Wisconsin has a strong car culture. From spring through fall, collectors bring classic cars to shows, cruise nights, and swap meets around the state, and restoration shops work on vehicles year-round. Moving a classic or collector car is not the same as towing a daily driver. Original paint, chrome, and trim are irreplaceable. Older suspensions and frames can be fragile. And many vintage vehicles have low ground clearance or no modern tie-down points at all. Lake Front Towing transports classic and collector vehicles from the Milwaukee suburbs to destinations across Wisconsin and beyond, with the care they deserve.
Why flatbed transport is the right choice
A classic car should never be towed with two wheels on the ground. That puts stress on old drivetrains and suspensions, exposes the paint to road spray and debris, and adds miles to a car whose mileage may be part of its value. A flatbed carries the entire vehicle off the road. For trips across the state, it is also far less stressful than driving a car that may not have been designed for modern highway speeds.
Loading without damage
Loading is where most damage to classic cars happens. Our operators take extra steps:
- Low loading angles. We tilt the bed gradually, and use ramps or blocks to reduce the angle for low cars, so front valances and exhausts do not scrape.
- Winching slowly with attachment points chosen to avoid stressing body panels or old suspension parts.
- Soft tie-downs. We secure the vehicle by the wheels using wheel nets or soft straps, rather than chaining the frame, which can scratch or bend older components.
- Protection for chrome and paint. Straps are routed so they do not touch painted surfaces or trim.
Common reasons to move a classic
Car shows and cruise nights. Arrive with a clean car and no road grime, and avoid driving an older vehicle through traffic or bad weather. Restoration and specialty shops. A car in the middle of restoration often cannot be driven at all. Buying and selling. A collector purchase from another part of the state, or a sale to a buyer who wants the car delivered. Seasonal storage. Many owners move their cars to heated storage for the winter and bring them home in spring.
Preparing a classic for transport
- Photograph the vehicle thoroughly, including close-ups of paint and trim.
- Tell us about any fragile parts, like spoilers, side pipes, or antenna masts.
- Note whether the car runs, steers, and stops, and whether the parking brake holds.
- Remove or secure loose items in the cabin and trunk.
- Let us know if the car has a battery cut-off switch, alarm, or unusual starting procedure.
- If the car has a convertible top, make sure it is fully closed and secure.
Weather and timing
Many owners do not want their classic out in the rain, let alone on salted winter roads. We watch the forecast before every trip and can reschedule if bad weather is coming. For long trips, we plan the route and timing to minimize exposure. While our flatbeds are open, careful scheduling keeps the car out of the worst conditions, and we can discuss covering options for the trip.
Show-day logistics
Car shows have specific arrival windows, and the grounds can be crowded and tight. Tell us the show's address, your arrival time, and any instructions from the organizers. Our operator will plan to arrive on time and unload in the designated area. If you need the car picked up at the end of the show, we can schedule that as well.
Older brakes, fuel and fluids
Classic cars that sit for long periods often have quirks a modern car does not. Brakes may be soft or the parking brake may not hold. Old fuel can go stale in the tank. Seals that were dry all winter may weep oil or coolant once the car moves. None of this prevents transport, but it affects how the operator loads and secures the vehicle. If you know the brakes are weak, we will winch the car on and off rather than driving it, and we will chock the wheels before releasing the winch. Mention any leaks so we can place absorbent material on the deck and keep fluids off your paint.
Getting a quote
Call (414) 520-7264 with the vehicle's year, make, and model, the pickup and delivery addresses, and any special considerations. You will receive an upfront price before we schedule.
Insurance for collector vehicles
Many collectors insure their cars with agreed-value policies through specialty insurers, and some of those policies have their own rules about how the car is transported and who may drive it. Before the trip, check whether your policy requires notice of transport or lists approved methods. Lake Front Towing is fully licensed and insured, and we can provide documentation your insurer may ask for. Keep the photos you took at pickup with the policy paperwork, so the car's pre-trip condition is easy to show if a question ever comes up.
Frequently asked questions
Can you transport a car that does not run?
Yes. Many project cars do not run, and we can winch them onto the flatbed carefully. Tell us whether it rolls and steers.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Lake Front Towing is fully licensed and insured. If your vehicle has a specialized collector policy, check its transport provisions as well.
Do you transport motorcycles too?
Yes, including vintage bikes. See our motorcycle and specialty towing service.
Moving a classic? Call (414) 520-7264 to plan its trip. Learn more about our long distance towing.