Classic Car Transportation: Covered, Enclosed & Concours-Safe Methods

Summary: Securing Your Investment with Specialist Logistics

  • Concours-Level Protection: Our enclosed transporters feature fully enclosed, solid sides and soft-strap tie-downs to prevent damage from road debris and ensure complete privacy during transit.
  • Technical Compliance: With ISO 9001 certification and Sector 17 accreditation, we operate lawfully in contraflows and hard shoulders, ensuring your vehicle is recovered safely, legally, and quickly.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: From £5,000,000 insurance liability as standard to real-time GPS tracking and PDA imaging, we provide total transparency for insurers, auctioneers, and private collectors.


The Calm Authority in Vehicle Logistics

When a classic vehicle requires movement, it is rarely just a case of getting from A to B. Whether you are a stranded motorist on the M1 with a vintage Jaguar or a professional auctioneer moving a fleet of supercars to a European show, the stakes are high. Standard recovery methods often lack the finesse required for vehicles of significant value or fragility.


At CMG, we have been the "Friend in Need" for UK motorists since 1972. We combine the empathetic support of a family-run business with the rigorous standards of a national logistics leader. Our 24/7 Control Centre ensures that whether you need a CMG heavy recovery unit for a commercial breakdown or a delicate touch for a priceless antique, expert assistance is deployed immediately.


Why Choose Enclosed Car Transport for Classics?

The primary concern for any classic car owner is preservation. Open transport exposes vehicles to the elements, road grit, and prying eyes. For high-value assets, this risk is often unacceptable.


Complete Environmental Isolation

Our fleet includes specialist covered transporters designed specifically for high-end car transport. Unlike standard tilt-and-slide trucks, these units feature fully encased solid sides or sliding covers. This creates a sealed environment that protects the vehicle from:

  • Weather: Rain, hail, and UV exposure are completely negated.
  • Debris: Stone chips and road salt cannot penetrate the enclosure.
  • Privacy: For prototype vehicles or high-profile clients, our discreet transport keeps cargo out of public view.


Precision Loading for Low Ground Clearance

Many sports classics and race cars feature exceptionally low ground clearance. A standard recovery truck ramp is often too steep, which can damage the front splitter or exhaust system. CMG transporters are equipped with extended ramps and hydraulic systems that reduce the loading angle to near zero. This allows us to load even the lowest track cars without the underside ever touching the ramp.


Do You Need Specialised Strapping for Vintage Chassis?

Securing a modern SUV is straightforward, but a 1960s classic requires a different approach. Using standard wheel straps can sometimes damage fragile wire wheels or chafe against vintage bodywork.


We utilise a "soft-strap" tie-down system that secures the vehicle by the tyres rather than the chassis or suspension components. This method isolates the car's suspension, allowing it to move naturally with the transporter without stressing the vintage mechanicals. Furthermore, we can provide bespoke wheel covers to prevent any abrasive contact during the journey.


How Does CMG Ensure Compliance and Safety?

In the world of vehicle logistics, "trusted" must be backed by accreditation. We do not rely on guesswork; we rely on rigorous industry standards.


Accredited Expertise

We are an accredited Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR) Training Centre. This means our technicians are not just drivers; they are trained experts in the safe handling of complex vehicles. Whether it is calculating the centre of gravity of a wide load or managing a recovery on a live motorway lane, our team adheres to strict safety protocols.


Legal & Insurance Standards

For B2B partners, compliance is critical. We hold ISO 9001 certification and are accredited under the Highways Scheme, Sector 17, allowing us to operate compliantly within motorway contraflows: a vital capability if your vehicle breaks down in a restricted roadworks zone. 


Furthermore, every movement is backed by comprehensive insurance cover of up to £5,000,000 per vehicle/load as standard. This offers total peace of mind for insurance companies and private owners alike.


Meeting the Demands of Events and Auctions

For event organisers and auction houses, timing is everything. A delivery delay can ruin a scheduled sale or a concours appearance.


The "Just-in-Time" Logistics Solution

We understand the pressure of event deadlines. Our fleet capacity, ranging from rapid-response units to multi-car transporters, enables us to handle volume without compromising care. We utilise real-time tracking systems that allow you to monitor the exact location of your assets 24/7.

Our drivers use PDAs to image every vehicle at the point of collection and delivery, creating an indisputable audit trail of the vehicle’s condition.


European Repatriation and Delivery

Our reach extends beyond the UK. If you have purchased a vehicle from a European auction or require classic car transportation to a show in Geneva or Paris, CMG manages the entire route. We handle the logistical complexities, including route planning for wide loads or specific customs documentation requirements, ensuring a seamless cross-border service.


The "Stranded Motorist" Scenario: A Case Study

Imagine you have taken your restored Austin-Healey out for a Sunday drive when the fuel pump fails on a busy dual-carriageway. It is a stressful situation. You are worried about safety, and you are terrified that a standard recovery truck might damage the car you have spent years restoring.


The Problem: The vehicle is immobile in a dangerous location. It has no towing eye, and the bumper chrome is fragile.


The CMG Solution:

  1. Immediate Safety: You call our 24/7 Control Centre. We identify your location and dispatch a specialist technician.
  2. Specialist Recovery: We deploy a covered transporter with a low-approach bed.
  3. Careful Handling: The technician uses soft straps and, if necessary, a specialist dolly system to winch the vehicle onto the bed without touching the chrome work.
  4. Concierge Service: We transport you and the vehicle either to your home or a specialist garage, keeping you informed and reassured throughout the process.


Ready for Any Challenge

While we specialise in the delicate movement of classics, our capabilities are vast. From recovering 44-tonne HGVs with our Heavy Recovery Units to moving scooters, we have the right tool for every job. We are large enough to cope with any demand but small enough to care about every single customer. We are The Calm Authority in a chaotic industry.


Need expert assistance? Contact our 24/7 Control Centre on 0800 282 449, email info@cmg-org.com, or get a quick quote online for your transport needs.