[Turk]

He didn't say he bought a kit, or that he bought a Cobra. Did he?

State of California used to allow application for duplicate titles. I believe you could do a 24 Hr. turnaround. No more!

I am sure some abused it and probably sold cars that did not belong to them. Selling grandmas Buick while she is on the respirator before other family members get their hands on it, is NOT cool.
Beating your husband to the punch just about the time you file for divorce, and selling his Ferrari is NOT cool.

I understand some duplicate titles were issued to cars so freshly stolen that the owner didn't even know the car they left at the airport was stolen.

I WOULD recommend marching to the California DMV and asking them for guidance and doing exactly what they recommend. I am not at all hesitant in giving that advice.

TURK