I do feel a bit silly now not catching up the sarcasm.
Don’t feel silly. I first figured it out after spending about 30 mins trying to force CarFax to take an old VIN, and then I went to the tag agent to see what they could run. I know the owner, and he wasn’t as gentle as the good folks here. Don’t ever admit to a muscle-car friend that you’re looking at a 1969 Alfa Romeo!