Interesting, just looked it up. Looks like Vermont charges tax regardless of age of the vehicle on the NADA value unless you can get an exception. I would try and explore the MD/VA route using a friends address or something. 2,600 is a lot to pay in tax for an old unrestored truck. In VA antique tags will cost you like $50 and they have lifetime validity (no yearly registration or inspections)

In VA the minimum tax you pay when you get your title in $75

Edit: The truck is 50 years old, I feel the govt has already got it’s fair share of taxes out of it