Information on Open Car Title?

I purchased a 1965 Plymouth on ebay in 1999 for restoration. The buyer sent me the title which is a California title and it has not been igned to anyone. The orginal not being the ebay seller has signed it off and now it is open, or not igned to anyone. The orginal owner is in Calf. the guy I bought it from is in Montana and I am in N.Carolina. What is the best way to get this title in my name without going through an act of congress. I have thought about getting a power of attorney from the orginal owner. Anyone have a better idea since it is not a gurantee that I can find or contact the original owner.