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Establishing Title for Untitled Rare and Collectible Cars

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  • 01-02-2011, 01:03 PM
    RJFranken
    Establishing Title for Untitled Rare and Collectible Cars
    My question involves personal property located in the State of: Kentucky, Louisville
    I live in Louisville KY. I have a total of 4 Buick Reatta's; a rare car. One registered driver, one I'm fixing to get inspected from another state to give to my wife to drive. Two "parts cars" untitled as they were saved from the shredder which I can make a good car, maybe two, out of.
    The city is considering my personal property of 3 of these as abandoned vehicles for not being registered. They are parked on my property on an approved parking surface, and not in view from the street out front. No one has complaned except a city inspector who made me clean my gutters so far. I have a hearing at the end of Janurary, '11to fight for my rights of ownership. Any thoughts as to how I might win, or not and have to pay outragous fines and loose my "Hobby Cars"?
  • 01-03-2011, 06:30 PM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Establishing Title for Untitled Rare and Collectible Cars
    You obtained the "parts cars" from somebody who gave you no proof of ownership and who made no effort to transfer title to you? Have you tried to locate the last registered owner(s) of the cars?

    The documents required to obtain registration are set forth by statute; for salvage vehicles the requirements are here. A list of vehicles exempt from being titled is here; I don't see an exception that would apply to you.
  • 01-05-2011, 12:29 AM
    RJFranken
    Re: Establishing Title for Untitled Rare and Collectible Cars
    Yes to one of them; seems it came from a junkyard. And I will work on the last owner thing. Titles aside, the city just wants property taxes and to limit hte number of things I may own I'm sure-or just to be flex the inspectors muscles. I am not harboring abandoned vehicles but restoration vehicles that are not intended for use use on the highway at this time hence no registration can be done nor inspection, insurance, or licence at this date. It takes time, money and love to bring these vehicles to a state of rebuilt. I want to keep it that way and not loose them to a city tow truck. Right now I consider them personal property and not motor vehicles.
  • 01-05-2011, 07:29 AM
    RJFranken
    Re: Establishing Title for Untitled Rare and Collectible Cars
    Folks:
    Actually, I think the someone or the moderator added the "establishing title" to my title line; I never said that. My concern is establish my rights of ownership of personal property more so.
  • 01-05-2011, 11:58 AM
    aardvarc
    Re: Establishing Title for Untitled Rare and Collectible Cars
    Quote:

    Quoting RJFranken
    View Post
    Right now I consider them personal property and not motor vehicles.

    But they ARE in fact, motor vehicles. Further, they are motor vehicles that are not registered, making them subject to "junked and abandoned vehicles" laws in your state and ordinances in your particular city or county. Typically, if these vehicles or parts thereof are visible from the street, that's when such ordinances and statutes start to kick in, and applicable notices, hearings, fines/fees start rolling. What is unusual in your circumstance is that you've noted that they are NOT visible, and were only seen in passing by an inspector who visited your property for some other reason (gutters). And BTW, how/why did this inspector see into your gutters?

    Quote:

    It takes time, money and love to bring these vehicles to a state of rebuilt.
    In order to do it in a residential area, in most jurisdictions it ALSO usually takes a fully enclosed space, like a garage or shed.

    Quote:

    I want to keep it that way and not loose them to a city tow truck.
    Get a copy of the EXACT city/county ordinance you're accused of being in violation of. If the language is that the stuff can't be visible from the street, then work that angle to get into compliance - move it, or enclose it. If the language is that the vehicles must be registered, even if NOT visible, and NOT being operated on public property, THEN it's time to start talking to a local attorney to challenge the language of the ordinance.
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