Topic: advice on tracing ownership history

[SCStang]

I recently purchased a 66 K-code GT fastback. I didn't purchase it based on this, but it was said to have been owned by Bobby Johnson who was a driver for Team Shelby for a number of years. He supposedly made some light modifications to the car based on early knowledge of what the 67 car would have on it. I'd like to somehow figure out if he actually owned the car. If he did, I would largely leave the car intact. If he didn't or I can't prove it, I will likely restore it back to factory.

I sent in for a title abstract but was only able to go back to owners (unfortunately, he was not one of them). The car does come from the little town that Bobby Johnson lived in up until his death so the story is plausible. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might be able to trace back through all of the owners?

[J_Speegle]

Hire a private investigator seems to work for some willing to go that route. Lots of government agencies can't help you legally any more.

If you did a search think there have only been a couple of threads on the subject with suggestions but no one has reported back on being successful that I can recall. If you try and do it yourselves looks like allot of time spent chasing old insurance policies, license plate numbers and scanning obituaries

Good luck

[RoyceP]

I have had good success using old city directories which are typically kept by local libraries. Often you can find out what a person's address was when they owned the car. By following up on the address of one such lead, I was able to talk to the brother of the woman who bought one of my cars new. He gave me the lady's married name and phone number. Next thing I did was call up and talk to the original owner, the lady in question.

I recently purchased a 66 K-code GT fastback. I didn't purchase it based on this, but it was said to have been owned by Bobby Johnson who was a driver for Team Shelby for a number of years. He supposedly made some light modifications to the car based on early knowledge of what the 67 car would have on it. I'd like to somehow figure out if he actually owned the car. If he did, I would largely leave the car intact. If he didn't or I can't prove it, I will likely restore it back to factory.

I sent in for a title abstract but was only able to go back to owners (unfortunately, he was not one of them). The car does come from the little town that Bobby Johnson lived in up until his death so the story is plausible. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might be able to trace back through all of the owners?