Collector cars aren’t just vehicles — they’re rolling pieces of history, passion projects, investments, and often, deeply sentimental possessions. Whether it’s a pristine 1969 Camaro Z/28, a rare Ferrari Dino 246 GT, or a meticulously restored Model A Ford, these cars deserve the highest level of care during transport. That’s where collector car shipping comes in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about shipping collector cars: from preparation and carrier selection to costs, insurance, and why Ship A Car, Inc. is the preferred choice for thousands of car collectors and dealers across the country.
Collector car shipping refers to the specialized transport of classic, vintage, exotic, luxury, and antique automobiles using methods that prioritize protection, climate control, and minimal exposure to road hazards. Unlike standard auto transport, collector car shipping typically involves enclosed trailers, liftgate loading, and additional handling protocols.
The goal? To ensure your prized possession arrives in the same pristine condition it left.
Collector car shipping isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity whenever you’re moving a valuable vehicle from one place to another and want to ensure it’s protected every step of the way. These vehicles often have unique histories, custom parts, or sentimental importance that make traditional transport options risky or insufficient. Below are the most common situations where collector car shipping is not just recommended but essential:
Auctions such as Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and RM Sotheby’s are famous for showcasing some of the rarest and most valuable collector vehicles in the world. Whether you’re a buyer who just landed a high-stakes bid or a seller wanting to ensure your vehicle arrives in mint condition to the auction block, enclosed collector car shipping is the standard.
These events are fast-paced and often involve tight timelines, making reliable transport coordination crucial. Ship A Car, Inc. specializes in auction transport logistics and can coordinate directly with auction houses to ensure seamless delivery or pickup, including last-minute arrangements and secure overnight holds if needed.
Moving from New York to California? Texas to Florida? If your relocation involves thousands of miles, driving your collector car might not be an option—it’s not just the miles but the wear, risk of rock chips, unpredictable weather, or mechanical strain that could damage your prized vehicle.
In such cases, shipping your car via an enclosed carrier ensures that your collector car arrives at your new home in the same condition it left. Many families moving across the country trust Ship A Car, Inc. to transport their classics and exotics along with their household goods, knowing their vehicle will receive premium care from door to door.
If you’re a car enthusiast or collector who frequently participates in shows such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance or Amelia Island Concours, your vehicle’s appearance is everything. A single scratch or dent could mean losing points in a judged event—or worse, damaging irreplaceable original paint.
With collector car shipping, your vehicle is protected from all outside elements and handled by professionals trained to load and unload classic cars with precision. Whether you’re moving your vehicle from a local meet-up or a multi-state car show circuit, Ship A Car, Inc. offers flexible scheduling and event-coordinated delivery.
🛠 Delivering or Receiving a Restoration Project
Collector car restorations are often years in the making and involve thousands of dollars in parts and labor. Whether you’re delivering a car to a restoration specialist or receiving one back after completion, collector car shipping ensures that every bolt, panel, and trim piece arrives intact.
Cars in this condition may be non-running, missing parts, or need special loading accommodations. Ship A Car, Inc. is equipped to handle restoration projects at any phase—operational or not—with winch-equipped enclosed trailers and trained operators who understand vehicle fragility and bodywork sensitivity.
Sometimes, collector cars are more than just investments—they’re family heirlooms. Whether it’s Grandpa’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air being passed down to a grandson in another state, or a classic Mustang given as a graduation gift, these moments are emotionally charged and irreplaceable.
Choosing collector car shipping ensures the vehicle makes its journey with the same care and reverence you would offer if you drove it yourself. Ship A Car, Inc. offers personalized services including photo documentation at pickup and delivery to provide peace of mind to every family member involved.
For curators, collectors, and vehicle investors, shipping a car to a museum or climate-controlled storage facility requires the highest level of professionalism. These vehicles are often too valuable or rare to risk even the smallest blemish.
Ship A Car, Inc. works closely with institutions and private collectors to provide secure, white-glove enclosed transport for collector cars, ensuring precise scheduling and careful handling every step of the way. Whether it’s a rotating exhibit, a permanent museum installation, or a delivery to a private estate garage, SAC guarantees unmatched professionalism and discretion.
When it comes to collector car shipping, there’s only one right answer: enclosed transport.
- Protection from Weather: Rain, snow, dust, and UV rays are all kept out.
- Shielded from Road Debris: No rocks, bugs, or grime marring the paintwork.
- Privacy and Security: Enclosed trailers keep your car out of sight.
- Climate Control (in some cases): Essential for extremely sensitive or high-value vehicles.
While open transport is suitable for standard vehicles, it poses too many risks for collector cars. It’s worth investing a little more for peace of mind and pristine delivery.
Even with white-glove service, there are essential steps you should take to prepare your car for transport:
- Take detailed photos of the car’s condition.
- Check tire pressure and ensure the vehicle rolls easily.
- Disable the alarm system.
- Secure or remove loose parts, like spoilers or antennas.
- Keep fuel to a quarter tank to reduce weight and prevent spillage.
- Provide any special handling instructions.
These measures not only ensure safety but also assist in documenting the vehicle’s condition before shipping.
Certain cities and states in the U.S. have become major hubs for collector car activity due to their strong automotive culture, regular high-profile auctions, year-round events, and climates that favor vehicle preservation. Whether you’re buying, selling, displaying, or relocating a prized classic or exotic, these locations represent the most common destinations for collector car shipping. Choosing an experienced carrier like Ship A Car, Inc. ensures that your transport to or from any of these hotspots is handled with the care and precision your vehicle deserves.
Scottsdale is widely recognized as a collector car mecca, largely thanks to the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Auction that draws thousands of collectors, enthusiasts, and dealers each year. With its dry desert climate, cars remain in excellent condition, making it a haven for vintage and exotic automobile storage and sales. Whether you’re shipping to a private collector, an auction venue, or a climate-controlled storage facility, ship a car to Scottsdale, Arizona with confidence using an enclosed transport service that understands the demands of high-value vehicles.
Los Angeles is at the heart of American car culture, boasting a robust network of classic car clubs, restoration shops, luxury dealerships, and car shows happening year-round. From cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a vintage convertible to showcasing your Ferrari at a Hollywood Hills estate, LA is a key destination for both enthusiasts and serious collectors alike. If you’re planning to ship a car to Los Angeles, California, make sure your transport partner has experience navigating urban traffic, timing deliveries for gated communities, and ensuring white-glove service upon arrival.
Miami is known for its opulence and flair, and the collector car scene is no exception. Home to countless luxury car collectors, high-end dealerships, and exotic rental fleets, the city hosts events like the Miami Concours and numerous private auctions throughout the year. With the city’s coastal humidity and occasional tropical weather, it’s essential to ship a car to Miami, Florida using a fully enclosed carrier that offers moisture protection and enhanced security features. Read Florida Car Transportation Services – Your Ultimate Guide to learn more about transporting cars to and from Florida.
Strategically located in the heart of the country, Dallas offers a booming collector car market that combines Southern charm with modern infrastructure. With several major auction houses operating in the area, including events from Leake and Mecum, Dallas is an increasingly popular destination for both buyers and sellers of classic cars. If you’re preparing to ship a car to Dallas, Texas, choose a carrier familiar with the logistics of both rural ranch properties and downtown dealerships to ensure a smooth, on-time delivery.
The New York metropolitan area — including northern New Jersey, parts of Connecticut, and Long Island — is densely populated with high-net-worth individuals, private collectors, and classic car investors. With frequent auto expos, restoration shops, and luxury storage facilities, this region sees significant year-round transport traffic. Whether your destination is Manhattan or a private garage in the suburbs, it’s critical to ship a car to New York City, New York (or surrounding areas) with a team that understands tight access points, secure timing, and premium handling.
If you’re shipping to or from any of these areas, it’s vital to work with a carrier that understands the volume and demand of these markets — like Ship A Car, Inc.
Pricing for collector car shipping varies based on several key factors:
- Distance: Cross-country shipping costs more than regional moves.
- Vehicle Type & Size: Larger, heavier vehicles may increase the price.
- Enclosed vs. Open: Enclosed is more expensive, but offers vastly better protection.
- Pickup/Drop-off Locations: Remote areas cost more than major metro hubs.
- Time of Year: Winter can pose delays; summer sees higher demand.
On average, enclosed collector car shipping ranges from $1.00 to $2.00 per mile depending on distance and vehicle value.
Yes — but always verify.
Reputable brokers like Ship A Car, Inc. only work with licensed, bonded, and insured carriers. That said, it’s critical to confirm:
- The exact coverage limits on your vehicle.
- Whether the insurance is primary or secondary.
- If damage during loading/unloading is included.
- Whether your personal auto policy also provides coverage during shipping.
For high-value cars, you may wish to purchase additional gap insurance just for the transport period.
Yes. Non-running collector cars can be shipped, but it requires special equipment and possibly a winch or liftgate. Not all carriers can accommodate this, so it’s essential to let your broker know ahead of time. Ship A Car, Inc. regularly handles non-operational classics and will match you with a suitable carrier.
Absolutely. Whether you’re a private collector or a dealer, enclosed multi-car trailers are available. These are ideal for auction deliveries, show fleets, or collector inventory moves. Discounts may also apply for multiple vehicles — speak with your coordinator at Ship A Car, Inc. to plan a multi-vehicle shipment.
Reputation, licensing, insurance, and experience matter most. A top-tier collector car shipping provider will offer enclosed transport, white-glove handling, real-time tracking, and knowledgeable coordinators who specialize in classic or exotic vehicles. Ship A Car, Inc. meets and exceeds all of these criteria with over a decade of experience and thousands of satisfied customers.
- Unverified carriers or brokers.
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing.
- Poor customer communication.
- Lack of enclosed option.
Your collector car deserves better than a budget carrier or risky online quote. Partnering with a company that focuses on excellence — like Ship A Car, Inc. — ensures your vehicle is handled by pros from start to finish.
- Schedule early, especially during show season.
- Ask for real-time GPS tracking.
- Avoid terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door is best.
- Don’t rely solely on online quotes — speak with a human.
- Read customer reviews carefully.
Shipping your collector car should feel as seamless as handing it to a concierge — not a gamble.
Collector cars often come with unique requirements and deep sentimental value. Ship A Car, Inc. specializes in transporting rare and valuable collector cars, offering enclosed, white-glove services, real-time updates, and unmatched customer care. Whether you’re moving a single classic to a show or relocating a full collection, Ship A Car, Inc. is the safest choice for premium collector car shipping.
Call us today at (866) 821-4555 or use our auto transport calculator to receive an instant quote.
Let us take the wheel so your collector car gets where it needs to go — safely, securely, and stress-free.
Ship A Car, Inc. is here to facilitate the smooth transition of collector cars across the United States on enclosed carriers designed for peace of mind.
Transit times depend on the distance and route. Local or regional trips may take 1–3 days, while coast-to-coast shipments can take 7–10 days. Weather and traffic conditions may also impact timing.
Generally, no. Federal regulations limit personal belongings in transport vehicles, and extra weight can affect insurance. If special parts or documentation need to be shipped, ask your coordinator about options.
You or a designated representative must be present at both pickup and drop-off to inspect the vehicle and sign the bill of lading. Ship A Car, Inc. will coordinate schedules to make this as convenient as possible.
*All data and car shipping rates found in this article are accurate at time of publication and subject to change.
