The popularity of classic cars has grown dramatically due to the rise of social media platforms and mobile applications. Collectible enthusiasts across the U.S. can interact with each other, share photos and videos of their beloved classics, buy cars and have them shipped from another state.
Unlike in the past, finding a collectible in a different state is no longer difficult. All you need to do is search the internet and post your requirements; people might reach out to you with their offers.
This article will provide helpful tips on how to save money while shipping a classic car in the U.S.
Classic cars definition
The term “classic” is often used interchangeably with “vintage” when referring to automobiles; however, several concrete criteria may be used to distinguish between the two. In order to be considered a classic, an item needs to be at least 25 years old, have a limited production size, be widely recognized, and be highly sought after by collectors.
Many factors contribute to a car becoming a classic. Here are the fundamental ones:
How old is the vehicle?
The more years a vehicle has been around, the more likely it is that it will be sought after by collectors and thus be considered a “classic.” Classic cars often date back to the period before the 1920s.
What is the vehicle’s model?
Generally, a vehicle’s status as a classic is enhanced if it has an iconic or memorable design. Take Dr. Ferdinand Porsche’s 1938 Volkswagen Beetle as an example; it was essentially unchanged until 2003. Due to its distinct appearance, the Volkswagen Beetle is among the most recognizable cars today; consequently, it is often referred to as a classic.
What history does the vehicle have?
A classic car is one that has stood the test of time due to its superior performance, design, or level of luxury. In this regard, many people regard early Porsches as classics since they were widely regarded as among the quickest cars of their day.
How rare is the vehicle?
The more uncommon a vehicle, the more likely it is to be classified as a classic. Many people consider the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 to be a classic since only around 2000 vehicles were manufactured during its initial year of production in 1967.
Balancing service quality and cost when shipping a collectible
If you are an experienced classic car collector, you know how important it is to hire quality auto transport services. Although it might add extra fees, collectible vehicles are worth the additional payment, especially if you collect cars as an investment.
Here are some tips for saving money when shipping your classic vehicle:
Choose the right trailer according to weather conditions
It’s important to decide whether to choose an open or enclosed carrier. You can go with an open trailer and save money, but you must ensure that you do not transport your classic car in bad weather conditions. On the contrary, enclosed trailers are safer regardless of weather conditions but more costly.
Sometimes, paying more money for extra protection can be cost-effective. While protecting your car manually before loading it on an open carrier with a cover might work for most people, it’s not always recommended. If your car is on the high end, paying for the extra protection might save you tens of thousands of repair money.
Save in everything but not your auto transport vendor
Hiring a company that does excellent work can be more cost-effective, even if their services are initially expensive. You want to be sure your vehicle is in good hands, so it’s worth paying a little more for quality service. If you opt for the cheapest option, ensure they are fully insured and licensed.
Choose a reputable company with positive reviews
Look up the company’s reviews and ensure they have been in business for several years. An established company with a good reputation is more likely to provide quality service. This will save you a few expenses because it’s less likely to cause any damage to your vehicle.
Follow important car maintenance procedures
Before shipping your classic vehicle, ensure it’s operable and well-maintained, and ask a professional car mechanic to perform a thorough inspection for oil leakage or any other issue. If your classic car has a convertible top, ensure it is up and locked; you should also remove any loose ends like hood ornaments before shipping the car.
Remember that transporting operable cars costs less because they can be loaded easily on the trailer while loading inoperable vehicles requires special equipment.
Hire industry professionals to move your classic car
While classic cars are no more than vehicles with special features, shipping them isn’t easy for all service providers. Some auto transport companies might accept shipping your collectibles but will charge you higher than others because they need more safety precautions.
However, hiring a seasoned auto shipping company is usually more affordable because they know the ins and outs of moving classic cars and don’t need all other precautions. They also know how to transport them safely, so they don’t get damaged in transit, saving you repair money.
Tempus Logix has a vast network of drivers and trailers across the United States. The company specializes in transporting all types of vehicles, from motorbikes and classic cars to heavy-duty machinery like bulldozers and trucks.
Conclusion
Classic cars are a great investment, especially with today’s facilities making it easier than ever to buy a classic car from another state to ship your collectible car to participate in an auto auction or show. All you need is a reputable and experienced auto shipping partner.