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Vintage cars are expensive, and they need a different level of care during shipping. Here’s what to look for when shipping a classic car.

Why Classic Cars Need Special Handling

A classic car isn’t just old. It’s usually irreplaceable. Original paint, matching-numbers drivetrains, period-correct trim pieces. Damage that would be a minor inconvenience on a modern daily driver can be a serious problem on a vintage vehicle. Replacement parts may not exist. Matching the paint may require a specialist. And any blemish can affect the car’s value at shows or at resale.

That’s why classic car shipping in Canada requires a carrier that understands what’s on the trailer, not just how to move it.

Enclosed Transport for Vintage Vehicles

Enclosed trailers are the standard for classic car shipping. Your vehicle rides inside a sealed unit with no exposure to road debris, weather, or other vehicles’ fluid leaks. For a car where the paint is original and the chrome is irreplaceable, that level of protection isn’t optional.

Enclosed carriers also haul fewer vehicles per load. That means less shuffling during loading and unloading, and less time your car spends being repositioned. For classics with low ground clearance or fragile bodywork, that reduced handling matters.

What to Prepare Before Shipping a Classic Car

Document the Condition Thoroughly

Before the carrier arrives, photograph every angle of the car. Close-ups of the paint, chrome, glass, wheels, and any existing imperfections. The driver will do a formal inspection and Bill of Lading at pickup, but your own photos give you an independent record to compare against at delivery.

Address Mechanical Concerns

If the car runs and drives, make sure the battery is charged and the brakes work. The driver needs to load it onto the trailer. If the car doesn’t run, let the carrier know in advance so they can arrange winch loading. Automoves handles inoperable vehicles, but it needs to be flagged at booking, not on the day of pickup.

Secure Loose or Fragile Parts

Removable mirrors, hood ornaments, antenna masts, and convertible tonneau covers should be taken off and packed separately. Anything that could vibrate loose or catch wind during transit is better off inside the car or in your own hands.

Choosing a Classic Car Carrier in Canada

Not every car shipping company has experience with vintage vehicles. You want a carrier that offers enclosed transport, does a thorough inspection at pickup, and has handled classics before. Choosing a carrier that owns its own fleet gives you direct accountability for your vehicle, which matters more when what’s on the trailer is irreplaceable.

Automoves offers enclosed transport across Canada and doesn’t charge extra based on vehicle size. Whether you’re shipping a numbers-matching muscle car or a small British roadster, the price for the route is the same.

Shipping Auction and Estate Purchases

Many classic cars change hands at auction or through estate sales. In both cases, there’s often a deadline to get the vehicle picked up before storage fees kick in. Auction car shipping timelines and pickup deadlines vary by auction house, so book transport as soon as the sale closes. Automoves picks up from IAA, Adesa, Manheim, and independent auction houses across Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to ship a classic car across Canada?

If you’ve got a vintage vehicle that needs to move safely, get a free quote from Automoves and ask about enclosed transport for your route.