When Gary & Dorothy shipped their 1937 Packard 115C with Autoshippers from the UK to the USA they described the shipping process as “seamless”, so when they found their second classic car in the UK they looked no further than Autoshippers once again to help them ship their new pride and joy across the Atlantic Ocean.
Known as “Lily”, this beautifully restored Tan & Aubergine, right-hand-drive classic 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe is a real head turner, and Gary & Dorothy once again trusted us to look after her as if she was our own.
A Returning Customer’s New Classic Car Shipment: The 1937 Packard Sport Coupe
When it comes to shipping classic cars, customers are looking for a reliable shipping company that they can trust. The fact that Autoshippers has customers that come back to us time and again to ship their vehicles overseas shows that the first experience they had with us must have left a good impression.
This was the case with Gary & Dorothy, who had already shipped a 1937 Packard 115C via our Roll-on/Roll-off service from the UK to the USA, and we appreciated the trust that they had with us when we heard from them again to ship this 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe.
At Autoshippers we value the relationships we build with our repeat customers (you know who you are!) but we also know that every new customer is also an opportunity to demonstrate the care, attention and expertise that makes us a preferred choice for car enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
Why Customers Return to Autoshippers for Reliable Car Shipping
Having repeat customers really is the highest compliment that we can receive, which is the reason why we shout it from the rooftops. They reflect the reliability and quality of our car shipping services. Our returning client experienced the benefits of Autoshippers seamless communication, careful handing and transparent billing process during their first shipment and this makes their decision to ship with us again an easy one.
We pride ourselves on delivering rare and classic vehicles safely, providing peace of mind for collectors and petrol heads. From providing detailed quotations that include important information regarding Customs processes, to only using reputable car transport companies and shipping lines that ensure vehicles are protected and secured during transit, every step is designed to make it a seamless and stress-free shipping experience for our customers.
Quoting and Booking for Autoshippers Ro/Ro Service to the USA
The beginning of every car shipment is the quotation, and at Autoshippers we make the process of getting a quotation and booking your shipment straightforward and stress-free, with options that cater to both the car’s unique requirements and the client’s preferences. Here’s how the journey for this vintage gem began.
Easy and Transparent Quotation Process
makes requesting a quotation a quick and easy process for customers to provide all the necessary details, including the type of vehicle, pickup location (if we are collecting) destination and when you are planning to ship.
We aren’t only interested in giving you the cost of shipping your vehicle from A to B though, so when you receive your quotation, you will also get tonnes of information including our shipping options, vessel schedules including transit times, cargo insurance details and Customs guides for your chosen destination. These Customs guides include details on the costs that you will pay at destination for registration and any other costs that we aren’t able to include in our quotation.
This transparency is key, and it means that our customers aren’t surprised with any hidden costs once their vehicle arrives with them at the destination port, and that they are able to quickly have it released to them and be driving around in no time at all.
Flexible Shipping Options Tailored to Your Needs
Autoshippers aren’t a one-trick pony, we offer a range of shipping methods to suit different needs, from Ro/Ro to container shipping and even airfreight. For this Packard 120C Sport Coupe, Gary and Dorothy once again decided to use our Ro/Ro (Roll-on Roll-off) service, which is often the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Not only do the Autoshippers Sales team send costs and tailored information with your quote, they are also extremely knowledgeable when it comes to vehicle shipping. Try giving us a call, we can offer free personalised advice to customers to help make the right choice when it comes to the shipping methods on offer.
We will even tell you if you will have problems in Customs clearing or registering your vehicle overseas, and how to overcome these issues before you arrange shipping. There are many different regulations for registering vehicles overseas, and we can help you navigate the landscape with our extensive knowledge built up over our many years of shipping.
Preparing the 1937 Packard 120C for Shipping
Once Gary and Dorothy had their costs and shipping options, they made the decision to once again ship on our Ro/Ro service. The next step is to make the booking with us so that we can get the ball rolling and unite them with their new (old) car as soon as possible.
Pre-Transit Vehicle Inspection and Documentation
Whether the vehicle is being collected from a UK address, or being delivered to the port or container loading facility by the exporter, it undergoes a full non-mechanical vehicle inspection, which notes any existing scratches, dents or imperfections, photographing the vehicle from multiple angles.
This not only gives our customers peace of mind, it is also a requirement of our car shipping insurance cover to give a reference point should any issues arise during transit. For Gary and Dorothy, who were in the USA already, this was a reassurance of the condition of the car that they had bought overseas.
Autoshippers had already outlined all of the documentation that was needed for Customs clearance at both the UK and USA ports, and this was uploaded to our secure portal. Necessary paperwork can include the V5 Registration documentation, as well as a Bill of Sale (or invoice) that acts as proof that the vehicle ownership had changed hands if the V5 had yet to be amended.
Ro/Ro Shipping – The Preferred Option
Ro/Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) car shipping is a reliable and cost-effective method for transporting vehicles overseas. These vehicles are driven onto specially designed vessels using ramps, and are then secure below deck to prevent movement. Once the vessel arrives at the destination port, they are driven off again and made available after Customs clearance for customers to collect.
Once driven onto the vessel, this Packard 120C Sport Coupe was secured in a designated deck area using padded straps and wheel chocks to prevent any movement during transit. Ro/Ro vessels are purpose built to protect vehicles from the elements, such as weather and sea-water, during the ocean voyage.
The process of loading and unloading vehicles onto Ro/Ro vessels is much easier and more cost effective than container shipping. Containers are loaded with goods often many miles away from the shipping port, and they need to be delivered to the quay up to a week before sailing. They then need to be loaded using specialist cranes. With Ro/Ro, vehicles can be delivered directly to the quayside up to 24 hours before sailing and simply driven straight onto the vessel, and as the process has much less handling the cost is minimised.
Shipping the Packard 120C Sport Coupe Across the Atlantic
The Journey: From Southampton to Brunswick via the Victoria Highway
After delivery to Southampton port, and the Vehicle Condition Report being completed, Gary and Dorothy’s Packard 120C Sport Coupe was driven on and secured below decks of the vessel Victoria Highway.
The Victoria Highway is a specialist Ro/Ro vessel capable of carrying over 7,000 cars over the most unrelenting of ocean voyages. She is around 200 metres long with a maximum speed of around 21 knots, which is around 24 miles per hour.
Following a well-established route across the Atlantic, the transit time from Southampton to Brunswick is 12 days from port to port, and on arrival in the USA all of the vehicles are carefully unstrapped, unchocked and driven off the vessel onto US soil for Customs clearance and release to their owners.
Keeping Customers Informed Every Step of the Way
At Autoshippers, part of the reason why customers return to us time and again to ship their vehicles overseas is the communication that we give as part of the service. During the Packard’s journey, Gary and Dorothy received regular updates from both our UK team and the agents in the USA.
Along with these updates, customers are given tracking facilities so that they can follow the progress of the vessel across the Atlantic, and this is available 24 hours a day. Our Customs agents in the USA are advised before arrival of the details of the shipment and the customer contact details, so they are already in contact before the vessel arrives.
Once Customs cleared and released by the US port, the Packard 120C Sport Coupe was collected by Gary and Dorothy and transported to their garage to join up with her new sister that Autoshippers had shipped previously. One big happy family!
The 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe – A Classic of Elegance and Performance
The 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe embodies a unique blend of sophistication, craftsmanship, and innovation that defined the Packard brand in its heyday. As one of the standout models of its time, this vehicle continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts with its timeless design and remarkable engineering.
The Distinctive Charm of the Packard 120C
From its flowing fenders to its iconic tall chrome grille, the Packard 120C Sport Coupe exudes elegance. This two-door masterpiece was built on a robust chassis and powered by a smooth straight-eight engine, providing a harmonious blend of style and performance. Its luxurious interior featured fine materials and meticulous detailing, making every journey a refined experience.
One of the most distinctive features of the Packard 120C is its combination of graceful design and practicality. While its aesthetics turned heads, its dependable engineering ensured it could handle the rigors of daily driving—a testament to Packard’s reputation for producing reliable and innovative vehicles. Today, the 120C remains a sought-after model among classic car collectors, celebrated for its unique charm and enduring appeal.
A Piece of Automotive History: Right-Hand Drive and Restored to Perfection
The 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe shipped by AutoShippers holds an additional layer of historical significance as a right-hand-drive model—a rare configuration that highlights its journey across continents. Originally built in the USA, this vehicle was exported to the UK, where it was likely sold originally at Packard’s London dealership, which was one of their largest in the world, until it was sadly bombed in the blitz.
Painstakingly restored, this Packard showcases a perfect balance of authenticity and functionality. Its pristine paintwork, polished chrome accents, and expertly reupholstered interior reflect the craftsmanship that went into bringing it back to life. The right-hand-drive setup adds a unique narrative to its history, making it not just a car, but a story of transatlantic automotive culture.
For Gary and Dorothy in the USA, this Packard represents more than just a classic car—it’s a treasured piece of history, a testament to timeless design, and a source of joy for future journeys.
Autoshippers – The Trusted Choice for Classic Car Shipping
Shipping a classic car is more than just logistics; it’s about trust, care, and expertise. At AutoShippers, we’ve built a reputation as leaders in classic car transport, ensuring each vehicle we handle receives the utmost attention and care. With decades of experience and a range of flexible shipping options, we’re the trusted choice for collectors, enthusiasts, and returning customers alike.
Decades of Experience with Vintage and Rare Vehicles
For over 25 years, AutoShippers has specialised in transporting vintage and rare vehicles, making us the go-to partner for collectors around the world. From pre-war classics to modern sports cars, our team understand the unique requirements of high-value automobiles and provides tailored solutions to meet them.
Our customer, who recently shipped their 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe with us, is a perfect example of the trust we strive to earn and maintain. This was their second shipment with AutoShippers, and their feedback highlights our commitment to excellence:
“We had the distinct pleasure of collecting ‘Lily,’ our new-to-us Right-Hand Drive 1937 Packard 120C Sport Coupe, from the Port of Brunswick yesterday after the long voyage from Southampton. Second time using AutoShippers and, again, you have exceeded our expectations! She was well cared for during her trip aboard the Victoria Highway, and we were well cared for by the administrative prowess of both Riccy Young and Mark Brown. I will continue to recommend AutoShippers to my car friends in the market for international shipping. Thanks again!”
Get a Quotation and Start Your Car’s Journey Today
As we have said, at Autoshippers we make the beginning of your car shipping journey as easy as possible. Head to our website where we have shipping and customs guides to the USA, Australia, New Zealand and many others, as well as in depth information on our Ro/Ro, shared container and full container car shipping options.
You can , or you can always give our dedicated and knowledgeable sales team a call on +44 117 982 8123 / 0800 389 0784 and they can offer invaluable advice as well as guiding you through the process from start to finish.
Whether you’re shipping a cherished classic like the Packard 120C or your everyday vehicle, AutoShippers are here to make the process stress-free and seamless. Trust us to handle your vehicle with care, and join the thousands of satisfied customers who have made AutoShippers their choice for international car transport.
Your vehicle deserves the best—and that’s what we deliver at AutoShippers.
