Update
Well, I submitted requests for records to Calif DMV and Oregon DMV. Oregon (for $25) promptly sent me title and registration application documents, including those from California, back to 1975, with some info relating back to 1972. The names and addresses are blocked out, but I got some fascinating info, nonetheless. (Cal DMV sent me a printout saying there was no information for that VIN). All put together, it makes a fairly complete (if sad) story, which ultimately turned out for the best:
From Alfa storico: Date manufactured July 11, 1972
From Calif title: date first sold: Sept. 20, 1972 (to owner #1)
Sold under a sale contract dated Mar 22, 1975 to owner #2 in SF
Repossessed from owner #2 for nonpayment by Bank of America, October 30, 1975.
B of A sold to Melody Toyota, Nov. 10th 1975
Melody Toyota released its interest Jan 27, 1976 (Breaks my heart to think of my lovely little Alfa sitting, un-wanted on a Toyota used car lot for 2 months, after the shame of being repo'd.)
Sold to Bay Cities Auto Auction of San Jose (arrrghh the glue factory! NOOOO!)
Bought by owner #3 of Portland Oregon, April 1976, who owned the car for 17 years. (SAVED!!) [Owner #3 is a fine Alfista, a long-time AROO member, renowned builder and driver of Alfa race cars and a fine gentleman. His wife drove the car every day! During his ownership, the car got new rockers, floor repair, dellorto carbs, euro cams, high comp pistons, headers, Rugh springs, panasport wheels, a new interior and was painted bright Corvette yellow!]
Sold to owner #4 February 1993.
Sold to owner #5 April 7, 2001
Sold to owner #6 Jan 14, 2003
Sold to curent owner, August 2, 2007.
So it may be worth your time to get your state's DMV records. You never know what you'll find.