[Christien]

Cars that old aren't in databases like carfax - only 81 (?) and newer, with 17 digit VINS. To make sure the title's clear, you'd have to go through the government. You're in Quebec, right? I can't speak for that province, but in Ontario, you can do a lien search through the Ministry of Transportation ($8 online with a credit card, instant results) and there's also a lien section in a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). These cost $20 and list all the previous owners (in Ontario) and lienholders. There must be something similar in Quebec - start with Transport Quebec.

I just realized - where is the car title right now? All this is useless if it's not registered in Quebec.

Hope this helps.

Chris