A classic isn't freight. Here's how specialist classic car transport actually works in New Zealand, and what to ask before you hand over the keys.
A modern daily driver can handle a stone chip or a wet deck. A 40-year-old paint job, original trim, or a car that's worth more than the house it parks in front of cannot.
Classic car transport is about eliminating the three things that hurt old cars in transit: weather and road debris, movement on the deck, and handling by people who don't understand what they're moving.
For customers wanting maximum protection we can arrange enclosed trailer transport, fully sheltered from weather, road debris and outside elements for the whole journey. This is the right call for show cars, fresh paint, open-top vehicles and anything heading to or from a concours or auction.
Our 6-car transporter and dedicated single-vehicle trailers suit most classics that are weathertight and regularly driven. A dedicated trailer means your car travels alone, no other vehicles loaded around it.
Every vehicle is photographed before loading and after unloading, with a signed condition report at both ends. On a classic, that record matters as much as the transport itself.
Non-runners and cars with fragile clutches or no brakes are winched on, not driven. Tell us the car's quirks when you book, the starting procedure, the sticky handbrake, the kill switch, and they go in the driver's notes.
Low cars are not a problem. Long ramps and low approach angles are part of the job, but mention splitter clearance when you book so we bring the right setup.
Every load travels under carrier's liability cover, and a certificate of currency is available on request. For high-value cars, talk to us about your own agreed-value policy as well, the two work together.
Inter-island classics are common, and the ferry crossing is booked as part of one fixed price. Your car is secured on the truck deck for the sailing, not parked loose on the ferry vehicle deck.
Wash the car if you can. A clean car makes the condition report accurate and protects everyone.
A quarter tank of fuel or less, battery secure, and no personal items inside.
Write down anything the driver needs to know: starting procedure, immobiliser, brake quirks, parts that shouldn't be touched.
Yes. Non-running classics are winched on with proper equipment, never pushed or dragged. Tell us about brakes and steering when you book so we plan the load.
Yes, we can arrange enclosed transport on inter-island routes, with the ferry crossing coordinated as part of the quote. Enclosed availability depends on schedule, so book early for events and auctions.
Your car travels under our carrier's liability cover. For agreed-value classics we recommend confirming your own insurance covers transport, and we're happy to provide whatever documentation your insurer needs.
