buying a non operational car in Cali.

Pishta, Smog test is necessary for registration renewal every two years, but ca dmv requires it for title transfer. Heres a link to the ca dmv process for 'title only' They complicate it by only allowing a title only transfer when the seller has previously filed a notice of planned non operation(non-op).
Do you have a signed title from the Fords dead owner? In your shoes, I would fill out as much of a 'statement of facts' form (has been stored indoors on private property) as I could and throw myself at the mercy of the dmv. Dmv does have the ability to transfer title only and grant you a temporary registration so you can get it to the smog shop.
11.175 Transfer Only (CVC §4452) - California DMV