverse stamps)

Not all inspectors will know the difference between new and old (cars and vins) , some like me would. You may have to take it to a few inspection sites but it should "fly" pretty quick. (I'd give you JC look and say "Really ? Really ?)

It's all about the money, State of Ohio wants the green backs.

Where is Ohio ?

You will need an Out of state inspection to register it here in Ohio.

It should have a 72 VIN plate already ... so no problem ... as long as the DMV clerk doesn't notice its a reVIN.

And quick as you can, delete this post so it can't be used as evidence against you.

This might give you some info: //bmv.ohio.gov/faq_vehicle_titling.stm#tog

You'll probably need to get a VIN inspection/verification, in which case you'd better hope that the inspector can't tell the difference. But if you intend to go through with it, don't ever admit that you know it's not a real 1972.

what will indicate that it is a 1996? The engine? The body number? It looks like a 1996 and came from Germany. It came to USA through southern state and is in CA registered in CT.