He removed it years ago for safe keeping and is going off of his memory...What you say makes sense and now I'm sure what he said is not correct.
The car is a real V-Code Chalenger with a 20 year old title in his name and has all the right (appears to be original and untouched ) parts such as Hemi K-Frame, Sway Bar, Radiator Support, Cowl, Ate up Factory Interior, etc...
Too much rust and original patina to be a restore.

I bought it for what it is (without a fender tag) and I'm going to put it back on the road with or without a fender tag.