salvage title

Hey Jane. I'm sure Robert will chime in soon about this but I'm guessing somebody had a fender bender (or cracking) or a small engine fire and it was probably reported to the insurance company which wrote it off as a total loss. Then the car was re-purchased and repaired. California DMV will retitle as salvage in such cases. Stolen then recovered cars usually meet the same fate.

Depending on where the car was first constructed. Some states require the title to say "Salvage" because it is built from parts. 

Yes, some states have confusing branding that is misinterpreted in other states.  In Indiana, "Special Construction" is called "reconstructed" because they don't have a category for special construction.  This is OK within the state, but if the car leaves the state and goes to a state where "reconstructed" means the same as "salvage", then it can get a salvage branding.

Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I have recently testified in front of the Indiana Senate committee regarding exactly this issue, as well as a few others related to titling and registration of replica vehicles.

All of that said, your car also may have been in a wreck (or been stolen) and written off by the insurance company and properly given a branded salvage title.

Can you provide some amor info on your car and maybe the forum can help you get to the bottom of it?

What maker Jane?

I'd be curious as to how PA will handle title.  Do they have to inspect it to issue you a "rebuilt salvage" or "reconstructed title"?  Is there a "hot rod" title like MD has available.  Or could you say its a kit car and get a special construction title. I was amazed to find that some states (AL) don't even require a title for old vehicles - just a bill of sale to register vehicle. It does seem to be something the seller should have clearly disclosed - most salvage new vehicle are worth 50% less than un-branded title even when properly repaired.  Heck, a stolen car with missing interior can often be branded salvage.  A trip to junkyard and $600 gets you a new interior with no safety issues at all.

Up here in British Columbia, Greg, a car stolen and then found with the interior missing can't be put back on the road. When it's sold at auction the vin is marked as strictly a parts car. Too many guys collecting the insurance money, buying the car back and putting it back together. A friend owns a wrecking yard so I've heard a few stories...

It's just as possible that this car had a salvage title long before it resurrected as a Speedster.  I'm sure the California DMV could provide the history.