I know this has probably been asked many times, but this is the first '65 GT350 I have ever had so wanted to check. I see on the title of the car I am buying has only the Shelby serial number, no Ford VIN. I am assuming my state, New Mexico, will transfer the title using that number on it and the registration without any problems or questions about a Ford VIN. I am hoping all states recognize the Shelby serial number and not a Ford VIN, correct?
Unfortunately all states are not the same and it is more a bureaucratic issue meaning it depends on the state and also the person in the state. Technically Shelby and the Shelby VIN is the MFG of record and all states should recognize that. Some times you may have to argue the point with supporting documentation to get the correct way. If you are lucky you will not. In the end it really doesn't matter if you can't win the argument because there was only one Ford VIN that went with one specific Shelby VIN and vice versa. On the tax side a 65 Shelby VIN can be easily flagged in the system for its high 6 figure value in those states that collect personal property tax every year base on the cars value. That is what happens in my home state of MO on a evolving basis for classic cars that are identifiable as high value. A Ford VIN identifies a old Mustang not worth enough to bother.
It is amazing when looking at the title for my 1966 GT350H
Issued in Jan 1972, after purchasing it on Dec 17, 1971
Make and Body Style of Vehicle "Ford 2H" (I guess they couldn't or wouldn't recognize Shelby as a Manufacturer)
Serial Number "GT350SFM6S1431"
Still uses that number on the State Registration
When I owned Hertz car 1855, the title said "Ford 2" and Serial Number "SFM 6S1855"
My 1975 Kawasaki Z1 B, Purchased April 21, 1975 as the following--- Make and Body Style "Kawa MC"
I guess they just made them up as they went along