I found a 1982 Vette Collectors Edition (potentially) with a very strange VIN. The title and vin plate at the window pillar match. The title does not show salvage or anything weird, just a normal title. Weird thing: the VIN is NM098463 on the title. The only difference on the vin plate is NM~098463. Anyone have any idea what this is about?

 Definitely NOT a factory VIN plate. My best guess would be it has a state issued replacement VIN plate, and the title was re-issued at the same time.
If you are contemplating buying this car, I would seriously suggest you check a little deeper into the car's history. Also, you need to check with your state DMV to see if the car can legally be registered in your state with the VIN and title it has. Personally, I would have to walk away from it...there is absolutely something unusual about it, and my fear would be that I would not be able to register, OR insure it.
A state issued VIN is usually the result of a recovered stolen car, or a car that has been totaled, and rebuilt. IF this car had been stolen in the past, and now has a state issued replacement VIN, the value of the car is far from what it would be with a "normal" VIN/title....
Do you have any more info on the car? Pics? IS it a true Collector Edition, or a clone?
So many questions......

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks for the info. That is what I figured. I dug into it enough to get the details. It is a New Mexico Level 3 VIN reassignment that is done only by the State Police. It is pretty rare. This was done because the old VIN was too distorted. No reported theft. No reported accidents and no signs of either whatsoever (had it checked out). Looks like a VIN damaged during restoration.

It was already title and registered in GA several times. I was able to insure it with no trouble. No trouble on the title and registration was just as easy as any other car.

I went ahead and took the car. It is in nice condition and I think worth it for what little I had to give for it.




|UPDATED|12/7/2012 12:53:32 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I was gunna say the "NM" in the VIN was prolly a New Mexico reassignment. As long as the price was right, and you don't have any issues with getting it registered, then I say Good Deal! Now...let's see some PICS!

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"