Classic vehicles are precious antiques that symbolize an era and lifestyle. A fully repaired 1950s Chevrolet Bel Air or a pre-1940s Bentley may be one of the best valuables. The knowledge, fleet, and experience of an auto transport company moving antique or classic cars with a premium service should be considered together with its pricing.
Preowned Auto Logistics provides specialist equipment and carefully handles shipments without other freight to address your concerns. It promises to deliver any classic car safely and without additional fees. We value your investment and strive to transfer it in the same condition as received, assuring the highest level of security and protecting it.
Why Special Transport for Classic Cars?
Modern cars come with durable components and finishes that can withstand hail, stones, and general wear and tear. Classic cars come with materials that are fragile or impossible to replicate. Think about it. If a stone chip damages the paint on your everyday vehicle, you’ll be annoyed, but it’s an easy fix. On a classic car with factory color-matched paint? Well, that’s a different story.
Tech and components which are difficult or impossible to replace
Classic cars often have intricate tech and rare components that come from unintended places. Just one jolt can damage these non-modern-day parts and lead to a bill for repair that might undo the value of your vehicle. Rubber seals become brittle and crumbly. Wiring that looks fine can become brittle and crack. Road vibration can cause the super-tight trims to loosen.
Might decrease the car’s value due to damage
Even the slightest imperfection on the body, such as marks or scratches, might have an expensive fix. The open trailer exposes it to paint imperfections like road rash, dinged-in panels, or tar splatters that can be even more expensive—exposure to weather, wind, potential vandalism, or pranks where someone throws something at the car.
More delicate paint than typical cars
The paint used on classic cars is often softer than the paint used on modern vehicles, making it more susceptible to wear and tear from environmental factors. Original upholstery, carpeting, and vinyl surfaces can fade in sunlight, get stains from something that spills in transit, develop nicks or tears during transport, or wear down while being loaded and unloaded. Over-exposure to sunlight can quickly bleach out all the originality and color inside the car.
Choosing the Right Transport Type for Classic Cars
One of the most vital decisions you’ll face when transporting your classic car is the choice of transport method. Most often, this is a decision between enclosed or open transport; however, there are other factors to consider within each category.
Enclosed vs. open transport
- Ensuring maximum protection and preservation: Enclosed auto transport is the best choice when relocating classic cars. Enclosed carriers have a fully enclosed trailer and protect vehicles from bad weather, road debris, and prying eyes. This is particularly important when considering factors like paint, chrome, and the interior.
- Open transport exposes the car to weather, including rain and sun, and direct road debris like rocks and dirt that can chip paint, scratch chrome, and damage interiors. Plus, while open transport is cheaper, the cost of respraying a car, replacing damaged chrome, or fixing the upholstery is far higher than any savings if a classic car is shipped on an open carrier. Would you feel comfortable wearing your vintage wristwatch tied to your wrist with a bungee cord while riding a motorcycle during a thunderstorm?
- Single-car vs. multi-car enclosed carriers: It’s important to note that there are two types of enclosed transport carriers. A single-car enclosed carrier transports just one vehicle. This option provides the best protection and lowest risk of damage since there’s no shifting around of cars in transit. Equipped with adequate tie-down points, they limit the chances of accidental movement and thus potential damage.
A multi-car enclosed carrier is an enclosed trailer that transports up to five cars at a time. While there is less risk of damage compared to open carriers, the cars are closer together, so there’s some level of risk simply due to proximity.
Factors to consider
The distance being traveled, the value of the car, and what time of year it is should all be considered when making your decision. For longer drives and more expensive vehicles, single-car enclosed transport is ideal. Also, whenever the weather is likely to be extreme, whether that means the heat of summer, snow, or rain, enclosed transport is even more critical.
Preparing Your Classic Car for Shipping
A bit of prep can go a long way in making for an easy and damage-free transport experience. Here are some tips on what you can do before your classic automobile gets picked up:
- Clean and empty the car: Clean cars are easier to inspect, and you’ll want to scrutinize the vehicle to document any damage before the car’s journey begins. Stripping the car of personal items means there’s nothing to rattle around during transit. Removing personal property also means avoiding the risk of your belongings getting lost in transit.
- Take good photos: Snap pictures of every square inch of the inside and outside of your car, including close-ups of scratches, dents, dings, and other blemishes. If you have any damage to the vehicle, you want a record of it all before it’s loaded and shipped. You also want to include tight shots of the edges of the bumpers, fenders, rocker panels, and other areas that are susceptible to getting scuffed, scratched, or dinged.
- Check fluid levels, battery, and tire pressure: A little bit of mechanical assurance will go a long way in making the pickup or delivery process go smoothly. Check the tire pressure, make sure the car battery is charged, the oil is filled, and there are no fluid leaks. Low tire pressure or a dead battery could delay or halt the loading or unloading process.
- Secure or remove items: Tape or pad down mirrors, hood ornaments, and antennas. Put covers or pads on leather seats, wood trim, or any other area that’s easily scuffed or stained. Tape the steering wheel where it meets the column to prevent it from spinning freely and causing scuffs. Protect edges that are chips waiting to happen by taping them off with painter’s tape.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Understanding insurance is key to protecting your classic car during transportation.
- Understanding carrier-provided insurance and optional supplemental coverage: A reputable transport company should have insurance for damage caused during transit, but it may not cover the full value of your vehicle. Consider supplemental insurance to ensure your vehicle is fully protected.
- Steps to ensure your classic car is fully protected during transit: Read the carrier’s insurance policy, looking for coverage limits and any exclusions. Please request a copy of it for yourself. Discuss supplemental options with your auto insurance provider or a company specializing in classic cars.
- How to handle claims in case of accidental damage: If damage or loss occurs, document the situation with photos and detailed notes. Report the damage or loss to the carrier and your insurance provider as soon as possible, and follow their claim procedures. Complete forms and submit all documentation according to their guidelines.
Tips for Smooth Classic Car Transport
- Clearly communicate your needs and expectations to your transport provider. Please provide detailed information about your classic car, including its make, model, year, and any special requirements. Discuss your preferred pickup and delivery dates, and confirm any specific instructions for loading and unloading.
- Scheduling pickup and delivery windows in advance: Schedule pickup and delivery windows well in advance to ensure availability and avoid delays. Be flexible with your dates, as transport schedules can be affected by weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Choosing a provider experienced in handling collectible and vintage vehicles: Opt for a transport provider with a proven track record of handling classic, vintage, and collectible cars. Look for companies that specialize in enclosed transport and have experience with the unique challenges of shipping these types of vehicles. Check online reviews and ask for references from other classic car owners.
Benefits of Using Preowned Auto Logistics for Classic Cars
Preowned Auto Logistics has a special care process that caters to your specific needs.
- Experience with classic, vintage, and exotic cars: PAL has the expertise necessary to minimize risks and deliver your vehicle safely. Our agents are trained to spot potential trouble areas and take pre-emptive action to ensure your shipment is successful.
- Fully enclosed door-to-door services: Preowned Auto Logistics’ services offer convenient, fully enclosed transport that eliminates road wear, damage from the unintended, and the chances of adverse weather. Your car will be loaded in an enclosed trailer right at your( or its) location and delivered in the same fashion.
- No worries, professional handling, and personal support: PAL handles the entire process from pickup to delivery and knows how to keep you informed along the way. Add our expertise to your many years of priceless car ownership experience, and we know you’ll be as enthused about our service and follow-through as you are about your collection.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment and Your Peace of Mind
Classic car shipping is no easy task if you want your vehicle to arrive at your destination in one piece. To do so, you need to understand the special needs your vehicle will require. Have a plan for its pickup preparation, schedule it where necessary, and be ready for it upon arrival.
More precisely, prepare it for shipping, ensure enough insurance coverage, and select a transport provider with special skills for high-end, high-value vehicles. Only you know how much time, money, and effort have gone into caring for your asset. Don’t let any of that go to waste with less-than-special handling just because it’s an extra step.
A final word: To ship your classic vehicle, call Preowned Auto Logistics. You and your investment deserve the best, and with PAL handling the details, you can make that happen with zero worries. Rest easy knowing it will arrive intact as scheduled.