Project Car Transport for Restorations and Builds
Project car transport ships unfinished vehicles, restoration projects, and parts cars between owners, shops, and buyers. Project cars present unique transport challenges. They may not run. They may not roll. They may be partially disassembled. As a result, project car shipping requires flexible carriers and clear communication.
At Xpress Auto Transport, we coordinate project car shipping for restorers, builders, parts hunters, and enthusiasts nationwide. Whether you bought a barn find online or need to relocate a frame-off restoration, we have the right transport solution.
Project Cars We Transport
Restoration Project Cars
Partially restored vehicles in any stage. Frame-off restorations awaiting completion.
Barn Finds
Long-stored vehicles brought back into the market. Often non-running, occasionally non-rolling.
Parts Cars
Vehicles purchased for components. May be partially stripped or missing major systems.
Race Car Builds
Race chassis being prepared for competition. Often without engines or interiors during build phases.
Custom Build Projects
Hot rods, customs, and modifications in progress. Various stages of completion.
Salvage Title Vehicles
Insurance-totaled vehicles being rebuilt. From minor damage to significant restoration projects.
What Counts as a "Project Car"?
For transport purposes, we classify cars by operational status.
Runs and Drives
Standard auto transport works. The car loads onto trailers under its own power.
Rolls and Steers (Doesn't Run)
Auto transport works with winch loading. Carriers winch the car onto the trailer.
Rolls Only (No Steering)
Specialized handling required. May need flatbed transport with dolly loading.
Doesn't Roll
Flatbed transport with forklift or crane loading. Most expensive but works for any condition.
Disassembled Cars
Body off frame, missing wheels, or partially stripped. Custom loading required.
Project Car Transport Methods
Standard Open Carrier (Rolling Projects)
If the car rolls, steers, and brakes, standard open carrier transport works.
Enclosed Project Car Transport
Enclosed transport protects valuable project cars from weather and theft.
Flatbed Project Car Transport
Required for non-rolling project cars, partial vehicles, and stripped chassis. Cars load via winch onto specialized flatbed trailers.
How Much Does Project Car Shipping Cost?
- Running project, open carrier cross-country — $1,100 to $1,700.
- Rolling non-running, open carrier cross-country — $1,300 to $2,000.
- Non-rolling project, flatbed cross-country — $1,800 to $2,800.
- Enclosed project car cross-country — $2,000 to $3,500.
- Disassembled or partial vehicles — custom pricing.
Get a project car shipping quote. Provide detailed condition information for accurate pricing.
Common Project Car Scenarios
- Barn find purchases from estate sales and discoveries.
- Online project car purchases from eBay, Bring a Trailer, Facebook.
- Restoration shop transport for in-progress work.
- Parts car deliveries for components only.
- Race car build transport between chassis builders.
- Salvage purchase delivery to rebuilders.
The best project car shipments start with honest condition reporting. Tell us exactly what the car does and doesn't do. We'll match the right carrier.
What to Tell Us About Your Project Car
Accurate quoting requires complete information.
- Does it run? — engine starts and operates.
- Does it roll? — wheels turn freely.
- Does it steer? — steering system operates.
- Do brakes work? — can the car stop?
- Is the body intact? — or is it on a rotisserie?
- Are wheels installed? — or stored separately?
- Any leaks? — fluid leakage during transport.
- Photos available? — current condition visuals.
Preparing Your Project Car for Transport
- Document the current condition with photos.
- Secure any loose parts or components.
- Note all known issues to the dispatcher.
- Disconnect the battery if installed.
- Drain fluids if leaking significantly.
- Provide all keys if applicable.
- List parts being shipped separately.
Why Choose Xpress for Project Car Transport?
Restorers and enthusiasts trust Xpress because we understand projects. We don't pretend every car runs perfectly. We ask the right questions about condition. We match the right carrier to the project. Furthermore, our transparent pricing reflects actual transport requirements, not optimistic assumptions.