Ted, Each state is different, but you can get a bonded title for your car after an inspection of the car by a law enforcement official and then a surety bond to protect you from any claims of ownership. Your local DMV should have info on how to do this.
Go to your local DMV and get a request for a VIN search. In Colorado, it cost $6 to do this. This will show if the Title is still on the rolls or not.
Was the original owner (or seller 30 years ago) from "the Land of Enchantment" too? The title would have been purged years ago from the state DMV rolls with no registration done on the car.
There are companies that will do this for you, They advertise in Hemmings and Mopar Classified guide. One company comes to mind is :
International Title Sevices, out of Las Vegas, Nevada (
www.its-titles.com) will get you one after some documents are provided and fees paid. Approx 300 dollars I believe.
Maybe others have other methods to obtain a title. Or I could come down from Denver with $500 and just pick up the vehicle from you so you don't have to worry about it anymore.
Post some pictures of the car, We would love to see it.
John Q