Complete Guide to Transporting Timeless Beauties with SGT

A classic car is a vehicle that holds special significance or value due to its age and historical importance. These cars evoke nostalgia, capture the essence of a particular era, and often have unique design features.

There is no definitive definition for what makes a classic car, but one thing is certain. When it comes to shipping a classic car, a certain level of attention to detail is essential. 

Shipping a classic car goes beyond a simple auto transport job. With their unique requirements and high value, vintage vehicles require heightened consideration and expertise throughout the shipping process. 

In this post, we’ll explore the intricacies of classic car shipping and help you decide the best classic car transport method for your precious car.

Why Classic Cars Require Extra Care and Attention

Classic cars hold a special place in their owners’ hearts, however, this is not the only reason to afford them extra care and attention when it comes to shipping them across the country. 

Let’s share some more reasons why special attention is vital.

Tangible Value

Anyone who owns or loves a classic car knows that they are more than just a way of getting from point A to point B. Typically, they will be a significant investment with not just a monetary value but a historical and cultural one too. 

They also represent craftsmanship and ingenuity, qualities rarely found in contemporary vehicles. Their rarity and uniqueness demand a transport service that promises to deliver with the utmost care and precision to maintain the vehicle’s value and condition. 

Fragile Nature

Classic vehicles also tend to be more fragile and delicate than modern cars, not just because of their age but because of the materials used in their construction. Many of the car’s parts are no longer in production or they might be more susceptible to damage under current environmental conditions. 

Their fragile nature also lies in the delicate finishes, rare materials, and custom paint jobs. All of these may be sensitive to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and physical impacts. 

Historical Significance

Classic vehicles are artefacts on four wheels and each of them has a story to tell from a bygone era. The engineering prowess and aesthetic preferences that have gone into making them mean they are a living record of automotive history.

To ship classic cars, it’s essential to handle them with expertise and deep respect for their history. Preserving their unique features requires careful planning and execution, ensuring these valuable vehicles maintain their original charm and significance. 

SGT Auto Transport has been shipping classic cars for almost a decade and their experience shines through. 

Some Common Challenges with Vintage Car Shipping

We’d be the first to admit that providing classic and luxury car shipping can be challenging. Their rarity and value make it vital to anticipate any pitfalls that might occur during transportation and be proactive in dealing with them. 

Some of the more common challenges include:

• Environmental Factors: Classic cars are sensitive to environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. These can all affect the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Look for shipping options that deliver on protection against unpredictable weather events and other environmental factors that might compromise your vehicle. 
• Damage During Loading/Unloading: Classic cars often have lower ground clearance and vintage components that require specialized handling and equipment. SGT Auto Transport has access to service providers equipped with the tools and expertise to maneuver your vehicle on and off the trailer without causing any damage. 
• Theft: Classic cars are valuable and desirable, making them targets for would-be thieves. For this reason, classic car shipping providers take heightened security measures to ensure your vehicle’s safety throughout their shipping journey. When looking for a carrier, check for secured and monitored facilities, comprehensive insurance coverage, and GPS tracking. 

Enclosed vs. Open Auto Transport – Which is the Best?

Generally, there are two options when it comes to shipping your classic car: enclosed and open auto transport. To help you decide which is best for you, here are some pros and cons for each. 

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you choose enclosed auto transport, your classic car will be transported in a covered carrier, protecting it from external elements and road debris. This type of transport also ensures a high level of safety and security. For these reasons, it tends to be the preferred choice for classic, custom, luxury, or high-value vehicles. It is a more expensive option, but it does offer peace of mind. 

Benefits

• Superior protection
• Enhanced security
• Specialized handling

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost

Open Auto Transport

With open auto transport, your classic car would be loaded onto an open trailer, leaving it exposed to the elements. That being said, it’s a popular and cost-effective way to transport vehicles and generally very safe. It is widely used to move new and used vehicles over long distances. Carriers who offer this method offer quicker delivery times and flexible schedules. 

Benefits:

• Cost-effective option
• Easier to arrange

Disadvantages:

• Exposure to the elements
• Security concerns 

Tips for Choosing the Most Reliable Car Transport Services

Your pride and joy deserves the best possible treatment when it comes to transportation, right? What can you do to ensure this? Choose a trustworthy service provider of course. 

The problem is that with so many classic car shipping companies to choose from, knowing where to start can be confusing. 

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Look for experience: A service provider with a proven track record in transporting classic cars is going to be more reliable and trustworthy. 
• Read reviews and testimonials: Do your research and read as many reviews as you can from other classic car owners. Personal experience tends to provide insights into the reliability and quality of a provider’s service. 
• Ask about equipment and facilities: When speaking with a provider ask about the facilities and equipment that will be used to transport your car. For example, do they have hydraulic lift gates or climate-controlled trailers?
• Is classic car transport their specialty?: Search for auto transport companies that specialize in transporting vintage cars. SGT Auto Transport, for example, understands the nuances of transporting valuable vehicles and their unique requirements. We can offer a service tailored to your needs. 

Preparing Your Classic Car for Shipping

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to ship your classic car, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth and secure delivery. 

• Clean the exterior and interior: A good place to start is thoroughly cleaning your car. It will preserve its condition and allow you and the carrier to make a detailed inspection when it’s picked up. When your car is clean, existing dents, scratches, chips, or other damages are easy to spot and document accurately. 
• Gather the documentation: Check that you’ve got all the necessary car documentation such as the registration, insurance, and other paperwork that verifies ownership and value of the car.
• Gas tank: If you reduce the fuel tank to around one-quarter full it reduces the weight of your vehicle and minimizes the potential risk of damage during transport.
• Secure loose items: Loose items in your car can move around during transit so it’s best to secure or remove them to prevent damage or loss. Items include spoilers, mirrors, and antennae. This also applies to any personal items which should be removed from your car as the carrier’s cargo insurance doesn’t cover them. 
• Mechanical check: Perform a thorough automotive check on your vehicle to identify any leaks or mechanical issues. It’s best to get these fixed to prevent them from becoming an issue during transit.

Exclusive Discount for classiccars.com users

An important factor to look for when deciding who should ship your classic car is whether the provider offers discounts on the cost of shipping. The good news is that SGT Auto Transport is currently offering up to 10% discount for The ClassicCars.com Journal readers. 

Call to get your special discount at (864) 508-7505. 

Putting your trust in a carrier when you want to ship your prized classic car can be a difficult decision to make. It requires careful planning and careful consideration. Every step you take is crucial in safeguarding your investment, but with a service provider you can trust you get peace of mind knowing your car is in the best possible hands.