Registering a Race car in California

I didn't have any major problem with my 65 Dart. I made a trip w/o car when I first bought it as a lien sale, with paperwork from the tow company showing attempts to contact past owners. They said to bring it in to verify VIN when I could. I told her it might be a while since I tried to tow it and it wouldn't follow my car. I drove it there 3 yrs later and they verified VIN from just the driver's frame plate. That was an outside drive-up station. I had to return with all paperwork for a desk appt. which I did at a smaller DMV near work, since my local one is a notorious hell hole w/ 2 hr waits. The computer showed ~$800 in back fees from not having registered or paid a NoOp fee for 3 yrs, but I presented a Facts form stating that the car was not driveable until now. The lady smiled, said she had a 65 Dart way back, and deleted all back fees with a key-stroke and said I was good on what I paid originally. I walked out with tags. It may depend on the counter person. I don't see that they make any mechanical inspection or care what tires are on the car.