Finding Original Owner

[Robert #40276]

Newbie here...We are in the process of restoring a 1972 coupe. Looking for help in locating the original owner. The registration certificate from 1985 that we found under the seat shows a CA owner. Is there a way to search for previous owners using the VIN number?
1Z37K2S506079 Thanks in advance!
Pamela

[Peter M.]

Re: Finding Original Owner

Pamela - I'd start as simple as computer telephone directory search under name and city. I'm here to tell you it worked for me ! I found my original owner and even traveled to California to spend several days with he and his family. It has been a very gratifying and wonderful experience. We remain in touch to this day.

[Charlie P.]

Re: Finding Original Owner

I think most, if not all, states will provide title searches, with some going back further in time than others. I don't know how much you know about the ownership history other than what your post states, but I would start with a title search in the state in which you bought it. I did this with my '71, and was able to track down the son of the original owner (he inherited the car).
I was lucky though, because the ownership chain was quite short.

You can download title search forms from the states' DMV sites. Your search has to fit one of about ten reasons for conducting it- I checked off "research". Technically, you are not allowed to do a search just to find the ownership chain.

I would certainly try to get hold of the person on the registration you found. That bit of information may be more fruitful that the title search.