We had the chance to ship a beautiful 1964 Ford Mustang across Florida this month. The route ran from Ocala down to Tampa. Getting this muscle car where it needed to go took some careful planning.
The owner wanted his vintage ride protected from Florida’s weather. We used enclosed auto transport for the job. The car stayed dry and safe during the 100-mile trip south.
Transporting Iconic Classic Cars: 1964 Ford Mustang Specifics
The ’64 Mustang isn’t just any car. It’s one of the first production Mustangs ever built. This particular model had original paint and factory parts still intact.
We don’t take chances with cars like this. The driver assigned to the job had 12 years of experience moving collector vehicles. He knew exactly how to handle a car worth more than most people’s houses.
The Mustang weighed around 2,800 pounds. It sat low to the ground with just 5.5 inches of clearance. Loading required aluminum ramps and slow movements to avoid scraping the front bumper.
What Makes a 1964 Mustang a Classic Car
The first Mustangs rolled off the assembly line in March 1964. Ford sold over 400,000 units that first year. Today these early models are considered automotive history.
This wasn’t the fastest muscle car of its era. What made it special was the design and the cultural impact it created. The long hood and short deck became iconic instantly.
Original ’64 Mustangs in good condition now sell on average for $30,000 to $60,000. The value depends on whether you have the V8 engine or the base inline-six. Restored models with documentation can push even higher.
White-Glove Service: Premium Dealer Delivery for High-Value Classics
High-value classic cars get extra attention from us. We call this premium dealer delivery. It means more than just moving a car from point A to point B.
The service includes climate-controlled enclosed trailers. Temperature extremes can damage vintage interiors. Florida heat in August would fade original upholstery fast.
Our drivers wear shoe covers when getting in these cars. Small details matter. You don’t want boot prints on the original carpet of a 60-year-old Mustang.
Door-to-door delivery is standard. The carrier backed right into the owner’s lot in Tampa. The Mustang never sat outside during the entire transport process.
See Also: Multi-Million Dollar Classic
Common Issues to Prevent When Shipping 1960s Muscle Cars
Old cars have different needs than modern vehicles. The first concern is ground clearance. Many muscle cars from the 1960s sit lower than today’s sedans.
Fluid leaks happen more often in vintage cars. We check for oil drips before loading. The carrier needs to know if transmission fluid might leak during transport.
Another thing worth noting is the paint condition. Original factory paint on a ’64 Mustang can’t be replaced. Any chips or scratches lower the value immediately. That’s why we always recommend enclosed classic car shipping for older vehicles.
Batteries in classic cars sometimes disconnect during loading. We make sure connections stay tight. Dead batteries at delivery aren’t acceptable.
What to Expect During the Classic Car Transport Process
The process started with photos. We documented every inch of the Mustang before it left Ocala. The owner stood next to us during the inspection.
Loading took about 20 minutes. The driver positioned ramps at the right angle. He drove the car up slowly with another person spotting from the side.
Once loaded, the Mustang got strapped down with soft ties. These don’t damage chrome or paint. Four contact points kept the car stable without putting pressure on the suspension.
The drive to Tampa took roughly two hours. Our driver called when he was 30 minutes out from delivery. The owner met him at the destination address.
Typical Transit Times for 100-Mile Classic Car Intrastate Shipments
Short hauls like this usually complete in one day. The Ocala to Tampa route covers about 100 miles on I-75. The weather was clear so the timing stayed on schedule.
Some vintage car transport can take longer if permits are needed. Oversized loads require special routing. This Mustang fit standard enclosed trailer dimensions so no permits were required.
We picked up the car on a Tuesday morning. It arrived in Tampa that same afternoon. The owner had his Mustang back before dinner.
Insurance Requirements for Transporting a 1964 Ford Mustang
Insurance becomes more complex with collector vehicles. Standard auto transport coverage might not be enough. The declared value needs to match the car’s actual worth.
We carried $500,000 in cargo insurance for this job. The policy covered the full appraised value of the Mustang. The owner provided documentation from his insurance company showing agreed value coverage.
Some carriers won’t insure cars over certain amounts. They cap coverage at $100,000 or $250,000. We work with specialized insurers who understand classic car values.
Before the transport, both parties signed a Bill of Lading. This document listed the car’s condition and confirmed the insurance coverage. Florida law requires carriers to maintain this paperwork.
The owner also had his own collector car policy active. His insurance stayed in effect during transport. This created dual coverage in case something unexpected happened.
Shipping Summary
Vehicle: 1964 Ford Mustang
Route: Ocala, FL to Tampa, FL
I-75 South directly from Ocala to Tampa
Total price: $350.00 ($3.5 Per mile)
Service: Enclosed Trailer | Single Car Hauler
Season: Winter
