[special-K]

Yeah, unlike Tennessee, Maryland runs you through all the hoops on regular registrations. But, the DMV (we now call it MVA) never looks at your vehicle and State Troopers are not involved with anything but enforcement once on the road. Only the licensed safety inspection garage checks VIN on vehicle against title and I've never known them to look anywhere but the plate, same place the cops are going to look. It's kind of easy to put regular tags on a restored or 'built' old vehicle. Our inspections are tough, but one time and that's it as long as you own it. If it's like new it will pass on through. There is no emissions test on this old either way.
They are very easy on historic registration. Since there is no safety inspection, all you need to title and register is the signed title and insurance.

But states vary and this is about Lefty in CA and his situation sticking him in the middle of red tape bureaucratic BS. One man against a monster type situation. It doesn't matter that he's right, the officer is wrong and the system he is paid to support doesn't have the balls to stand up to him. So it's his problem and in this wonderful modern world it takes hiring a lawyer to hopefully get what's rightfully his. Flat out sucks