Vintage, antique, classic – old cars help define American culture. From the exhilaration and satisfaction of restoring a 1928 Duesenberg Model J to owning a stable of vintage muscle cars, old cars are alluring and fascinating. If you’re lucky enough to be part of the esoteric world of old cars, chances are at some point you’ll be looking into shipping your vehicle. But before you schedule transport, make sure you’ve considered the following points:
1. Understand the Difference Between Vintage, Antique, and Classic Cars
Knowing the difference between vintage, antique, and classic cars helps decide a number of important factors, such as whether your car qualifies for specific shows or events, how your car is registered, and how it qualifies for auto insurance coverage. The category of your old vehicle even helps when you’re searching for a qualified mechanic who’s experienced in working on old cars of a certain age – and can influence the level of transport insurance coverage and special services required for shipping.
In general, old cars fall into three major categories, mainly determined by the age of the vehicle:
- Vintage car: Built between 1919 and 1930.
- Antique car: Built between 1931 and 1976, or at least 45 years old
- Classic car: Built between 1977 and 2001, or at least 20 years old.
Some states have historical designations for vehicles that are at least 25 years old. When registering an old car, check with your state DMV to determine how your car is classified.
2. Consider the Type of Transport That’s Best for Your Particular Vehicle
Because extensive road trips are hard on old vehicles, most restored collector cars, especially those in pristine condition, aren’t driven cross-country or long distances. In most cases, restored vehicles are transported on an enclosed carrier that protects them from the elements, road grime, theft, and vandalism. Also, cars that aren’t running are almost always transported on enclosed carriers that have hydraulic lift gates designed to safely raise the car up on the truck. Open carriers require that a car be driven up steep ramps to be positioned on the trailer.
The type of transport carrier you choose will depend on the condition of your car and on your comfort level. Let’s say you’ve just found a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 that you want to restore. If the car is running, you can consider putting it on an open carrier and save money on transport costs. But in general, old vehicles, especially those that have been restored, are transported on enclosed carriers. The hardtop and sides provide optimal protection for treasured vehicles.
3. What Do I Do If My Car Isn’t Operable?
As we mentioned in the previous section, the condition of your car will help you decide which type of transport is best. The steep ramps on open-air carriers require that a car is running and has sufficient clearance and power to motor up the ramps. An inoperable car needs to be transported on an enclosed carrier with advanced equipment that allows the car to be safely lifted onto the truck.
4. What is the Transport Company’s Level of Expertise?
Standard car transport companies deal mainly with newer cars that don’t need extra TLC. Additionally, open car carriers don’t have the experienced personnel or specialized equipment required to safely move old cars. Vintage, antique, and classic car haulers provide an added level of professional expertise and service. Their experienced personnel is trained to deal with the idiosyncrasies of old cars. And they use equipment that’s specifically designed to protect collector cars as they’re being loaded and unloaded on the carrier, such as hydraulic lift gates that smoothly raise the car from ground level to the truck without putting strain on the delicate drive train or chassis.
5. What is the Transport Company’s Insurance Coverage?
Car transport is safe and secure, but the unexpected can happen when it’s least expected. When you’re interviewing transport companies, make sure their insurance will cover the value of your treasured vehicle. Typically, enclosed car transport companies carry a higher level of insurance than open carriers, and companies that specialize in shipping collector cars offer insurance commensurate to agreed value coverage – but be sure to see the company’s coverage in writing.
6. Does My Vehicle Need Added Protection on the Enclosed Carrier?
An enclosed carrier will protect your old car from road debris, the elements, theft, and vandalism. However, if you want your vehicle protected from excessive heat and humidity, or from below-freezing temperatures, you can request an enclosed carrier with climate control. Are the typical chains used to secure the vehicle on the truck acceptable, or do you prefer nylon wheel saddles? Do you want your car completely covered during transport? As you request shipping quotes, be sure to include the customized protection features that you prefer.
7. Do I Need Additional Add-on Services?
Open carriers aren’t able to provide many specialized add-on services. Because they ship many cars in one load, their transit time is longer as they have to stop at various pick-up and drop-off locations en route. Also, the open truck and trailer are too large to maneuver in neighborhoods and narrow city streets, so they can’t offer door-to-door service.
Transport companies that specialize in vintage, antique, and classic vehicles can provide a range of specialized add-on services. For example, if you need to get your Lamborghini Countach LP500 from the East Coast to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance ASAP, you can request expedited shipping. With expedited shipping, your car is transported directly from your designated pick-up and destination without dealing with other cars en route. You can also request door-to-door service. The hauler will arrive at your specified pick-up point, secure the car safely inside the enclosed carrier, and deliver to your designated destination. Combine those two services – expedited and door-to-door shipping – and imagine how efficiently your car can be transported!
8. A Few More Things to Consider
- Wash the car before shipping. A clean car is important for pre- and post-inspections and helps avoid possible damage claim issues.
- Take photos of all sides of the car before it’s loaded.
- Provide written instructions that will help the carrier know about any idiosyncrasies your car may have.
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Caravan Auto Transport helps you find premium car transport services that are tailored to your vintage, antique, or classic vehicle. Our comprehensive vetting process takes the stress out of trying to find the best shipping company. Request a fast, free quote now!