69 Camaro Advice needed

[Hotrodpaul]

Back in the mid 90's I helped a friend build a clone 69 Z-28 after he found a nice clean roller with tons of NOS sheetmetal and parts from a guy that worked at a Chevy dealership. I remember the car was Green with a black vinyl top and had no engine or tranny, and a 10 bolt rear. He had it painted Garnet red with black stripes and the interior done in black std buckets, quite a stunning paint job. Back then, I had no knowledge of trim tags and vin numbers. Now he wants to sell the car and wants me to have it since I helped him out all those years ago, and during that time I have had 3 or 4, 69 Z-28 and SS Camaro's and know more about documenting the cars.

So I ask for pics of the VIN and Trim tag and these are the numbers:

Vin -123379N517XXX (6 cylinder car, early build possibly first week Oct 68)

Trim Tag: ST 69 12437 NOR XXX
TR 721 59 B PNT
10E X11

So I knew right away something was off as an early car would have no X code and the tag showed a 12437 which would be a V8 and not a 6 cylinder. So I knew one of them had been switched out. and after finding the hidden VIN, it read:

9N705XXX, (matches the trim tag build date) my heart sank, as I knew someone before my friend bought it switched out the VIN tag. The title shows the correct VIN of 123379N517XXX.

So I got to thinking was the car stolen? A rebody? Was it done properly? So I wanted to post this and get some answers from the experts.

Should I buy the car? What issues could I have down the road if I want to sell it?

Appreciate any advice.

Paul

[William]

It is at least a re-body, could be stolen. Texas DMV will have to sort it out. If it is not stolen, will end up with a state-issued VIN tag. If it is stolen, it will probably be impounded.

Currently, it is a hot mess. Don't stick someone with it.

All coupes regardless of engine have 12437 on the body tag.