Questions about finding a truck

[Dmax21]

I am currently looking for an 86 c10 that my father used to own and I checked the vin and actually talked to the person it is titled too but he said he traded it too a used car dealership several years ago, but as I said it still shows its registered too him and I'm at a hold up on my search because that dealer has since went out of buisness. Has anyone run into this or has any kind of explanation of why it's still titled to the previous owner? He said the truck was in good shape when he traded it so that's why it doesnt make any sense, any ideas or suggestions is greatly appreciated, this truck has alot of sentimental value and would really like to find it.