SAC’s White-Glove Service Experience is the Most Secure Way to Ship a Classic Car
Your classic car is not just a vehicle. It is an investment, a piece of history, and in many cases irreplaceable. Whether you own a 1967 Ford Mustang, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, a vintage Corvette, or any other treasured automobile, shipping it requires a level of care and expertise that goes well beyond standard auto transport. The wrong carrier, the wrong equipment, or a single moment of careless handling can cause damage that takes years to repair, if it can be repaired at all.
Ship A Car, Inc. specializes in classic car transport and understands exactly what these vehicles require. From enclosed trailers with soft tie-down systems to carriers experienced in handling vintage and antique automobiles, SAC matches your classic car with the right transport solution every time. We offer door-to-door service anywhere in the contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Alaska, with no up-front deposit required and full coverage from pickup to delivery. Call (866) 821-4555 for a free enclosed transport quote or use our online calculator to get started.
Open trailers expose your vehicle to road debris, weather, UV damage, and road spray during every mile of transit. For a daily driver, that is a calculated risk most owners are willing to accept. For a classic car with original paint, a restored body, or decades of careful preservation, it is simply unacceptable. Enclosed transport eliminates that risk entirely.
All SAC classic car shipments use:
Classic car transport is not one-size-fits-all. SAC serves a wide range of clients with different vehicles, different timelines, and different needs:
You pay nothing when you book your classic car transport with Ship A Car, Inc. We locate a qualified, vetted carrier on your behalf and only process payment once a carrier has been secured and confirmed for your shipment. There are no booking fees, no reservation charges, and no risk to you upfront.
This approach reflects the trust we have in our ability to find you the right carrier – and it eliminates the financial risk that comes with paying before a service is confirmed. Classic car owners deserve transparency, and that starts from the very first step of the booking process.
All carriers in the SAC network are fully licensed, bonded, and insured with cargo coverage appropriate for high-value classic and antique vehicles. From the moment your car is loaded to the moment it arrives at its destination, it is protected. SAC also offers Othex Zero Deductible Protection for customers who want an additional layer of coverage with no out-of-pocket expense if a claim is ever needed.
We document the condition of your vehicle at both pickup and delivery through a detailed Bill of Lading inspection. You are always informed, always protected, and never left guessing about the status or safety of your classic car during transport.
Ship A Car, Inc. provides true door-to-door classic car transport to and from any residential or business address in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Our network of over 15,000 vetted carriers covers every major route in the country, from coast to coast and border to border. No matter where your classic car needs to go, we have the carrier relationships and logistics expertise to get it there.
Whether you are moving a vehicle to a new home, delivering it to a buyer, bringing it back from an auction, or transporting it to a show, SAC handles every leg of the journey. Our transport coordinators plan every detail in advance so the experience is smooth, predictable, and completely stress-free for you.
Step 1 – Get a Quote
Call (866) 821-4555 or request a free quote online. Tell us your vehicle’s year, make, model, pickup location, and destination. There is no obligation and no deposit required to get started.
Step 2 – We Find Your Carrier
Your SAC coordinator hand-selects a vetted, licensed, and insured enclosed carrier with the right equipment for your specific vehicle. We match the carrier to your car, not the other way around.
Step 3 – Pickup
Your coordinator confirms the pickup window directly with you. At pickup, the driver completes a full vehicle condition report and documents the car before loading. You sign the Bill of Lading and the transport begins.
Step 4 – Transport and Tracking
Your vehicle is in transit in an enclosed carrier. You have a direct line to your SAC coordinator throughout the journey. We track the shipment and keep you updated on progress and estimated delivery.
Step 5 – Delivery
Your vehicle is carefully unloaded at your destination. A final condition inspection is completed against the pickup report. You sign off on delivery and your classic car is back in your hands, in the same condition it left.
Classic car transport costs more than standard auto shipping – and the difference is justified. These vehicles require specialized enclosed carriers, higher insurance coverage, more careful handling, and experienced drivers. Here are the five key factors that determine your classic car shipping quote:
Preparing a classic or antique car for transport requires a little more attention than a standard vehicle. Follow this checklist to protect your vehicle and ensure a smooth transport experience from start to finish.
Before the carrier arrives, photograph your classic car thoroughly from all angles – front, rear, both sides, wheels, undercarriage, interior, engine bay, and any areas with existing wear, patina, or cosmetic issues. Use time-stamped photos and video for a complete record.
Compare your documentation against the Bill of Lading completed by the driver at pickup. If anything is inaccurate or missing from the inspection report, note it before signing. For a vehicle that may be one of a kind, this documentation is your most important protection in the event of any dispute after delivery.
A clean vehicle allows for the most accurate pre-transport condition inspection. Dirt and grime on a classic car can conceal existing scratches, chips, rust spots, or paint inconsistencies that may later appear to be transport damage. Washing the car before pickup protects you and gives the driver an accurate baseline.
Pay close attention to lower body panels, chrome trim, and wheel wells. For vehicles with original paint or patina you want to preserve, use a gentle wash method appropriate for the finish. The goal is visibility and documentation accuracy, not a show-quality detail.
Even inside an enclosed trailer, fluid leaks are a concern. Active oil, coolant, or fuel leaks can damage the trailer floor and potentially affect other vehicles in transport. Before pickup, inspect your classic car for any drips or seeping and address them if possible, or disclose them to your SAC coordinator in advance.
For vintage vehicles with older gaskets and seals that may seep slightly, let your coordinator know so the carrier can take precautions. Being upfront about your vehicle’s condition ensures the right carrier is assigned and prevents surprises on pickup day.
If your classic car has an aftermarket alarm system, remote immobilizer, or kill switch, disable it before transport. Carrier vibrations and temperature changes during transit can trigger sensitive alarm systems, draining the battery and causing unnecessary disruption.
If your vehicle has a hidden kill switch or a non-standard starting procedure, provide clear written instructions to your SAC coordinator so the driver is fully briefed. For vehicles with original ignition systems that require specific starting procedures, communicate every detail in advance.
If your classic car has a removable hardtop, a convertible soft top that is not fully sealed, or any exterior accessories that could shift or come loose during transport, secure or remove them before pickup.
Remove any loose trim pieces, hood ornaments, or mirror accessories that are not permanently secured. Pack them separately and label them. For vehicles with original glass that may be fragile or cracked, let your coordinator know so the carrier can exercise extra caution during loading and unloading.
Keep the fuel level at around a quarter tank before transport. This is enough for the driver to move the vehicle during loading and unloading. For carbureted classic cars that may need slightly more fuel for reliable cold starts, a quarter to a third of a tank is a reasonable target.
If your classic car runs on a non-standard fuel blend or requires premium fuel for starting, note this in the transport instructions. Some vintage vehicles have fuel system sensitivities when sitting for extended periods – inform your SAC coordinator of any known quirks that the driver should be aware of.
Classic cars are full of unique characteristics – non-synchromesh transmissions, manual chokes, finicky clutches, sensitive suspension components, or bodywork that overhangs the standard trailer ramp angle. Before pickup, communicate every special handling requirement to your SAC coordinator in writing.
The more detail you provide, the better prepared the driver will be. If your vehicle requires a specific approach to get it onto a ramp, needs to be pushed rather than driven, or has suspension components that cannot support certain configurations, these are critical details that need to be shared before transport day.
Ship A Car, Inc. provides classic car transport to every state in the contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Alaska. Our carrier network covers all major collector corridors, from the auto show circuits of the Southeast to the auction destinations of the Southwest and the restoration communities of the Northeast. Whether your classic is heading to a new owner, a restoration shop, a show venue, or across the country, SAC has the coverage and expertise to make it happen reliably.
Our coordinators are experienced with the unique demands of classic car logistics, including auction pickups, estate transfers, and show-circuit deliveries. We plan every shipment carefully, account for route-specific considerations, and communicate proactively so you are never left wondering where your vehicle is or when it will arrive. From coast to coast, SAC delivers.
When a classic car sale closes, the shipping experience becomes part of your reputation as a dealer. A vehicle that arrives late, damaged, or handled carelessly reflects directly on you, not just the transporter. Ship A Car, Inc. works with single-location classic car dealerships and multi-generational family collections alike, handling the logistics so you can focus entirely on the relationship with your buyer and the quality of your service.
Better transport means better customer reviews, more referrals, and buyers who come back for their next purchase. SAC provides reliable, professional, fully insured enclosed transport for every dealer shipment, with a dedicated coordinator who understands your timeline, your standards, and the importance of protecting both the vehicle and your reputation. Whether you are delivering one car across the country or managing a steady flow of inventory transport, SAC is in your corner on every single order.
Ship A Car, Inc. makes the payment process as simple and secure as the transport itself. We accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, and select online payment platforms. Our payment system is encrypted and fully compliant with industry security standards. We never charge a deposit at booking – payment is only processed after a carrier is confirmed and you have reviewed and approved all shipment details.
The price in your quote is the price you pay. No fuel surcharges appear at pickup. No unexpected fees surface at delivery. No fine print changes the final number. SAC provides a complete written breakdown of all charges before you confirm, so classic car owners can make informed decisions with full confidence. For vehicles that represent decades of investment and careful preservation, transparent billing is simply part of the respect your car deserves.
Classic car transport demands equipment that matches the value and fragility of the vehicles being moved. SAC works only with enclosed carriers equipped with soft tie-down wheel strap systems that secure the vehicle without touching the body, frame, or paint. Many carriers in our network also feature hydraulic lift gates for low-clearance vehicles, padded interior walls, and climate consideration for temperature-sensitive finishes and interiors.
For the most valuable or irreplaceable classic cars, SAC can arrange single-vehicle dedicated enclosed trailers that transport only your car from pickup to final delivery. This eliminates all shared-load risk and provides the maximum level of security, control, and attention available in the auto transport industry. When your vehicle is a piece of history, it deserves to be treated like one.
Every classic car transport booked through Ship A Car, Inc. is assigned a dedicated coordinator who takes personal ownership of your shipment. Your coordinator manages carrier selection, schedule confirmation, pickup coordination, transit updates, and delivery verification from start to finish. You have one person to call, one person accountable, and one person who knows your vehicle and your expectations from day one.
SAC coordinators who handle classic car shipments understand the emotional and financial significance of these vehicles. They communicate clearly, plan ahead for any potential complications, and stay accessible throughout the entire transport process. Whether you are a private collector shipping a single vehicle or a dealer managing multiple classic car transactions, your coordinator delivers the attentive, professional service that irreplaceable vehicles demand. Call (866) 821-4555 today.
Getting started with SAC is simple. Call (866) 821-4555 to speak directly with a classic car transport coordinator, or request your free quote online in just minutes. We will ask about your vehicle, your timeline, your pickup and delivery locations, and any special requirements your car may have. Then we will match you with the right enclosed carrier and provide a complete written quote with no obligation and no deposit required.
Whether you are shipping a single classic to a new owner, moving an entire collection, or transporting your prized vehicle to a show or auction, SAC handles every detail with the care and professionalism these vehicles demand. Join thousands of classic car owners who trust SAC every year. Call today and experience the difference that dedicated service, enclosed transport, and true expertise make.
Ready to Ship Your Classic Car?
Call our classic car transport specialists at (866) 821-4555 – or request a free quote online. We will walk you through every option and help you choose the right carrier for your vehicle.
No pressure. No surprises. Just careful, professional transport for the cars that matter most.
DISCLAIMER NOTE: *All pricing estimates are accurate at time of publication and subject to change based on market conditions.
