<VV>Re-Vin

[Bill Elliott]

airvair wrote:

>It would seem to me that in a case-by-case basis, the Shelby owner who
>had the REAL body could claim that the VIN plate had been stolen off the
>car. Hence, the guy with the plate would have to turn it over to him,
>especially since he already had a stamped # all his own. After all, the
>plates can be easily removed, while a body with a stamped body # can't.
>  
>
>  
>
No, a legal chain of custody for the plate was established.  The plate 
was removed by a former owner of the car. Both the plate and the 
plateless body were  legally sold... the buyer of the body knowing that 
it did not include the plate. I only gave the example because it's a 
real world instance of what can happen but also where the actual vehicle 
identity lies.

In the US we have this belief that the vehicle identity resides in the 
body and/or chassis (a belief you've clearly represented with your 
opinion above)... when in reality that's just another car part... like a 
door or even an engine... readily (and routinely) switched. In many cars 
the body is very readily removed. 

European rules take this fact into account... US rules don't... until 
they are forced to in instances like these.

Bill


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