Enclosed Transport Is Not Only for Ferraris: 7 Unexpected Vehicles That Require Protection

Most people think of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or ultra-rare hypercars when thinking of enclosed auto transport. While those exotic vehicles do require enclosed carriers, and even then, they’re far from the only cars that can benefit from that level of protection. In fact, many everyday, specialty, and niche vehicles encounter risks that make enclosed transport not just a luxury, but a necessity.

Knowing which vehicles need protection is equally important as determining how to ship a car to another state safely and securely. This article identifies seven surprising vehicle types that are ideal candidates for enclosed transport and explains why open shipping isn’t always the best option.

Why Enclosed Transport Matters, Not Only for Exotic Cars

Enclosed transport offers complete protection from road debris, weather exposure, theft, and prying eyes. Unlike open carriers, enclosed trailers transport vehicles to their destinations without getting covered in dust or rain, and without getting hit by UVs, hail, and other extreme temperatures.

When it comes to working with a professional car shipper, the owner’s decision revolves around value, appearance, and mechanical condition. While a car shipping service’s enclosed transport is one of the most distinctive elements of Luxury Car Transport, it is certainly not the only one.

Classic and Vintage Cars

Classic cars are some of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. Most were constructed decades ago with materials that are far less weather-resistant than those used in modern-day vehicles.

Why enclosed transport is a must:

• Older paint finishes are more susceptible to damage from moisture and sun exposure
• Replacement parts are often more difficult to find and are sometimes irreplaceable
• Vibration sensitivity is often a bigger issue with mechanical parts

An enclosed transport is most welcoming to the classics, as they need to arrive in the condition they left and most folk would hope the car contains as many vintage components as possible.

Modified and Custom-Built Vehicles

These vehicles are often tailored with lowered suspensions, wide body kits, custom paint jobs, and other aftermarket elements. Withdrawn from many cars on the road, these aftermarket additions increase the vehicles’ mobility and vulnerability to road issues.

There are risks associated with open transport:

• Vehicles can be scraped or damaged while being loaded and unloaded.
• Both your vehicle and the paint on the trailers can be damaged due to road debris.
• Certain wraps or finishes can be damaged due to sun exposure.

For automobiles with limited ground clearance, open carriers can be more dangerous than closed carriers. This is especially true for automobile owners who have invested significant sums into customizations and want to protect these customizations with closed transport.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles are modern and sleek, but require extra care while transporting. Electric vehicles have complicated circuitry and battery systems, and need to be kept away from extreme weather and moisture to protect the fragile, integrated sensors.

• Reduced exposure to heat and cold.
• Lower risk of water intrusion.
• Protection for underbody battery packs.

With the increase of EV adoption, more and more owners of EVs are opting for enclosed transport, especially for long-distance interstate transport.

High-End SUVs and Luxury Sedans

High-end SUVs and Luxury Sedans can be just as luxurious as a supercar. They often have custom paint finishes, unique interiors, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Why do these vehicles need protection?

• Expensive sensors can be damaged by debris
• Paint finishes are more susceptible to chips
• Interiors can suffer from heat and UV exposure

Enclosed shipping aligns with the expectations of Luxury Car Transport, even for vehicles that don’t scream “exotic” at first glance.

Vehicles with Custom Paint, Wraps, or Ceramic Coatings

A vehicle’s exterior finish is one of its most vulnerable assets. Custom paint jobs, vinyl wraps, and ceramic coatings are particularly susceptible to damage during transit. Risks of open transport include:

• Peeling or tearing of wraps
• Chips and scratches from debris
• Chemical exposure from road grime

Enclosed transport provides a controlled environment that preserves the appearance and integrity of specialty finishes.

Rare Imports and Limited-Production Models

Some vehicles are rare not because they are expensive, but because they are hard to replace. Limited-production models and imported cars often fall into this category. Why is enclosed transport preferred?

• Replacement parts may be difficult to source
• Unique body panels and trim are easily damaged
• Vehicles may attract unwanted attention during transit

Owners shipping rare imports often work closely with an experienced car shipper to ensure discreet and secure delivery.

Performance and Track-Focused Cars

Vehicles built for track use may not look flashy like a supercar, but they still require a lot of engineering work. Precision engineering for a suspension, the use of more aerodynamic bodywork, and lightweight construction all go into the build.

Benefits of enclosed transport:

• Less jarring impact
• Easier and safer unloading
• Protection from the elements

Many Motorsport enthusiasts are willing to pay for enclosed transport to protect the cars from the elements and to protect the investment. This is done even for non-luxury Performance Cars.

How to Decide if Enclosed Transport is Right for You

While not all cars need to be transported in an enclosed trailer, more people than think do need it. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating if enclosed transport is right for you:

• Sentimental or financial value of the vehicle
• Current/existing condition of the vehicle, especially pre-existing body work
• How sensitive the vehicle is mechanically
• The length of the journey and the specific route
• The external weather during transport

If you answered yes to any of the above conditions, then enclosed transport is likely the right choice for you.

Choosing the Right Car Shipper

Choosing a car shipper is just as important as the transport method and is a very important decision. You need a provider that has:

• Experience with enclosed transport
• Good, clean, clear insurance terms
• Good, secure loading and unloading procedures
• Good communication and tracking

If you are dealing with a reputable Luxury Car Transport provider, they will walk you through the process with all of the above, and plan things out with you for the best option use of transport for transporting your car.

Concluding Remarks

Not only can Ferraris and other exotics be shipped via enclosed haulers. Every day, closed transport is utilized for vehicles such as classics, electric vehicles (EVs), custom builds, and luxury SUVs. With each of these cars comes unique challenges and risks, making enclosed transport the safest option.

Stereotypes must be overcome when determining how to get a car shipped across state lines. Protection of vehicles, peace of mind, and value preservation must be factored into decision-making. Enclosed transport will most often help owners of all types vehicles realize the peace of mind they never knew they needed. With the right transport services, the enclosed option is the most reliable and professional choice.