To answer Superflow's question: Yes, CA does look for and record VIN numbers for out-of-state cars being registered in CA. I bought a 74 Spider (off the bb) from Oregon and when I registered it at my local So. Cal. AAA, the person wrote down the VIN from the windshield-mounted tag and door jamb plate. She also checked that the Oregon title I presented matched the recorded VIN from the car. Don't know if any more investigation was done by DMV behind the scenes, but I have my plates and CA pink slip. Hope this helps.
jeff