Understanding Classic Car Transportation

Understanding Classic Car Transportation

Think about what a classic car might be, and what the term means. It could be anything from a 1960s Dodge or Ford muscle car to a rare 40s Studebaker or Hudson, all the way to a Model T or a rare, delicate Brass Age antique that’s well over 100 years old. Regardless of what kind of classic or vintage car we’re talking about, they all need special handling and special care when they’re being shipped. They’re scarce, they’ll never be manufactured again, parts can be near impossible to locate if something fails, and they all represent a lot of hours and sweat and investment when it comes to restoration and preservation. In these next few sections, we’re going to talk about the enhanced attention and special considerations that go into classic car transportation. 

Age and Wear Factors

Age and Wear Factors

If a vehicle is many decades old, it doesn’t matter if it’s got low miles on the odometer - all the moving parts are also very old, and things degrade over time. Seals and gaskets all shrink, suspension bushings and rubberized parts will dry out and fall apart, brakes can be sketchy, wiring can all show wear and cooling systems can have outdated components or leak issues that can lead to overheating. As a result, many vehicles from the 1980s and earlier aren’t really roadworthy for a long highway trip. It  might be fine, but if the driver gets stuck along the highway after a breakdown and the parts needed are almost impossible to find, then that roll of the dice didn’t work out so well. That’s why classic car auto transport is a smart idea.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance Requirements

Every price quote from Legendary Auto Transport comes with verified carrier insurance rolled into the quote total. Considering the rarity and value of antiques, classics and exotics, though, we offer premium carrier insurance to provide coverage while en route. 

Climate Control Concerns

Climate Control Concerns

Storing or shipping a vehicle in an overly dry or overly humid environment can promote corrosion, rust or mold, and excessive UV exposure can roast dashboards,  interior plastics and upholstery. Climate controlled enclosed car shipping is available, with optional dessicants to help cut humidity if necessary. ``

How much does it cost to ship a classic car?

The cost of classic car transport services depends on several different factors. Smaller vehicles, for example, are cheaper to transport. Shorter distances also cost less. Other factors include the delivery time frame, condition of the vehicle and time of the year. If you choose enclosed auto transport it costs a little more, by around 30% - 40%.

Show more
DistanceType of transportAvg. price per mileSample distanceSample price
0 - 500 milesEnclosed$1.25300 miles$200
500 - 1000 milesEnclosed$1.00750 miles$511
1000 - 1500 milesEnclosed$0.711350 miles$700
1500 - 2000 milesEnclosed$0.651900 miles$840
2000 - 2500 milesEnclosed$0.632200 miles$888
2500 - 3000 milesEnclosed$0.532750 miles$945
3000+ milesEnclosed$0.483200 miles$1122

The Avg. price per mile rates shown above reflect current market conditions as of 2023. Rates are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, gas prices, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport

Open
Enclosed
1

Open Auto Transport

Open auto transport is the most common and most budget-friendly transport service we offer. Everyone has seen the big double-decker tractor-trailers that carry 8 or 10 vehicles to dealerships, and that’s exactly what open auto transport looks like. It’s cost-effective and is more widely available than enclosed car transport. 

 

Open car transport does have the disadvantage of leaving your car exposed to weather, dust and grime  while it’s in transit, but you have the option of reserving the trailer’s upper deck, which reduces exposure to road grit until it reaches its destination. It does, however, offer the best bang for the buck and it’s definitely safer than taking an antique car out on the highway for hundreds of miles.

Show more
1

Enclosed Vehicle Shipping

Some vehicles really call for an enhanced level of security and protection while in transit. With enclosed vehicle shipping, your car is loaded into a closed trailer (either all aluminum, or with tarp sides) and then locked in securely for its trip, away from curious onlookers and prying eyes, and protected from weather and road grit. Enclosed vehicle shipping does come at a slightly higher cost, but it’s unbeatable for the peace of mind of knowing that your car is secure and safe until it makes it to its destination. 

 

It’s an especially important boon when you remember that for longer distances, vehicle shipment is a multi-day process and will involve the truck and trailer being parked overnight. Enclosed vehicle shipment removes the risk of vandalism or damage during those overnight stays. It’s worth noting here that enclosed vehicle shipping is the recommended method for lowriders, exotics, sports cars, supercars and any vehicle with very low ride height.

Show more
check icon

Different Methods of Classic Car Transportation

Different vehicles, different transport budgets and different owners require different degrees of protection and security while the car is in transit. At Legendary Auto Transport, we listen to our customers and offer a few different options to meet the occasion

check icon

Door-to-Door Transport

There was a time when vehicle transport would have meant driving your car to a depot or terminal to be loaded up and secured on the trailer for transport, then most likely delivering it to a depot or terminal in the destination city. That isn’t a terrible system, but it’s an inconvenience that would involve getting a ride to or from the terminal, and in a rural area o

check icon

Port Transport

While it’s infrequent, Legendary Auto Transport does offer international car shipping to overseas locations. Logistics can be a little more complex, but we can ship vehicles from Gulf Coast ports like Houston, Galveston or Mobile, Eastern Seaboard ports like Baltimore, NYC, Charleston, Norfolk or Jacksonville, and West Coast ports like San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Lo

check icon

Choosing the Right Classic Car Transport Service

This is where the rubber meets the road (no pun intended, or maybe it is), and it’s of such great importance that you make the right call in finding the classic car transport service that will deliver a good outcome. 

check icon

Experience with Antiques

It’s so vitally important that the carrier that transports your vehicle has experience with cars that are rare, valuable or very fragile and have special handling concerns and requirements. At Legendary Auto Transport, we’ll only connect customers with drivers that meet those standards, and our compliance department does a deep-dive background check on each one before

check icon

Reliable Equipment

Equipment standards are part of the vetting process for our driver network. Legendary Auto Transport will only work with drivers who are using late-model equipment that’s well-maintained, safe and reliable. 

check icon

Insured for Collector Value

While every auto logistics quote comes with carrier insurance, it’s a must to have enhanced levels of coverage for antiques, classics, exotics and high-dollar luxury cars. That includes agreed-on value (or collector value) coverage, gap insurance in case there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle, and possibly valuation insurance that will cover any modifications or c

check icon

Door-to-Door Capabilities

Door to door transport is a great idea for a rare antique or classic that might be in delicate condition, or isn’t in running order. We can and do ship non-running cars (think perhaps of  a vehicle that needs to make it to a specialized mechanic in another part of the country), although it requires special equipment and procedures on the part of the transport driver. 

Reputable National Networks

All of our drivers are handpicked to make sure they’re going to be the right fit for our needs. That includes things like:

Licensing

Registration

Equipment standards

Emissions standards

DOT permits for interstate commerce

Certifications

Carrier insurance

Professionalism and a service-oriented mindset 

Tips for Safe Classic Car Transportation

There are a number of steps that you should take to make sure that your classic car shipping experience is going to be friction-free and painless. 

process icon

Document Condition

Before your vehicle is loaded up and secured for transport, you and the driver will both perform an inspection on it for the Bill of Lading document. It’s advisable that you do a more thorough documentation before the driver arrives, and take photos when appropriate. We also recommend that you give the car a good wash job first; it’s a lot easier to spot scrapes, ding

process icon

Disable Loose Parts

Please check your car for any  trim parts, loose wheel covers, antennas, light bars, accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers that could possibly come loose during transit and secure them or remove them and put them in the trunk or cargo area. 

process icon

Inflate Tires Properly

Please make sure that all four tires are fully inflated before shipping. 

process icon

Battery Disconnect

Please ensure that the vehicle’s battery is fully charged; if there’s a parasitic current draw that drains the battery over time, then disconnect the battery before shipment and be sure to inform the transport driver. 

process icon

Set Parking Brake

Even for cars with automatic transmissions, don’t just put the gear selector in Park and forget about it; please make sure the parking brake is set for an added measure of security. 

process icon

Avoid Car Alarms

Please make sure any car alarms are disabled or disconnected, and please remove any toll tags or parking tags, to avoid running up charges inadvertently while the vehicle is en route.

process icon

Clear Cabin Areas

While your vehicle is covered by insurance while it’s in transit, we do advise that you clear the passenger compartment of any personal belongings while the car is in transit. 

process icon

Caring for Your Classic Car After Transport

You’ve got your beloved classic or luxury car back in your possession again - great! We do recommend you take a few steps post-transport just to button everything up. 

process icon

Inspect for Damage

You and the driver will do a post-trip inspection on delivery at the destination, and you’ll be asked to sign the driver’s Bill of Lading at this time. If necessary, take photos and compare to your pre-shipping inspection photos.

process icon

Frequent Carrier Availability

With thousands of carriers on call, we can quickly connect you with the driver who’s going to be best to handle your classic car delivery. 

Why Choose Us

There are lots of auto transport companies out there - what makes Legendary such a smart choice?

Show more
1

Test Functionality

Start the engine, go for a short drive, listen for any strange noises and be sure that all headlights, taillights, features and accessories are working properly. Check all four tires for inflation pressure. Check the brakes, take the vehicle up to highway speed and be on the lookout for any vibrations or noises that weren’t present before. 

Show more
2

Clean Off Debris

If the vehicle picked up a layer of grime while en route, you should consider washing it before performing the inspection (as noted a couple of sections above). 

Show more
3

Check Wheel Alignment

When you take the car for a test drive, be aware of any tendency to pull to one side or the other, or if the wheel doesn’t center itself readily after rounding a corner. Those could indicate a wheel alignment issue, which should be addressed post-transport. 

Show more
4

Update Insurance Records

If your vehicle is going to be based at a new address permanently, that’s something that will need to be updated  with your insurance carrier. 

Show more
5

Classic Car Shipping And Transport Services

So you’ve found out about what goes into shipping a classic car and what you need to know - let’s recap

Show more
6

The Fastest & Easiest Way to Ship a Classic Car

Why take the chance on driving a 60- or 70- or 90-year old car that might not be reliable, and why risk getting into an accident with an irreplaceable vehicle? It doesn’t need the miles or wear and tear, and you don’t need the headaches. Just leave it to auto logistics experts like Legendary Auto Transport. 

Show more
7

Transport a Classic Car with the Experts

We’ve got the experience, the systems, the options and the qualified, handpicked network of drivers to handle your classic car logistics needs and help you come up with the right solution.

Show more
8

Classic Car Shipping Anywhere in the Country

Legendary has a network of thousands of drivers dispersed around the country, optimizing our dispatch and routing. Wherever your starting point and wherever your destination, we’ve got you covered and we can handle it. 

Show more

Check Fluid Levels

Convenient icon
Motor oil
Punctual icon
Coolant
dependability icon
Transmission fluid
multiple icon
Brake fluid
door to door icon
Power steering fluid

No Up-Front Deposit Required

It’s our policy that your account will never be charged until we’ve located a driver to handle your job, and not until that delivery is dispatched and receives the green light. You’ll never be asked for an up-front deposit until that’s all confirmed. 

Show more

About Legendary Auto Transport

Here are the kinds of things that keep people coming back to us when they need auto logistics:

Dependable, reliable service

Professionalism and punctuality

Door-to-door convenience

Transparent, no-nonsense pricing

Flexibility for different circumstances

Customer needs first, last and always