Classic Car Shipping Services
Classic & Vintage Car Shipping: A Specialist Guide for Collectors
Shipping a classic or vintage car is fundamentally different from shipping a modern vehicle. These are not just modes of transport; they are valuable assets, often with irreplaceable parts and fragile histories. The process requires specialist knowledge, meticulous planning, and a level of care that goes far beyond standard vehicle logistics.
At Ship Cars Ltd, we combine a passion for classic motoring with professional shipping expertise. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your prized possession is transported safely and compliantly, anywhere in the world.
Why Classic Car Shipping Requires Specialist Handling
Classic vehicles present unique challenges that demand tailored solutions:
- High and Sentimental Value: The financial and emotional investment necessitates the highest levels of security and insurance.
- Fragile Components: Ageing rubber, glass, chrome, and delicate bodywork (e.g., ash frames, aluminium panels) are vulnerable to vibration, shifting, and changes in humidity.
- Non-Standard Dimensions: Some classic cars are lower, wider, or longer than modern vehicles, requiring specific loading equipment and lashing points.
- Biosecurity Risks: Organic materials like wood, leather, and historic soil trapped in crevices can trigger strict quarantine inspections in countries like Australia and the USA.
Your Sourcing Journey: Buying a Classic in the UK
The UK is a global hub for classic car enthusiasts. Whether you’re buying from a private seller or a trade specialist, due diligence is paramount.
Buying from a Private Seller
This is common through platforms like Car & Classic, eBay, or owner’s clubs.
- Potential Advantages: Can offer unique finds and direct negotiation with a knowledgeable owner.
- Key Risks: The principle of “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) applies fully. You have limited legal recourse if issues are discovered post-sale.
Buying from a Trade Seller (Specialist Dealer)
Purchasing from an established classic car dealer.
- Key Advantages: Greater legal protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Vehicles are often pre-vetted and may come with a warranty. Dealers are experienced in handling export enquiries.
- Key Considerations: Prices may reflect the dealer’s overheads and the provided assurances. destinations worldwide
Our Expert Inspection Service: £300
Buying a classic car, especially from abroad, is a significant commitment. Our professional inspection service is your single most important tool for risk mitigation.
- What’s Included: Our certified inspectors, with classic car knowledge, will conduct a comprehensive assessment of any vehicle in the UK. The report includes:
- Mechanical Assessment: Engine, gearbox, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Body & Chassis Inspection: In-depth check for corrosion, poor repairs, and structural integrity.
- Authenticity & Provenance Check: Verification of VIN/chassis numbers, matching numbers where possible, and review of documentation.
- Interior & Trim Review: Condition of upholstery, woodwork, and chrome.
- Detailed Photographic Report & Valuation Assessment: A clear “Buy / Don’t Buy” recommendation based on condition and value for money. Melbourne in Australia
For a flat fee of £300, you gain the confidence to proceed or the knowledge to walk away, potentially saving you from a costly mistake.
Buying from Auctions
UK classic car auctions (e.g., Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s, Silverstone Auctions) offer exciting opportunities but are high-stakes environments.
- The Process: Bidding is fast and the sale is final. There is no “cooling-off” period.
- Our Role: We strongly recommend using our inspection service during the preview days. We can also act as your bidding agent, handle the post-sale payment and collection, and manage all subsequent shipping logistics.
The Critical Shipping Decision: RORO vs. Container
Choosing the right shipping method is the cornerstone of protecting your classic car.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping
This involves driving your vehicle onto a specialised car carrier ship.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | More economical. |
| Security | The vehicle is stored on an open deck with other vehicles. It is accessible to crew and exposed to the elements (sea air, weather). |
| Protection | Minimal protection from salt spray, weather, and potential incidental contact. |
| Best For | Robust, less valuable modern classics where budget is the primary concern. |
Container Shipping (Highly Recommended for Classics)
Your vehicle is secured inside a standard shipping container.
- Shared Container: Your car shares a 40ft container with other vehicles (typically 2-3 cars). This offers excellent protection at a reasonable cost.
- Sole-Use Container: Your vehicle has an entire container to itself. This is the gold standard for high-value, fragile, or concours-level classics. It eliminates any risk of damage from other cargo and allows for custom securing and packing.
Why Container is Superior for Classics:
- Complete Weatherproofing: Protects from salt, moisture, and rain.
- Enhanced Security: The container is sealed and only opened at customs.
- Custom Securing: We use specialised soft lashings, chocks, and tyre braces to immobilise the vehicle perfectly, preventing any movement during transit.
- Control: Allows for the use of moisture-absorbing desiccants and corrosion inhibitors.
Specialist Shipping Scenarios
Shipping Non-Runners & Projects
Many classic car projects are non-running vehicles. This does not prevent them from being shipped, but it requires a specific approach.
- Method: Non-runners must be shipped via container. They cannot be driven on or off a RORO vessel.
- Preparation: We will arrange for a suitable vehicle transporter to collect the car and load it securely into the container using skates, skids, or a forklift with appropriate attachments.
- Draining Fluids: Depending on the destination country’s regulations, we will advise on which fluids (fuel, oil, coolant) need to be drained or reduced to safe levels. own dedicated container
Shipping Insurance Category Cars (Cat S/Cat N)
Exporting previously written-off classics is possible but requires extreme caution.
- Understanding the Categories:
- Cat S (Structurally Damaged Repaired): The vehicle has sustained and repaired structural damage.
- Cat N (Non-Structurally Damaged Repaired): The vehicle has sustained and repaired non-structural damage.
- Crucial Checks:
- Import Legality: First, you must verify with your destination country’s transport authority. Some countries, like Australia, have strict rules and may prohibit the import of previously written-off vehicles, regardless of age.
- Quality of Repair: Our inspection service is vital to assess the safety and quality of the repairs, especially on a classic chassis.
- Documentation: Ensure you have all paperwork relating to the damage and repair for customs.
Authority Link: GOV.UK – Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) scheme (Note: The VIC scheme was abolished, but the ABI code of practice for categorisation remains relevant).
Key Documentation for Classic Car Shipping
Having the correct paperwork is as important as the physical preparation.
- Proof of Ownership: The V5C Logbook is essential. For very old vehicles without a V5C, a V765 form may be used to register it with the DVLA first.
- Purchase Invoice/Receipt: Required for customs valuation.
- Marine Insurance Certificate: We can arrange specialist, agreed-value insurance for your classic car.
- Bill of Lading: The contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
- Customs Documents: Such as the C88/SAD form for export from the UK.
Authority Link: GOV.UK – Vehicle Registration
Your Pre-Shipment Action Plan
- Choose Your Method: Decide on RORO (for budget, robust cars) or Container (for valuable, fragile classics). We strongly advise the latter for most classics.
- Commission an Inspection: If purchasing, use our £300 inspection service before committing.
- Prepare the Vehicle:
- Give it a thorough, dry clean, focusing on the undercarriage to meet biosecurity rules.
- Remove all personal belongings.
- For container shipping, we recommend a ¾ full tank of fuel to prevent internal corrosion.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Arrange Specialist Insurance: Ensure your policy reflects the car’s agreed value for the entire journey.
- Instruct Ship Cars Ltd: Provide all documentation and details so we can manage collection, packing, and customs formalities.
Summary: Why Choose Ship Cars Ltd for Your Classic?
We understand that you are entrusting us with a treasure. Our service is built around that responsibility.
- Expert Advice: We guide you to the right shipping method (RORO vs. Container) for your specific vehicle.
- Risk Mitigation: Our £300 pre-purchase inspection provides unparalleled buying confidence.
- Specialist Handling: We are experts in shipping non-runners, high-value, and fragile vehicles.
- Full Logistics Management: From collection at the seller’s door to delivery at your destination port, we handle everything.
Ready to Ship Your Classic with Confidence?
Contact Ship Cars Ltd today for a transparent quote and a personal consultation. Let our expertise ensure your classic’s next journey is its safest yet.
