Year vs Build date

[kurtwwalters]

I finally got the title for my Series I HLS30-03486 Z car. The build date is 4/70 but the title has it as a 71. It was first registered in 71 - could that be why? What determines the title year? Maybe its an Arizona thing. thanks in advance....

[MikeW]

According to the information posted here, the earliest recorded VIN titled as a '71 is HLS30-06072. I would say that yours was titled in error, but that apparently is done on a state by state basic here in the US.

I'd be curious to know why the title wasn't done until '71. That implies that it either sat on a dealer lot for a long time - which is improbable - or that it didn't get imported for a long time. We've heard stories of cars with factory defects taking longer to come off the line but that certainly seems excessive.

[26th-Z]

kurtwwalters? YOU, my friend, win the prize and I advise you to contact zhome.com and claim your complimentary t-shirt or lap dance at Hooter's (depending on Carl's mood, but he has been pretty wild lately) for having the wrongest titled VIN in all existence. It never ceases to amaze me how constipated everyone gets over the piece of paper issued by the government. For the American market, we were lucky, the date of manufacture is stamped in metal right on the driver's door jamb and I have yet to hear of a car improperly dated. I have seen plenty of production figures and VIN part references / service bulletins to believe the general knowledge of what serial numbers were produced in what years. Still, I hear so often, a question regarding the title and registration. The answer is simple; the government got it wrong. Big revelation.

You take care of that nice early '70 you have. :classic:

[texasz]

I have found that all I have to do is pay for a new title and fill out a couple SHORT forms and the year on my title will be corrected. This is in TX though, you may want to check with the AZ authorities to see if it's that easy there too.

[zman525]

my title is a little screwy too... its not the original title but it says its a 4 cylinder instead of 6 :lick:

[texasz]

my title is a little screwy too... its not the original title but it says its a 4 cylinder instead of 6 :lick:

Cheaper insurance!

[MikeW]

Unless you're about to sell the car it really doesn't matter. If you do plan on selling anyone interested in buying should be smart enough to look at the VIN and build date and know exactly what they're getting.

[kurtwwalters]

I got the car from a guy who had it in a storage lot (desert) for 10 years. Other than 1 rust spot pass side dogleg the body is good. Interior is shot. Car is complete except for air cleaner and fusebox cover/ashtray piece. Not bad for $400. I have a car cover over it till I'm done with my 72.

[Carl Beck]

Hi kurtwwalters:

To answer your questions:

The State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) determined the "title year". But I think your question is really about the "Model Year" recorded on that title. (title year being the year the title itself was issued)

In 1970/1971 the Dealer determined the Model Year.

Yes, if it was first sold to a retail customer in 1971, it would commonly have been titled as a 1971 ""Model Year". (do you have a copy of the original title or original bill of sale showing how it was originally titled? Could have been a mistake made on previous title transfers too.).

See: See: <a href=http://zhome.com/History/1970or1971.html>http://zhome.com/History/1970or1971.html</a>

Now we'll have to update "the Z Car Home Page"...Record holders have to come to Clearwater to claim their prize.... Hooters sounds good to me...we have the Original one here!!

FWIW,

Carl B.

Carl Beck

Clearwater, FL USA

http://ZHome.com

[kurtwwalters]

The title shows VIN HLS3003486, Year 1971, mo/yr first registered as 12/1971 and last mileage as 48458. Factory list price was 3596. It was last registered in 1995. Strange.

[texasz]

The title shows VIN HLS3003486, Year 1971, mo/yr first registered as 12/1971 and last mileage as 48458. Factory list price was 3596. It was last registered in 1995. Strange.

That is odd that it was first registered in 12/71 considering the production date! That would imply that it sat somewhere for 20 months after rolling off the production line before being sold to a customer.

[240ZX]

This is interesting! My 240Z HLS3002126 has a manufacted date of 3/70 and is registered as a 1970 model...in California. So I guess that equates to approximately 1300 to 1400 cars produced over a one month period or roughly 45 cars a day! Hmmmmmm, something smells fishy here regarding your registered model year.