Had the same problem bringing my '54 from Washington State to Canada. Funny thing is neither the US Customs guys or the Canadian Customs guys cared that the numbers on the title didn't match anything on the truck.
It took me about a month and a half transfering ownership to me and registering it in Canada. Finally the DOT gave in and registered it in British Columbia under the VIN number on the door post.
Only after I did a lot of researching how Washington State registered vehicles back in the 50's.