That is correct - year of titling/registration, not model year, was quite common.
Some manufacturers did not even give year designations (GMC, for example), but Chevrolet had model years that did not necessarily match the calendar year.
VA has no computerized records prior to 1972. They will register a vehicle that is not in their active system as whatever year is on the title or is on the last hard-copy registration card that you submit
