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Why Do Classic Cars Need So Much Protection?
All cars need to be properly protected when they are being moved (rather than driven) from one location to another. This particularly applies to classic and vintage vehicles, which can easily be damaged by poor handling and environmental factors.
Hamiltons Removals offer classic car transportation services from our base close to theNorfolk/Suffolk border. Here we take a closer look at why older cars are more vulnerable, and how we can ensure your valuable vehicle gets the care and protection it needs, whether it’s being moved within the UK or overseas.
Their Age and Fragility
While classic and vintage cars have different definitions depending on which country you live in, one common denominator is their age – they are older (and in some cases much older) than any current showroom model available.
As a result, this means they may have been built with less resilient materials than some of their newer counterparts. Making them potentially more susceptible to normal weathering, such as rust. They are also more likely to have single-stage paint, which makes them more vulnerable to oxidation, which will cause the colours to fade more quickly. This type of paint is also more susceptible to damage, such as scratches and dents.
For a full breakdown of how to distinguish between classic, vintage and antique cars, see our previous blog post here.
The Difficulty in Sourcing Spare Parts
And if something does go wrong, and a part needs replacing, then it will be much more difficult to source a new one because they aren’t potentially in production any longer, unlike more recent models. The same can apply to paint if your prized possession needs a respray – it may be more difficult to get a precise match.
Owners’ clubs for some makes and models may be able to help in these types of situations- although not for particularly rare models.
Their Value – Sentimental and Financial
At Hamiltons, we appreciate that classic and vintage cars can be extremely valuable financially. This value invariably means that they can be a prime target for thieves. And, as they don’t have the premium security features of modern cars, and fewer unique markings, vintage and classic cars are easier to steal and sell on. This means that they need plenty of protection.
And when it comes to transportation, any damage en route can significantly affect their value. And, of course, there is also the sentimental value to the owner, particularly if you have restored it to its original condition or have bought or kept it for personal reasons.
Vintage Car Transportation in Europe and the UK from Hamiltons Removals
At Hamiltons Removals, we a pleased to now offer a variety of car transportation services.
This includes classic car transport in Norfolk and around the UK, to vintage car transportation across Europe and further afield. We will ensure that your vehicle, whatever its age or make, gets the care and attention it deserves when it is on the move.
Hamiltons can also offer single and covered car transportation. With the former, we have low-profile ramps so the underside of your vehicle isn’t damaged; with the latter, we can custom-build a transporter to fit your car, whatever size or shape it is.
If you would like to know more about our vehicle transportation services, follow this link and fill in the form at the bottom of the page.
The Best Cities to Move to In Austria
Austria has plenty to offer – a sound economy and public sector, stunning scenery, plenty of places to study and a rich cultural heritage. But which is the best city to move to. The Moving Partnership, who offer competitive international removals to Austria, have been finding out.
Vienna – For the Culture
If you will have time to enjoy the arts and culture, then Vienna should be your choice. The country’s capital has plenty for classical music fans – the Mozarthus museum (the former home of Mozart himself) features concerts of Beethoven and Schubert on its programme as well as Wolfgang Amadeus himself.
There are plenty of palaces too – the Hofburg Imperial Palace, above, is right in the city centre. If you prefer more recent history, then the Prater amusement park, with its giant wheel, is worth a visit. It was made famous in the film The Third Man, which was set in the city’s immediate post-war period.
There are other advantages of moving to Vienna. The large expat community means there are plenty of English speakers (upwards of 300,000), and the public transport system is well developed. There should be plenty of job/career opportunities as well.
Graz – for the Budget-Conscious (and the Student)
However, one disadvantage of Vienna is that accommodation prices tend to be much higher than elsewhere in the country. For this reason, it may be worth considering moving to one of the smaller cities, such as Graz to the south of the country (which is fairly close to the border with Slovenia).
This city has not one but eight universities, with the Karl-Franzens-Universitat (also called the University of Graz) probably the best known, being ranked in the world’s top 500 in the QS World University Rankings in 2024. This is aided by the fact that many courses are taught in English.
Not only are accommodation costs much lower than in Vienna or Salzburg and there’s plenty of student nightlife on offer. The city centre, with its historic Town Hall and Castle Hill, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Innsbruck – For the Skiing and Winter Sports
The fifth largest city in the country, and the capital of the Western state of Tyrol, has plenty of job opportunities, but the main reason for choosing Innsbruck is the beautiful scenery. It’s in the heart of the Alps, so it won’t take long to get on the downslopes.
The city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 (and the Winter Paralympics more recently). It’s a hub for all winter sports, not just skiing – snowboarding, mountaineering, ice skating, and more. The city is also well known for its modern architecture, including some of the sports arenas.
Linz – For Sustainable Living
The city of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and country’s third largest city, has plenty of parks and green spaces, including Stadtpark and Schlosspark, as well as the Botanical Gardens, so there are plenty of places to chill out. It also helps that it is located on the River Danube.
In addition, the city is one of the leading exponents of green roofs, where there are plenty of incentives to add or build one. The authorities have also encouraged the growth of farmers’ markets – there are 11 regularly held in the city.
Generally, the pace of life is much slower and more relaxed in Linz than many other cities in the country.
International Removals to Austria with The Moving Partnership
At The Moving Partnership we offer removals to Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, and many more towns and cities across the country.
You can choose our dedicated service where you have the sole use of one of our vehicles. Our special service where you can specify your collection and delivery dates. Or, our part-load or groupage service where your possessions share a vehicle with other part-loads, reducing the cost of the transportation. Other options also include full packing and unpacking, cleaning your home (old and new) and insurance.
We can also arrange commercial removals to Austria as well, and can include employee relocation as part of the package.
For more information about our services, follow this link or call us on 01379 855203.