In October 2024, Bilweb Auctions successfully concluded an auction where a classic Saab 92 De Luxe was sold for an impressive $23,000 USD. This remarkable sale highlights the enduring demand and value of vintage Saabs among collectors and automotive enthusiasts.
If you’re considering acquiring a timeless vehicle like the Saab 92 De Luxe and need to transport it safely across the globe, understanding the essential steps for shipping such a classic car is crucial. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure your cherished Saab arrives at its destination in pristine condition.
Have your eyes on a new (old!) Saab but unsure how you would go about shipping a vehicle around the world? In today’s article, we’ll discuss a recently sold Saab 92 De Luxe 1951 and the steps you’d take to ensure that it is shipped to you safely and soundly. If you’re interested in learning more about shipping vehicles and how to get it done right, read on below.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Communicate with the Seller
The first step when purchasing a Saab or any other car is to communicate with the seller to see if they have resources to help you transport the vehicle. Some sellers may be an auction house with connections to a transport company, or they may have a direct connection with a reliable transport service that can help ship your Saab to any destination.
What’s important is that you verify who the transport company is before you make any decisions. If you cannot verify that the recommended transport company is legitimate and has plenty of online reviews, you’ll want to continue searching for a reliable company that has a clean record.
Decide on the Transport Method
While a Saab 92 De Luxe is on the smaller end of vehicles and would fit into an open trailer, investing in an enclosed trailer may be worthwhile. The more distance the vehicle has to travel, the more risk there is when it comes to damage by weather or even theft.
Most vehicles are shipped on open trailers, which means that they’re going to be shipped out in the open with many other vehicles being hauled at the same time. The biggest benefit of open trailers is their economical cost and ease of use.
The other method of transport, at least for domestic shipments, is enclosed trailers. Enclosed trailers can haul 2-3 vehicles at once and are going to make for a much more secure shipping environment. The downside is that enclosed trailers are going to cost quite a bit more than open trailers.
Now, if you’re shipping your Saab internationally, you’ll still have options to choose from in terms of pricing. Shipping your vehicle in the most economical way possible may mean your vehicle is sitting out in the sun for the entirety of its trip. If you’re OK with your vehicle being out in the open for extended periods, you can opt to go with the most economical form of shipping internationally.
If, however, you want white-glove treatment, you can get A1 car shipping quotes to get a better understanding of how much it’ll cost to ship anywhere in the world.
Do a Thorough Inspection
If you’re purchasing the Saab internationally and cannot get a good look at it before it gets shipped over, you may want to convene with the seller to do a walkthrough on video before it’s handed off to the transport company.
Ask them to show you every angle of the vehicle so you can account for any dings or scratches that may be there before the vehicle is shipped. This will reassure you of the condition of the vehicle before handing it off to the transport company.
Ask the seller to take pictures, and then get those pictures timestamped so if anything happens during shipment, you can use these photos as proof the Saab was in good condition before shipping, and you’ll be able to recoup money that has been lost.
You’ll also have the benefit of having a better idea of the condition of the vehicle, so if anything were to happen during shipment, you’ll have the ability to prove the condition the Saab was in with definite proof.
Plan if Possible
Transport companies will give you a discount if you’re able to book a slot far in advance. While it may not be possible to plan if you’re purchasing a Saab at auction, you can still opt to ship the vehicle at a later date rather than right away.
If you’re able to coordinate with your transport company, you can even leave your Saab in storage until you’re ready to pick it up. Many transport companies have partner deals with storage companies, giving you a better rate.
Pick Up Your New Saab!
After all the legwork is done, the paperwork is signed, and the Saab is shipped, all that’s left to do is wait and pick up your new Saab. Ensure to keep it clean, enjoy it fully, and take it for a spin so you can wow any passersby with a vehicle that many may have never seen before.
Final Tips for Shipping Your Saab 92 De Luxe
Shipping a vehicle from an auction can seem intimidating, but with the right steps, you can get it shipped safely anywhere in the world. The biggest concern is going to be working with the right transport company that can help ensure everything goes smoothly.
One final tip is to ensure that the transport company is legitimate and is properly insured. Ask to verify the amount the vehicle will be insured for, and what actions you can take if anything goes wrong during shipment. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t feel shy about inquiring into the insurance policy before handing off your precious Saab for shipment!
