Welcome, Homegense, fasten your seat belt.
Ah, point taken twoshelbys, the pine box is noted also!
This entire California registration problem exists because to many "some one's" did in fact register their kit's (Duece Coupe's, Porsche, Cobra, etc.) illegally. In some cases without knowing better, in some cases it was outright fraud and they KNEW exactly what they were doing.
Shelby, tried it, darn near went to jail. SPF owners and dealers tried it, the subsequent investigation was serious. Some SPF cars were black listed (like Shelby completition series cars are) and they can never be registered again in California. Some SPF owners and/or dealers narrowly escaped jail. Some custom car makers were investigated and arrested! Business' were closed, cars were confiscated, very serious charges threatened and/or made. People DID go to jail.
The issue is to serious to ignore. All prospective buyers need to be advised of the issues they may face in any given state and in particular California; When considering the purchase of a MODERN kit car currently titled as a 1965 "whatever".
I COULD advertise MY ERA replica as a 1965 Cobra and state that IS what is says on the title. I could, and it does say that, while the statement is "accurate", it's not "true". I would be lieing if I said my car is a 1965 Cobra, period. Your ethics on that issue may vary.