An Essential Guide to Purchasing Classic Cars and Managing Out-of-State Car Transport

Nothing beats the thrill of buying a classic car sought after for years. Being able to run the hand up smooth chrome, curves, and craftwork of the vehicle is a true delight and a significant reason there are so many collectors of everything from the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette to the Aston Martin DB5. 

Buying a classic car, especially when shipping it from out of state, requires more than just a passion for automotive design and history. That sense of nostalgia won’t matter much if the vehicle ends up in the hands of an auto transport company that lacks experience or proper care standards. This guide will ensure collectors get the right car transport service so the desired model comes home in mint condition. 

Why Vintage Cars are Making a Comeback: Checking Market Trends

Approximately 43 million Hagerty-defined vehicles reached the classic car threshold, comprising 16.7% of the total U.S. market. The total number of sales for these dream vehicles reached $2.2 billion in 2021, representing a substantial market for collectors and auto aficionados. 

Buyers love craftwork, simpler mechanics without the infusion of modern technology, and character that tells a story most modern cars cannot convey. Millennials are now entering the market, making up 25% of all new policyholders for classic auto insurance in 2023. 

As time passes, it becomes increasingly difficult to find vintage vehicles from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. With that increased demand comes a great deal of emphasis on securing shipping insurance and working with the best auto transport services to ensure the vehicle’s safety. 

Where to Find the Right Car: Research Sources and Buying Channels

The trick is first to find the car a buyer wants. It’s pretty rare to talk to a nearby neighbor and suddenly see a Jaguar E-Type just hanging out in the garage next to the Christmas ornaments.

Once a buyer has defined the purpose of “the search” and set a budget, some good places to look for a quality classic car would be online marketplaces like Hemmings, private sellers on enthusiast forums, collector auctions, car shows, swap meets, and specialty dealerships. 

For example, the Chicago Auto Show attracts 217,000 attendees to a 1 million square foot exhibit space filled with classic, vintage, and antique automobiles. Buyers can also visit the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where over 300 rare cars are showcased against the sunny Florida backdrop. The point is that if the buyer has the money, time, and motivation, there are plenty of fantastic places to pick up a specialty-designed or original vintage vehicle. 

Know Before You Buy: Inspection, Documentation & Smart Questions

Classic cars come with a long history of use, storage, and secrets. There will be some wear and tear and likely a few parts on their final few miles of usage. Before the buyer slaps down any cash on the counter, a professional inspection should occur. Hiring a mechanic specializing in classic and vintage cars helps prevent unforeseen issues with the frame, brakes, transmission, steering, and suspension. 

Another good idea, especially if the classic car is from a northern state with snow, is to check the common areas of the vehicle for rust. Inspect the floor pans, wheel wells, trunk corners, and door frames closely for any signs of rust issues. Some unscrupulous buyers will use repainting, overspray, or body filler to hide rust. 

Finally, confirm the VIN using the dashboard plate, title, and frame stamp. Verify that the engine matches the chassis numbers and, if considering OEM parts, request a history of repairs. A quality dealership or collector will have that documentation. 

Cross-State Classic Car Buying

When the vintage car is purchased through a private or dealership sale, there will be extra paperwork and more logistics to manage. Everything from a fair quote or estimate to the right delivery timeframe becomes a lot more critical. 

It’s essential to note that different states define classic, vintage, and antique cars differently. Some might consider a 20-year-old Ford Aerostar “vintage,” while others require upwards of 35 years before issuing antique automobile plates. How the vehicle is defined will impact emissions requirements, registration fees, and whether or not it can be legally driven in that state. 

Before selecting the best car shipping company, be sure they are familiar with interstate transport laws and have an eye for local weather. A car from Nevada might be rust-free, but it looks worn down from sun damage to the paint. Climate and weather impacts can delay the delivery and cause damage to an already vulnerable vehicle.

From Purchase to Delivery: Essential Steps for Inspection, Verification & Car Transport

When the deal is struck, it’s time to get the vintage car from the seller’s garage to the buyer’s home. That is where professional car transport services are crucial. 

Vintage and classic cars need a bit more TLC during transportation. While the buyer can opt for “open delivery,” where the vehicle is exposed to weather and dirt, a much better option is enclosed auto transport. That will protect the car from any rocks on the road, sudden hailstorms, or other unknown variables. 

All good car shipping companies will be licensed (usually by the FMCSA), bonded, and insured, but it helps to double-check if the buyer’s insurance policy also covers cross-country car shipping. Make sure the company is already experienced with older vehicles and willing to walk through a complete in-person and photo inspection, both at pickup and delivery. There should be a simple checklist of steps and documentation, like: 

• Inspection
• Setting shipping timeframe
• Agreeing on pickup and delivery locations
• Driver contact information
• Real-time notification systems
• Bill of Lading/Bill of Sale
• Government ID
• Insurance Confirmation
• Vehicle Title

Be sure the seller cleans out the vehicle and documents the mileage or any pre-existing damage before it is shipped. Once it arrives, the buyer can then do a workaround to confirm all paperwork is intact and verified. 

Protecting an Investment: Insurance, Storage, and Long-Term Maintenance

The job isn’t done when the car is at the buyer’s home. Owning a classic car is primarily about preservation. Protecting the investment means using the top-rated auto transport companies, smart storage, proper insurance, and routine maintenance. 

Make sure the insurance provider uses a “classic car policy” that offers agreed value coverage instead of a set vehicle value. That policy should be updated whenever car transport requires changing vehicle ownership or moving the auto to another location (e.g., from home to storage, travel to shows, etc.). 

Home maintenance is simple with the right routine. A climate-controlled garage offers great protection, eliminating potential damage from cold, heat, or sun to the original leather, vinyl, and unique electronics that are harder to replace. If the car is stored for an extended period, be sure to use a fuel stabilizer, disconnect the battery, inflate the tires, and cover it with a breathable fabric, such as cotton or polyester. 

The last item on the checklist should be to contact a local expert mechanic with direct experience in the purchased classic car brand, make, model, and part acquisition. Proactive repairs ensure the best possible preservation of the auto. 

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Buying a classic or vintage car requires a bit of research and attention to details about history or previous maintenance. It is incredible what people uncover from an old barn or when out at a local auction. These cars are pieces of art that capture a moment in time full of nostalgia. 

To ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition, work with a shipping company backed by a vast network of professional drivers and strong customer reviews. That will go a long way in offering peace of mind, as the vintage will arrive as advertised, allowing buyers to ride and show off the classic car in style.