Don't know why someone would go through all the bs just for a custom / restomod. But what do I know.
All what BS?
Someone has a lot of money in a car with questionable ownership/title. It could all go "poof" if/when law enforcement gets involved. It has definitely had the VIN switched out.
The only real solution is a state assigned VIN, and when that process is started the car may have to be forfeited.