(a) When the identity of the registered owner, lienholder and other person legally entitled to the possession of an abandoned, lost or unclaimed vehicle that is seven years of age or newer cannot be determined by any means, the vehicle may be sold as provided in Section 418.08 without notice to any person whose identity cannot be determined.
(b) When an abandoned vehicle that is more than seven years of age is impounded, as specified in this chapter, it will be kept in custody for a minimum of ten days for the purpose of determining the identity of the registered owner and lienholder and contacting the registered owner and lienholder by the U.S. mail, public service or in person for a determination of disposition, and also for the purpose of examining the State Police stolen vehicle files for theft and wanted information. At the expiration of the ten-day period, the Chief of Police shall authorize the disposal of the vehicle as junk if no disposition information is received from the registered owner or the lienholder.
(c) An exception to subsections (a) and (b) hereof is provided for if, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, the vehicle has a value of two hundred dollars ($200.00) or more and can be restored to safe operating condition. In this event, the Chief may authorize its purchase as salvage and the Secretary of State may issue a salvage certificate pursuant to law.
(d) A vehicle classified as an antique vehicle may be sold to a person desiring to restore it.