Preparing a classic car for export is not just about booking space on a vessel; it is about controlling every detail before the car ever reaches the port. Thorough inspection, documentation, and professional packaging are what separate a seamless shipment to Turkey from a stressful, expensive experience.
This guide walks through practical inspection and packaging steps that align with West Coast Shipping’s proven workflows for classics bound for Turkey, and complements the broader strategies in the main guide on shipping classic cars to Turkey, including taxes, permissions, and logistics.
Classic vehicles are more vulnerable to hidden defects, corrosion, and transport damage than modern daily drivers, especially on long ocean routes from the USA to Turkey. A structured inspection before export ensures the car is safe to move, compliant with port requirements, and properly documented.
Pre‑export checks help reveal fluid leaks, electrical issues, or loose components that could cause loading delays or damage during containerization.
Detailed inspection notes and photos create a baseline condition record that protects the owner if any problems arise during the journey.
A thorough inspection is most effective when it follows a consistent checklist from exterior to mechanical systems. Before West Coast Shipping receives the vehicle at a U.S. facility, owners should complete (and document) these basics:Exterior and underbody
Wash the car carefully so paint defects, rust spots, and prior repairs are visible in photos and inspection notes.
Look for corrosion on rocker panels, wheel arches, and frame rails, paying close attention to older undercoating that may hide rust.
Fluids, leaks, and mechanical systems
Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, and look for any active leaks under the car after it has been parked.
Confirm that the car starts, steers, and brakes reliably enough for safe loading into a container, or flag it as non‑running so specialized loading can be arranged.
Electrical and safety items
Test headlights, indicators, brake lights, and horn to confirm basic functionality required for port handling and future technical checks abroad.
Verify that windows, locks, and the fuel door operate properly so the car can be secured and accessed during transit when needed.
For collectibles and museum‑grade cars, documentation is as important as the mechanical inspection itself. Thorough photo and record keeping supports valuation, customs declarations, and post‑arrival condition verification in Turkey.
High‑quality exterior and interior photos
Capture every panel, corner, and wheel from multiple angles, plus close‑ups of badges, VIN plates, engine bay, and any known blemishes.
Photograph the interior, including dashboard, seats, carpets, and unique period features, especially on rare trim levels or limited editions.
Supporting documents for export and import
Prepare title or registration documents, bill of sale, prior appraisals, and any restoration records in a single organized packet or digital folder.
Align these records with the requirements laid out in the international classic car overseas shipping guide, which details how documentation helps avoid customs issues at destination.
Ports and carriers expect export vehicles to be clean and free of loose personal items, and classic cars benefit even more from careful interior and exterior preparation.
Thorough cleaning for inspections
A clean vehicle makes it easier to spot fresh leaks, paint defects, and shipping‑related marks both before and after ocean transit.
Removing mud and soil from wheel wells and underbody areas also helps avoid agricultural contamination concerns at certain destinations.
Remove personal items and loose objects
Clear the trunk, glove box, and cabin of personal belongings, tools, and loose accessories that could move around and damage delicate interior surfaces.
Secure or remove any aftermarket audio components, navigation units, or detachable trim pieces that are not firmly mounted.
For most classic cars moving from the USA to Turkey, a sealed container is the preferred method because it offers consistent, enclosed protection from the elements during the ocean crossing. Effective packaging inside that container is what actually keeps the car stable and protected.
Wheel chocks and tie‑downs
Professional teams use robust wheel chocks and multiple-point straps or tie‑downs to anchor the car to the container floor, minimizing movement in heavy seas.
Proper tie‑down angles protect the suspension while keeping the car locked in place, which is especially critical for older bushings and components.
Soft contact points and protection of fragile areas
Soft straps and pads should be used near painted or chrome surfaces, avoiding sharp edges or chains that could scratch or dent vintage trim.
Vulnerable elements like bumpers, mirrors, and spoilers can be wrapped with foam or protective blankets to absorb minor impacts during loading and unloading.
Rare or museum‑grade classics often warrant additional layering of protection and more conservative handling standards. West Coast Shipping’s classic protocols mirror those used for other high‑value vehicle corridors, adapted to Turkey‑bound traffic.
Climate and corrosion awareness
While containers provide a sealed environment, older metal, chrome, and leather benefit from moisture‑conscious preparation, such as checking weatherstripping and considering desiccant use inside the vehicle.
Owners should avoid covering the car in plastic that traps moisture directly against the paint; breathable covers combined with secure positioning work better for long voyages.
Non‑running or ultra‑fragile vehicles
Non‑running or partially restored classics can be loaded with specialized equipment into containers when flagged in advance, as described in West Coast Shipping’s classic and salvage car imports to Turkey guide.
In these cases, precise communication about ground clearance, brake condition, and steering is essential so the loading plan matches the car’s capabilities.
Preparing a classic for export is only half the story; the preparation must also account for how Turkish authorities will inspect and process the car at arrival. This is where your export prep should mirror the expectations laid out in country‑specific guides.
For Turkey, classic imports must still meet fundamental safety and emissions requirements, making it important that lights, brakes, and core systems are functional.
The main article on shipping classic cars to Turkey explains how documentation and vehicle condition interact with Turkish tax and classification rules; export prep should be planned with those requirements in mind from day one.
To plan routing, pricing, and transit times from specific U.S. ports to Turkish ports using container service, the dedicated Turkey car shipping services page outlines method choices and logistics timelines.
Shipping a classic car to Turkey requires combining meticulous vehicle prep with the right transport method and routings, and West Coast Shipping specializes in exactly that.
From U.S. hubs, West Coast Shipping typically recommends container shipping for classics, as detailed in the RoRo vs. container shipping to Turkey guide, because it offers sealed protection and consistent procedures at Turkish ports.
The broader international car shipping best practices guide reinforces the same principles—clean vehicles, documented condition, proper tie‑downs, and proactive communication—applied here specifically to classic cars bound for Turkey.
When combined with the global classic car overseas shipping guide, these Turkey‑focused practices form a complete playbook for collectors and museums planning exports from the USA.
Once inspection and packaging plans are clear, the next step is to model your Turkey route, transit time, and total handling costs with West Coast Shipping’s team. Use the button below to open the shipping calculator, compare container options to Turkey, and lock in a plan that protects your classic from your garage to the Turkish port.