How to track down an old car? Only have license plate from 80s

Fritzer · 08-14-2019, 05:56 PM

Long story short, my grandfather was a stunt driver for Hollywood from the 60s to the 90s. Unfortunately, due to estrangement, I only met him a handful of times before he passed away in my youth. He was a huge car enthusiast, owned many Porsches and BMWs throughout his life.

I was looking through some very old polaroid and developed photos, and found a photo of a Red 930 Carrera, with him and my great-grandmother in the foreground. I can clearly make out the entire 7 digits of the California license plate. The photo is dated in the 80s.

Is there any way I could try and locate the VIN number, or try and find out what has happened to that particular vehicle? I would like to purchase it eventually, and restore it to new condition.

Thank you.

Grumpy Old Man · 08-14-2019, 06:04 PM

Depending on the California DMV data base, they should be able to trace the plate history to VIN's. I don't know if there would be any privacy issues and how much it might cost. I know here in Ontario it can be done, but I'd suggest you contact them and ask.

MKSixer · 08-14-2019, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritzer

Long story short, my grandfather was a stunt driver for Hollywood from the 60s to the 90s. Unfortunately, due to estrangement, I only met him a handful of times before he passed away in my youth. He was a huge car enthusiast, owned many Porsches and BMWs throughout his life.

I was looking through some very old polaroid and developed photos, and found a photo of a Red 930 Carrera, with him and my great-grandmother in the foreground. I can clearly make out the entire 7 digits of the California license plate. The photo is dated in the 80s.

Is there any way I could try and locate the VIN number, or try and find out what has happened to that particular vehicle? I would like to purchase it eventually, and restore it to new condition.

Thank you.

I'd start at the DMV and speak to old friends and, if possible, find his old insurance company.

Good luck in your search.
Cheers-MK

infinitekidM2C · 08-14-2019, 06:30 PM

Whoever your avatar is surely can help you find it on the black market. He looks like a dude who can get stuff done.

MKSixer · 08-14-2019, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitekidM2C

Whoever your avatar is surely can help you find it on the black market. He looks like a dude who can get stuff done.

That dude combined with the dude in my avatar can get pretty much anything done!!

m630 · 08-14-2019, 06:49 PM

Good story wish you luck on your search..of course you may be aware though that a 930 from that error is quite valuable and collectable so it may not be realistic to acquire that exact car, but will be an interesting story if you do! Good luck

hubbahubba · 08-14-2019, 07:13 PM

I have no further ideas than what has already been thrown out, just wanted to say that would be very cool if you found it! If you do, please check back in.

Fritzer · 08-14-2019, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m630

Good story wish you luck on your search..of course you may be aware though that a 930 from that error is quite valuable and collectable so it may not be realistic to acquire that exact car, but will be an interesting story if you do! Good luck

Thanks for the well wishes. And yes, I am aware about the current valuation of 930s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitekidM2C

Whoever your avatar is surely can help you find it on the black market. He looks like a dude who can get stuff done.

That's me, I took the photo the other night.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

That dude combined with the dude in my avatar can get pretty much anything done!!

If I had Connery's 6538, I'd be able to get anything done too!

Fritzer · 08-14-2019, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

I have no further ideas than what has already been thrown out, just wanted to say that would be very cool if you found it! If you do, please check back in.

Yep, currently on hold with the DMV to ask questions, forgot that you could call a special number and actually talk to a human for once.

Darth One · 08-14-2019, 07:20 PM

Hopefully it hasn’t been ruined by Gemballa or RWB or any of those guys

Grumpy Old Man · 08-15-2019, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritzer

Yep, currently on hold with the DMV to ask questions, forgot that you could call a special number and actually talk to a human for once.

Could you post the pic that you're working from.....not that it'd help but would be cool to see.

08-14-2019, 05:56 PM	#1
Fritzer No one sleep in Tokyo 960 Rep 1,506 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 328i//1995 E34 530i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: San Diego, California -> Austin, Texas iTrader: (3)	How to track down an old car? Only have license plate from 80s Long story short, my grandfather was a stunt driver for Hollywood from the 60s to the 90s. Unfortunately, due to estrangement, I only met him a handful of times before he passed away in my youth. He was a huge car enthusiast, owned many Porsches and BMWs throughout his life. I was looking through some very old polaroid and developed photos, and found a photo of a Red 930 Carrera, with him and my great-grandmother in the foreground. I can clearly make out the entire 7 digits of the California license plate. The photo is dated in the 80s. Is there any way I could try and locate the VIN number, or try and find out what has happened to that particular vehicle? I would like to purchase it eventually, and restore it to new condition. Thank you. __________________ 2011 E90 328i, 1995 E34 530i, 1992 E32 740i, 1991 E34 525i
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08-14-2019, 06:04 PM	#2
Grumpy Old Man Lieutenant Colonel 6468 Rep 1,966 Posts Drives: Porsche 993, 2015 MB GLK Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Niagara on the Lake iTrader: (0)	Depending on the California DMV data base, they should be able to trace the plate history to VIN's. I don't know if there would be any privacy issues and how much it might cost. I know here in Ontario it can be done, but I'd suggest you contact them and ask.
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08-14-2019, 06:30 PM	#4
infinitekidM2C Major General 4298 Rep 5,737 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 M2 COMPETITION [9.75] 2008 135i (my old car) [7.56]	Whoever your avatar is surely can help you find it on the black market. He looks like a dude who can get stuff done.
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08-14-2019, 06:49 PM	#6
m630 Major 1020 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: '22 X4M Comp / ‘24 X3 / f136 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: nyc/li iTrader: (0) Garage List ‘22 X4MC [0.00]	Good story wish you luck on your search..of course you may be aware though that a 930 from that error is quite valuable and collectable so it may not be realistic to acquire that exact car, but will be an interesting story if you do! Good luck
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08-14-2019, 07:13 PM	#7
hubbahubba Captain 11672 Rep 879 Posts Drives: M3CX Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Az iTrader: (0)	I have no further ideas than what has already been thrown out, just wanted to say that would be very cool if you found it! If you do, please check back in.
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08-14-2019, 07:20 PM	#10
Darth One drunk poster 6611 Rep 3,649 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Hopefully it hasn’t been ruined by Gemballa or RWB or any of those guys
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