Preparing a Coachbuilt Classic for Long-Distance Shipping

Getting ready to move a coachbuilt classic across the country?

These are not your average cars. Coachbuilt means they were built by craftsmen who specialized in building these cars, many made one at a time. This means:

• Panels don’t have off-the-shelf replacements
• Paintwork can be worth more than a modern luxury car
• Interior materials are basically irreplaceable

For this reason preparation is even more important with boats than it is with your typical automobile. A few minutes of prep work now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage claims later.

Here’s how to do it right…

Inside this guide:

1. Why Coachbuilt Classics Need Extra Prep
2. Getting Your Documents In Order
3. Cleaning And Inspecting Before Pickup
4. Fluids, Battery And Mechanical Prep
5. Picking The Right Carrier Type
6. What To Check On Delivery Day

Why Coachbuilt Classics Need Extra Prep

Coachbuilt cars are another story altogether. Constructed in very small quantities – often as low as 20 – by companies such as Pininfarina, Zagato or Mulliner makes that exclusivity problematic when considering cross-country auto transport.

Trim pieces manufactured? Nope, custom. Body shaped by? Hands. Upholstered by? Usually a human being who retired decades ago.

The big picture: Millions of vehicles are shipped every year. Forbes even says the vehicle shipping industry rakes in more than $10 billion annually. However, the majority of those cars are daily-driver volume. Not unique coachbuilt classics.

It only follows that you should be choosy about who transports your car and how. Take time to request auto transport prices only from carriers who will transport your classic car in an enclosed transporter, not open trailers. One set of quotes will tell you who knows what “coachbuilt” means.

Getting Your Documents In Order

Get your paper work in order before the truck shows up. Lack of paperwork creates more shipping delays than anything else.

 

You’ll want the following ready:

 

• Original title or notarized copy
• Registration (even if expired)
• Recent appraisal or valuation report
• High-resolution photos of every panel
• Insurance certificate from your classic policy

 

That appraisal is the important document. Most standard carrier insurance maxes out at $100k or less. If your Bentley Continental or Ferrari 250 body is worth more than your standard coverage, you’ll need umbrella coverage – and the appraisal supports your claim if something happens.

 

Tip: Keep a copy of the bill of lading. This is your pickup document that contains all existing scratches, chips and dents. If it isn’t on the bill of lading, you leave yourself open for a damage claim later.

Cleaning And Inspecting Before Pickup

Wash the car thoroughly.

Yes, wash it. You want the car clean so you can see every imperfection that currently exists before the customer drives off. Dirt covers scratches. Scratches lead to fights.

Once clean, walk around the vehicle with a phone or camera and photograph:

• Every panel from three angles
• All wheels and tires
• The interior seats and dashboard
• The engine bay
• The undercarriage (if possible)

Take date/time photos of each shot. Then take more date/time photos when you pick them up. If there is damage in between those pics you have evidence.

Loose Items And Interior Prep

Coachbuilt cars tend to have fittings hanging loosely from inside – ashtrays, tool rolls, hood ornaments, period correct luggage etc. Take it all off.

Loose objects can move around during transport and scuff fragile leather or wood veneer. Keep these items stored separately and bring them with you if possible.

External Fittings To Consider

For long trips, some owners also remove:

• Fragile hood ornaments (like the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy)
• Delicate wing mirrors
• External spare tire covers

Pack it, tag it, ship it in separate containers or store in your personal vehicle.

Fluids, Battery And Mechanical Prep

OK now onto the mechanical stuff. This is where many owners mess up.

 

Fuel: Run down to around a quarter tank. Heavy from a full tank, and fuel poses a fire risk over long distances. You want empty tanks to allow condensation.

 

Battery: Ensure the terminals are secure. Use a trickle charger or disconnect negative terminal if you will have the car sitting for over a week during transit. Batteries in older cars (classics) drain quickly – don’t be alarmed if it doesn’t crank when you get it if the battery was weak.

 

Fluids: Look for leaks. Any fluids that are actively dripping should be reported to the carrier – and most carriers will not load a leaking vehicle without a waiver.

 

Tires: Check air pressure and keep inflated to specification. Tires can flat spot while sitting long periods of trailer resting.

 

Alarm: Turn it off. There’s nothing worse than waking up a driver with your lame alarm blaring at 3am at a rest stop.

Picking The Right Carrier Type

Now let’s talk transport options. This is easily the most important decision you’ll make.

 

Open transport is inexpensive and widely available – but your vehicle sits unprotected from the elements, road debris, rocks and dust during the entire journey. Reasonable for an everyday driver car. Horrible for a coachbuilt classic.

 

Enclosed transport is the ONLY option when shipping anything hand-built. Your car will ride inside a completely covered trailer with:

 

• Climate protection from rain and sun
• Soft tie-downs (not chains through the frame)
• Air-ride suspension on most premium carriers
• Lift-gate loading instead of ramps

 

Here’s the cost breakdown:

 

Enclosed shipping costs anywhere from 40-60% more than open. A cross country move costing an average of $1,382 on an open trailer can range from $2,000-$2,800 enclosed.

 

But when your car is worth six or seven figures, that’s cheap insurance.

What To Check On Delivery Day

The car has arrived. Don’t sign anything yet.

 

Do this before you release the driver:

 

• Compare the car against your original photos
• Check every panel in bright natural light
• Look under the car for new leaks
• Test that lights, horn and ignition all work
• Note anything new on the bill of lading before signing

 

If there’s damage, write it down right then and there. By signing a clean bill of lading you accept the car as is and claims become much more difficult.

 

Also keep the driver happy. Damage occurs when you get a stressed driver trying to rush their unload. Provide water, be patient and let them do their job.

Final Thoughts

Coachbuilt classics deserve better than a rushed shipping job. Take the extra hour to:

 

• Photograph everything
• Sort paperwork properly
• Prep the car mechanically
• Choose enclosed transport
• Inspect thoroughly on arrival

 

That short list is what stands between you and an easy cross-country journey versus fighting over who paid for what damages. These cars have lasted 50, 60, 70 years – shipping a few thousand miles shouldn’t break the streak.

 

Get it ready to go. Choose the correct transporter. Sleep well knowing your car is traveling across the country.