shipping a 911

dwelle · 08-01-2015, 10:17 AM

i'm in the midst of finalizing a deal for a car on the east coast, and i'm in CA. i'm very comfortable with the folks i'm dealing with and the car that i'm buying. i have bought cars from dealerships in the past and had them delivered, but this is the first time i have bought a car from a private party and had to make arrangements for shipping the car myself.

i was hoping i could lean you guys a bit and see what general advice i could gather, as well as any experiences with different carriers. also need to decide on open or enclosed shipping, generally about $500 difference it seems.

excited to get the car out here, want to make sure i get it done safely and cost effectively. the car is a well sorted '75 911.

thanks in advance!...

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

I only shipped a car once, but it was from the west coast to the east. I went with an open carrier, and the car looked like it had just traveled 3000 miles across America when it arrived. Spend the extra $500, and ship it closed.

TH_DUDE · TH_DUDE's Garage

Congrats on your acquisition.
As far as open vs. enclosed transport is concerned, it depends on the car and your intentions with it, imo.
If you plan to refinish/repaint the exterior, I would chose open transport and apply the difference I saved towards the refinish.
If you have no plans to refinish/repaint because the exterior is in decent to nice to superb condition...well, ante up for the enclosed shipping and protect the finish for the ~3,000 mile journey.

aicautos · 08-01-2015, 02:50 PM

I have used Intercity lines exclusively for 27 years to transport my customers purchases, and mine as well. They have proved to be timely and reliable over the years. Occasionally a customer, looking to either save a few dollars, or thinks someone else can get it to them sooner, chooses to use another carrier. Most of the big enclosed transporters, have similar rates, so sometimes it just comes down to logistics, or the perceived logistics they sell you on to get the ride....
I have never been BS'd by intercity in 27 years...The driver who picks it up, delivers it, period.
Whatever you do, do not go open transport across the USA. Aside from exposing your car to the elements, open carriers sometimes load your car at say a 15% angle...That combined with the steep roads over the Rockies, can cause fluid spill, which at highway speeds can spray your car, and destroy its finish, or others! Enclosed transporters tie your car down flat, and in Intercity's case, also cover it with covers, and plastic...Just in case.

Matt Monson · 08-01-2015, 05:48 PM

Intercity's Discount Shipping Rates for Rennlist Members - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Matt Monson · 08-01-2015, 05:49 PM

Btw, did you buy the 3.2 swapped targa Kenny was selling?

dwelle · 08-01-2015, 06:54 PM

thanks everyone.

duly noted on using enclosed transportation, that's the direction i'm looking to go.

matt, thanks for the link! much appreciated. and yes, i'm buying the car kenny has, although it's a coupe. now i just gotta figure out how to get it here...

Matt Monson · 08-01-2015, 07:09 PM

Oops, sorry. He has anothe customer with a targa that might be for sale soon.

dwelle · 08-01-2015, 07:26 PM

ha! crazy as it's a coupe with a 3.2 that i'm getting...

Matt Monson · 08-01-2015, 07:31 PM

The targa is stock. And a rough car with an accident repair done poorly. I just confused the two. The red coupe you are picking up is a nice car.

turbo935 · turbo935's Garage

I have shipped hundreds of new and used vehicles ( 911s, Cayennes, BMWs, M-Benzs, VWs) over the past 5 years. Only once did I use a enclosed transport ( 89 911 Turbo Cadrio with a inoperable Cabrio top), from Maryland to Ft Lauderdale Fl). I would save your money and use open transport, the car would have to be a museum piece or a concours car for me to use enclosed transport, the transporter will and should have insurance, the car will arrive dirty but should arrive be undamaged.Make sure the car is inspected by you or smebody else before it is shipped and when it arrives. I shipped a new VW Passat, loaded with home stereo equipment for my son from Ft Lauderdale to L A Calif. Feel free to PM me for more advice or information. No I don't work for a transport company. Good luck with your purchase, I would spend the money on a airplane ticket instead to personally see the car before purchase and to actually receive the title and paperwork.