Shipping a classic car internationally costs between £900 and £3,500, depending on vehicle dimensions, chosen method, and destination. Container shipping is the recommended method for classic and vintage vehicles, offering full enclosure and maximum protection. Transit times range from 10 days to 6 weeks depending on the route. Most UK shipments depart from Southampton, Portbury or Tilbury, with collection available nationwide.
Why Classic Car Shipping Requires a Different Approach
Shipping a classic car is not the same as shipping a modern daily driver. These vehicles are often irreplaceable, mechanically sensitive, and carry significant financial and sentimental value. A standard RoRo service — where vehicles are driven on and off the vessel by port handlers — is not always appropriate for a vehicle that may have a delicate gearbox, low ground clearance, or bodywork that hasn’t seen a rough surface in decades.
Classic cars deserve a shipping method that matches their value. That means careful handling, correct documentation, appropriate, and a team that understands what they are dealing with before the vehicle even reaches the port.
The Best Shipping Method for Classic Cars
There are two primary methods for international classic car shipping: RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) and Container Shipping. For classic vehicles, container shipping is almost always the preferred choice — and for good reason.
Container Shipping for Classic Cars
A container provides a complete enclosure, protecting your vehicle from salt air, weather exposure, and the kind of handling risks that come with open-deck or multi-deck RoRo vessels. There are two container options:
- Sole-use 20ft container — fits one standard classic car with room for personal effects or parts. Ideal for complete privacy and maximum security.
- Sole-use 40ft container — suitable for larger vehicles, multiple classics, or when additional freight is being shipped alongside.
- Shared container (LCL) — your vehicle shares space with other cargo. A more cost-effective solution but with less flexibility on timing and loading.
Inside the container, the vehicle is secured using purpose-built wheel cradles, timber chocking, and ratchet straps to prevent any movement during transit. A reputable shipping company will also wrap or cover the vehicle to protect paintwork from dust and minor contact.
When RoRo Is an Option
For classic cars that are in full running order, structurally sound, and have reasonable ground clearance, RoRo can be considered — particularly for shorter routes where the vessel time is minimal. It is less expensive than container shipping, but the trade-off is less control over how the vehicle is handled and no enclosure from the elements during loading and unloading.
If cost is a key factor and the vehicle is a robust classic rather than a concours-condition show car, RoRo is worth discussing with your shipping agent.
Documentation Required for Classic Car Shipping
Classic cars — particularly older or restored vehicles — sometimes carry additional documentation requirements compared to standard modern vehicles. Typical paperwork includes:
- V5C logbook or equivalent registration document
- Proof of ownership — purchase receipt or auction paperwork
- Vehicle valuation certificate — essential for purposes
- Export customs declaration — completed by your freight forwarder
- Bill of Lading — issued by the shipping line on loading
- Destination import documents — title, import permit, or compliance paperwork depending on the receiving country
- Historic vehicle documentation — if applicable, age certification or club registration can support reduced duty claims in some countries
Your shipping agent should be proactive about what is needed for the specific destination. Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in delays, storage charges, or vehicles being held at the destination port.
Preparing Your Classic Car for Shipping
Preparation is one of the most overlooked parts of the process. A few straightforward steps before handover can make a significant difference:
- Photograph everything — document every panel, wheel, interior surface, and underside. Take time-stamped images from multiple angles before the vehicle leaves your hands
- Check for fluid leaks — active oil or fuel leaks can cause a vehicle to be refused at the port. Address any known leaks before shipping
- Fuel level — reduce to approximately a quarter tank or less in line with port safety requirements
- Disconnect the battery or fit a battery isolator to prevent drainage and reduce fire risk during extended transit
- Soft-close any convertible roofs and ensure all windows are fully closed
- Remove loose or fragile interior items — steering wheel covers, detachable radios, or any period accessories that could shift during transit
- Note any pre-existing damage on the condition report at handover and retain a copy
Real Shipping Examples
A customer shipped a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback from the UK to the USA using a sole-use 20ft container. Ship Cars Ltd coordinated collection from a private garage in the Midlands, managed all export documentation, and arranged agreed-value marine. The vehicle arrived at the destination port with no damage and cleared customs within three working days.
“I was nervous about shipping my E-Type — it’s been in the family for thirty years. The team at Ship Cars talked me through every step and the car arrived in perfect condition. I wouldn’t use anyone else.” — R. Hargreaves, classic car owner, 2024
A restored 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was shipped in a shared container from the UK. The owner needed a cost-effective solution without compromising on care. Ship Cars Ltd secured the vehicle correctly within the shared space, coordinated with the destination agent, and the vehicle cleared without issue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Classic Car
Even experienced classic car owners make avoidable errors when shipping internationally for the first time:
- Choosing the cheapest quote without checking what is included — low quotes often exclude, port handling, or customs fees that appear later
- Not checking the vehicle’s eligibility at the destination — some countries have age restrictions or emissions requirements that affect whether a vehicle can be imported at all
- Underinsuring the vehicle — always insure at agreed value, not depreciated market value
- Leaving personal items in the vehicle — this creates customs complications and risks items being removed or lost
- Not confirming ground clearance with the shipping agent — low-slung classic cars sometimes require additional ramps or specialist handling at the port
How Ship Cars Ltd Can Help You Ship Your Classic Car
Ship Cars Ltd has the experience, industry relationships, and attention to detail that classic car shipping demands. The team works with owners, collectors, dealers, and auction houses to move historic and high-value vehicles safely across the world.
Here is what Ship Cars Ltd handles directly:
- Method selection — advising on container versus RoRo based on the vehicle’s value, condition, and destination
- Vehicle collection — trade plate drivers and enclosed transporter options available for collection from your home, garage, or storage facility
- Export customs clearance — full UK documentation prepared and filed on your behalf
- Container booking and loading supervision — ensuring the vehicle is loaded, secured, and documented correctly
- Agreed-value marine — arranged to reflect the true worth of your vehicle
- Destination agent coordination — working with trusted local agents to manage import clearance and final delivery
- Ongoing communication — from the moment of booking to the moment the vehicle is delivered, the Ship Cars team keep you informed at every stage
Classic car shipping does not need to be stressful. With the right team behind the shipment, it is a straightforward, well-managed process — regardless of where in the world the vehicle is heading.
Get in touch via Shipcars.co.uk for a tailored quote on your classic car shipment.
Ship Cars Ltd — International Vehicle Shipping Specialists | Shipcars.co.uk
