Specialized enclosed transport for vintage, antique, and collector vehicles. Soft-tie loading, climate-controlled options, and insurance coverage up to $1 million.
Classic car shipping is the specialized auto transport service for vehicles that simply cannot be replaced — pre-1980s American iron, restored European classics, muscle cars, antique vehicles, concours-quality restorations, vintage trucks, classic motorcycles, and any vehicle where the combination of age, rarity, and value makes ordinary shipping inappropriate. These are irreplaceable cars, and they require irreplaceable care during transit.
Razorback Auto Transport ships classic cars exclusively on enclosed carriers using soft-tie nylon straps, hydraulic lift-gates, and top-tier carriers with verified experience handling six- and seven-figure vehicles. We've moved everything from numbers-matching Hemi Cudas to original Shelby Cobras to concours-restored Duesenbergs. When the vehicle matters this much, the carrier matters just as much — and we take that seriously every single time.
Definitions vary across collector communities, but for shipping purposes, classic car shipping applies to any vehicle that meets one or more of these criteria:
The traditional Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) standard considers vehicles 25+ years old to be antique. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines "Full Classics" as 1915–1948 vehicles meeting specific criteria. For practical shipping purposes, any vehicle 30+ years old is generally treated as a classic for transport.
The golden age of American performance — 1964–1974 Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers, GTOs, Cudas, Chevelles, and similar. Originals, restorations, and resto-mods all qualify for classic car shipping treatment.
Vintage Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, MG, Triumph, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Lotus, and Ferrari. From a 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing to a 1972 Datsun 240Z, European classics consistently demand classic car transport.
Pre-1942 vehicles — Model A and Model T Fords, early Packards, Pierce-Arrow, Cord, Auburn, Duesenberg, and similar pre-war American cars. These vehicles require the most careful handling due to fragility, low ground clearance, and irreplaceable original components.
Period-correct restorations and modern resto-mods (classic body with updated drivetrain, suspension, and electronics) both qualify for classic car shipping. The vehicle's value and the owner's relationship to it — not just its build sheet — determine whether classic-grade handling is appropriate.
Classic vehicle transport follows a carefully structured process designed around the unique requirements of irreplaceable cars:
Classic vehicle transport pricing reflects the premium equipment, experienced carriers, and higher insurance coverage required. Approximate enclosed classic car shipping costs:
Pre-war vehicles, oversized classics, non-running cars, and ultra-rare collectibles may run higher. The Razorback team provides exact pricing after reviewing your specific vehicle's requirements.
The 1% rule for classic cars: If enclosed classic car shipping costs less than 1% of your vehicle's appraised value, it's the right choice without question. For a $150,000 classic, $1,800 in shipping is exceptional insurance against any transit risk. For a $500,000 concours-quality restoration, even premium shipping at $3,000 is a rounding error against the value being protected.
Open transport works fine for new vehicles being moved from factory to dealer, but it's the wrong choice for classics for several specific reasons:
Forty-year-old original paint is fundamentally different from modern clear-coat finishes. It chips more easily, is harder to match, and on rare or numbered vehicles, original paint is part of the value. Even minor road grime exposure can require correction work that costs thousands. Enclosed transport eliminates all weather and debris exposure.
Chrome bumpers, side trim, and badges on classic cars often have specific finishes that can't be perfectly replicated. Pitting, scratching, or damage to these components reduces value. Enclosed shipping protects every chrome surface throughout transit.
Many classics — especially lowered customs, restomods, and original sports cars — have minimal ground clearance that makes standard ramp loading impossible. Hydraulic lift-gates on enclosed carriers load vehicles horizontally without any clearance challenge.
Standard open transport carries $100,000 in cargo insurance. Classic cars frequently exceed that value many times over. Enclosed carriers in Razorback's classic-specialist network carry $250,000–$1,000,000 in cargo insurance per vehicle, with supplemental coverage available for higher-value shipments.
Razorback handles classic vehicle transport for a wide range of situations:
Classic car preparation is more involved than standard vehicle prep:
Whether you're moving a numbers-matching Hemi Cuda, a concours-restored Mercedes 300SL, a pre-war Packard, or any other irreplaceable vehicle, Razorback Auto Transport handles classic car shipping with the care these vehicles deserve. Get a personalized classic car quote online, or call (866) 605-0281 to speak with a specialist who understands what you're shipping.
Common questions about classic car shipping
Classic car shipping costs $800–$1,300 for short distances (200–500 miles), $1,200–$1,800 for 1,000 miles, $1,600–$2,400 for long-distance (1,500–2,000 miles), and $2,000–$3,200 coast-to-coast. Pricing reflects enclosed transport, soft-tie loading, and higher insurance coverage. Pre-war and rare vehicles may run higher.
Always enclosed. Classic cars have original paint, vintage chrome, and irreplaceable components that don't belong exposed to weather, road debris, or visibility. Enclosed transport also carries significantly higher insurance limits ($250K–$1M vs. $100K on open) that match the value of collector vehicles.
Soft-tie loading uses padded nylon straps that contact only the wheels — never the body, frame, suspension, or chrome. Chain tie-downs used in standard auto transport can mark sensitive surfaces. All Razorback classic car carriers use soft-ties exclusively, which is essential for protecting original paint and chrome on collector vehicles.
Yes. Non-running classics ship regularly via Razorback. The vehicle must be able to roll freely, steer, and brake to hold position on the trailer. Inoperable classics often require hydraulic lift-gate loading rather than ramp loading, and there may be a small handling surcharge. Mention the vehicle's operational status when booking.
Razorback's classic car carriers carry between $250,000 and $1,000,000 in cargo insurance per vehicle. For classics valued above $1M, supplemental coverage can be arranged in advance. All insurance details are documented on the Bill of Lading. For very high-value classics, we recommend confirming policy specifics in writing before booking.
