Maybe he said it to ruffle your feathers, so what. There is value and it is what somebody wants to pay, maybe that someone has mobility issues and that is the easiest way to enjoy the A. Like it or not, Shays are part of automotive history, it fulfilled a need as there are certainly many of them out there. As for misrepresentation, that's very sad, but maybe the state needs the extra income, by issuing the title and giving citation.
Think about where else are there Pinto engine available, certainly not rusted away Pintos.
Your jalopy looks like fun.