[olddog]

I got the impression this is an unfinished car with no tittle.

In order to tittle a car, most states require (I'm forgetting the actual term MSN??) documentation from the manufacturer that documents the sale, the date, and a serial number that is also permanently attached to the frame. Otherwise it is very difficult to get a tittle. The burden of proof that there are no stolen parts is on you, and the bar is quite high. Without documentation of sales from the manufacturer, the bar goes much higher, as that is a red flag.

Why doesn't the owner have this documentation?