If you are truly and deeply concerned about the matter (nothing wrong with that), an option is to consider hiring a general practice attorney licensed in (and likely located in) California to handle the matter for you or at least assist you. I actually did this once - researched over the internet, called a couple, briefly explained my need, and settled on one who helped me. Costs some money, but such professional expertise costs money to gain and everyone has to eat.

I just mean I have bought a car from someone and when it came time to fill out and sign the title and bill of sale, they said something along the lines of,

"I just transferred it into my name so the title is coming in the mail" or "we are filling out the paperwork for the release of interest now I'll send you the title when it comes"

But both of my situations there was a hold on the title so it wasnt as basic as just transferring the title other paperwork signatures and information was needed.

So before the car was sold to me they were all gung ho about doing everything they need to get the paperwork done but as soon as they got the cash from me and realized they could just stop answering the phone and let me deal with the title situation then that is what they did.


In your situation I'm worried about this estate situation and how difficult CA DMV is to deal with. But if you trust the seller and they can hand over receipts or proof that all the registration process is done then it is fine. Or you could try to call the DMV and ask for proof but good luck with that.


Lastly is CA they have these little mom and pop registration shops, basically they act as a middle man between you and government run DMV office. They have the knowledge and experience to fix or completelly do anything that had to do with registration and title of this car. Be prepared to spend $500 tho.

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Assuming the car has a title... And it's not a scam I have a tech that can inspect and I'd be willing to take a look. Once upon a time I was a "Used Car Buyer" for a major car rental company. Sounds like it's nearby, send me a message and I'll have a look and if the car isn't a POS I'll set you up with Pacific Coast Benz. There are some shops around here to STAY AWAY from.

I think one of the local diesel nuts died, there are several of his cars for sale right now. I've probably seen the car you are talking about, the street in front of his house was littered with W123's, a fintail, a W124, a W116 but I never saw a W126.

Due to the value and age of the car there are likely various ways to get it registered out of state.

I live in Newport, my office is in Costa Mesa. I'm betting the car is on Orange Ave in Newport...

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1981 240D Four on the floor, Orient Red over Parchment, bought with 154,000 but it's a daily driver and up to 180,000 miles, mostly original paint and all original interior.