Antique Car Shipping Service
These cars survived decades. We make sure they survive the trip, too. Enclosed transport, specialized handling, and the care your classic deserves.
Shipping Cars That Have Already Stood the Test of Time
Antique cars are not just vehicles — they are rolling history. Whether you own a matching-numbers muscle car from the 1960s, a pre-war classic, or a meticulously restored vintage machine, you need a shipping service that respects what you have.
At American Auto Shipping, we have been transporting antique and classic vehicles for over 27 years. We understand that these cars often cannot be replaced. Original paint, numbers-matching drivetrains, NOS parts, rare trim pieces — all of it matters, and all of it needs to arrive intact.
We exclusively use enclosed carriers for antique vehicles, and we match you with drivers who have specific experience handling classic cars. This is not a one-size-fits-all operation.
Why Enclosed Transport Is Essential for Antiques
We will be direct about this: shipping an antique car on an open trailer is a gamble we do not recommend taking. Here is why:
- Road debris — A rock chip on a modern car is a $50 fix. A rock chip on original 1967 lacquer paint? That could be a $5,000 repaint (and you lose the originality in the process).
- Weather exposure — Rain, sleet, road salt spray, and UV exposure during a multi-day transit can damage fragile finishes, untreated chrome, and deteriorating seals on older vehicles.
- Multi-car risks — Open trailers carry seven to ten vehicles. Each loading and unloading creates risk. Hydraulic fluid drips, strap slippage, and close-quarter maneuvering are all more dangerous with fragile antique cars.
- Irreplaceability — Modern cars can be fixed or repainted to factory specs. Antique cars with original finishes, patina, and period-correct details cannot. Once it is damaged, it is changed forever.
Enclosed transport eliminates these risks. Your car rides inside a sealed trailer, away from everything the road throws at it. It is the only way we recommend shipping an antique vehicle.
Special Handling for Classic Vehicles
Antique cars have quirks that modern vehicles do not. They sit lower (or higher) in unexpected ways. They have fragile bumpers, exposed running boards, wire wheels, and chrome that has been carefully maintained for decades. Our carriers know how to work with all of it.
Gentle Loading
We use hydraulic lift gates and low-angle ramps to load antique vehicles without scraping low-hanging exhaust, splitter pans, or running boards. For vehicles that do not run, winch loading is done slowly and carefully, with the driver guiding the vehicle onto the deck by hand when necessary.
Non-Contact Securing
Your antique car is secured using soft tire straps and wheel nets that grip the rubber, not the metal. We do not use chains or hooks that could scratch wheels, bumpers, or undercarriage components. The goal is zero contact with any painted, chromed, or finished surface.
Condition Documentation
A thorough inspection is performed before loading and again at delivery. Existing conditions are documented in detail — scratches, paint chips, trim condition, chrome pitting, everything. You receive a copy of the inspection report so there is a clear record of your vehicle's condition throughout the shipping process.
Insurance Considerations for Antique Cars
Insurance for antique vehicle transport requires a little more thought than standard shipping. Here is what you need to know:
All carriers in our network carry cargo insurance, but the coverage amount varies. Standard policies typically cover $100,000 to $250,000 per vehicle. For antique cars worth more than that (and many are), we take extra steps:
- We match high-value antiques with carriers who maintain elevated coverage limits
- We verify the carrier's insurance is active and sufficient before dispatch
- Supplemental insurance is available through third-party providers for vehicles that exceed standard coverage
- We recommend having an agreed-upon value for your vehicle documented before shipping
One important tip: if you carry your own collector car insurance policy, contact your insurer before shipping. Some policies include transit coverage, which provides an additional layer of protection beyond the carrier's policy. It is worth a quick phone call.
For more on shipping costs, visit our pricing guide or use our free auto shipping calculator for an instant estimate.
Types of Antique and Classic Cars We Ship
We transport the full spectrum of antique and classic vehicles:
- Pre-war classics — Model T Fords, Duesenbergs, Packards, and other brass-era and classic-era vehicles
- 1950s and 1960s American classics — Tri-five Chevys, early Corvettes, Thunderbirds, Cadillacs
- Muscle cars — Camaros, Mustangs, Challengers, GTOs, Chevelles, and the rest of the golden era
- European classics — Vintage Mercedes, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, and early Porsches
- Barn finds and project cars — Non-running, partially disassembled, or rough-condition vehicles
- Concours-quality restorations — Frame-off restorations that need to arrive in showroom condition
- Hot rods and customs — Modified classics that need careful handling due to non-standard dimensions
Whether your car is a concours-winning restoration or a barn find that has not moved in 30 years, we have the experience and the carriers to move it safely. For exotic and luxury vehicles, we offer similar white glove services.
Antique Car Shipping FAQ
We strongly recommend enclosed transport for antique vehicles. These cars are often irreplaceable, with original paint, chrome, and trim that cannot be easily repaired or reproduced. Enclosed carriers protect against road debris, weather, and the risks associated with multi-car open trailers. The extra cost is minimal compared to the value of what you are protecting.
Antique car shipping via enclosed transport typically costs 50 to 100 percent more than standard open shipping. For a cross-country move, expect $1,500 to $3,000 depending on distance, vehicle size, and whether the car is operable. Non-running antiques that require winch loading add $100 to $300. Visit our cost guide for more details.
Yes, we ship non-running antique vehicles regularly. Many barn finds, project cars, and concours restorations are not operational. As long as the car can roll, steer, and brake, it can be winch-loaded onto the trailer. If it cannot roll at all, specialized equipment like a forklift may be needed, which adds to the cost. Just let us know the condition when you request a quote.
Every carrier in our network carries cargo insurance as required by the FMCSA, typically ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 per load. For high-value antiques, we match you with carriers who maintain elevated coverage limits. Supplemental insurance is also available for vehicles that exceed standard coverage. We verify all insurance before dispatch.
Our enclosed carriers use hydraulic lift gates or low-angle ramps to load antique vehicles gently. Soft tire straps and wheel nets secure the car without touching painted surfaces, chrome, or trim. Drivers who handle antique vehicles are experienced with low-clearance cars, fragile components, and the extra care these machines require.
Absolutely. We regularly pick up antique vehicles from barns, estates, private sales, and auctions. If the car is in a location that is difficult for a large truck to access, we will work with you to find a nearby meeting point. Just give us the details and we will figure out the logistics.