Tow Truck or Car Trailer? How to Move a Classic Car Safely
If you have a classic, vintage, performance or project car that needs moving, you generally have two options: transport it yourself on a trailer or use a professional vehicle transporter.
Both can work well, but there are a few things worth thinking about before deciding.
Loading is often the hardest part
Getting a vehicle safely onto a trailer or tow truck can be more complicated than the drive itself.
Low ride height, long overhangs, flat batteries, locked wheels, steering problems and vehicles that haven’t moved for years can all affect the way a car needs to be loaded.
Trying to force a vehicle onto a trailer can cause damage before the journey has even started.
Securing the vehicle properly matters
A vehicle needs to be restrained using equipment suitable for the weight of the car and secured correctly so it cannot move during transport.
At Ashley’s Tow Taxi, transporting vehicles is what we do every day. We use appropriate vehicle restraints and regularly inspect our towing equipment.
Consider the vehicle itself
A daily driver and a freshly restored classic are not necessarily the same job.
We regularly transport classic, vintage, muscle, race and performance vehicles throughout Canterbury, including vehicles that are difficult or impossible to replace.
That means taking the time to look at the car, choose the safest loading method and treat it accordingly.
What about low or non-running cars?
Low cars, locked wheels and vehicles stuck in Park can often still be transported safely, but they may require additional equipment or a different loading approach.
Tell us exactly what condition the vehicle is in when you book so we can arrive prepared.
Is using a tow truck more convenient?
For many owners, yes.
Instead of organising a tow vehicle and trailer, collecting the trailer, loading the car, securing it, transporting it and unloading it again, you can hand the job over to us.
We can collect from your home, workshop, storage facility or seller and deliver directly to the destination.
Where can we transport your car?
We regularly move vehicles to and from:
mechanics and workshops
restoration specialists
panel beaters
storage facilities
car shows and events
buyers and sellers
homes and garages
We operate throughout Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, North Canterbury and wider Canterbury.
Need a special car moved?
If you have a classic, vintage, race, performance or project vehicle that needs transporting, give us a call.
Tell us what the vehicle is, where it is and anything unusual about its condition, and we’ll work out the safest way to move it.
Call 0800 TOW TAXI — 0800 869 829
Ashley’s Tow Taxi — we take care of everything.
