Hiring a Car Transporter

[Fatboy]

I'm currently restoring a classic mini (see my profile), and have got to the point where I have to transport it from my mum's garage (she needs it back ) in Warwick to my house in Oxford, and as it's been declared SORN, I'm not happy about towing it. I thought a great solution would be to hire a car transporter - of the transit sort of size, and just bring it down on a flatbed.
Problem is, I can't find anywhere that hires them (my usual hire places didn't list any,and a google search didn't prove helpful). I don't have access to a car with a towbar, so I can't just hire a trailer. Does anyone have any idea where I could hire one in the Oxford/Warwick area?

[grahambell]

Maybe not quite what you have in mind, but you'll probably find a local small garage will move it on their transporter. That's what I used in a similar situation. More expensive because you'll also be paying for a driver's time, but certainly a possible solution. Check out Yellow Pages under 'car recovery'.

[Fatboy]

Good idea! Didn't think of that - tried RAC, AA etc but no reply. Cheers for that

[angusfaldo]

Fatboy

If you do end up moving it yourself check out the situation concerning insurance. I read something on here recently concerning insurance on trailered cars - I can't find it but a PHer had cause for concern.

AF

[Simonelite501]

I've had exactly this problem, and I'm affaid to say that I came up with a blank. I could not find one in thre whole South west, and so resorted to hiring a trailer. If the car was complete and taxed, you could have pushed it out of the garage and onto the road, phoned the RAC and got them to move it for you, but a resto job would be more than a little suspect. Best of luck in finding a solution. Simon.

[nightowl]

Try going to standlake arena and see if you could get one of the banger raceing boys to help.

[Fatboy]

Cheers for the replys guys. Might just hire a regular flatbed and see if I can come up with some way of getting it on the back - either that or try and get it into a regular transit
If only I had a towbar I could just hire a trailer - how much would a towbar cost & how easy are they to fit? Best have a look round the web...

[plotloss]

I know a company who can do it no problems, it wont be cheap though I know that much. Single car covered is something like £1.37 a mile (including getting to you) plus expenses.

If you can rent a flatbed or a normal car trailer then its no worries, I have done Minis myself many a time.

Matt.

[Aprisa]

Fatboy
If you can get a mate to lend you a car with a towbar (that is rated to tow about a ton and a half) I will lend you a car trailer. I live near Jct 4 M5 or can bring in to work in Birmingham.
No charge just a "you bend it you pay" clause as its brand new.
Oh no winch though so either we push it on or OK if driveable.
HTH Nick

[Aprisa]

Should also have said, if you simply want it delivered then as we are couriers I could do the job on an open trailer for about £75.
Nick

[Fatboy]

Cheers for the offer Aprisa, but I don't know anyone with a towbar (or a car rated to tow 1500kg) Other option is to fit a towbar to my golf (found one here, not too expensive towbar for MK2 Golf) and hire a small car transporter trailer. Just not sure if the max towing weight on my golf would be up to it...
However, if you could do the job for £75 it would be cheaper than me towing it in the golf, not to mention easier... The location is central warwick to central Oxford...

[Aprisa]

Just telephone the office on 0121 359 7707 ask for Nick.
If I'm not there (off building Kit!) I've told them to expect a call, just give the time and date you want it moved and I'll be there. Simple eh!!
Nick

[Fatboy]

Cheers for that one Nick, not too sure of the exact date yet, got a problem with the front end (very dull story ) so won't know when I will be wanting to move it until early next week. I'll definately give you a call then.

[Aprisa]

No problem, anytime 0800-1800.
I've told them to give you my mobile if I'm not there as well so you can get me whatever. Weekends should not be a problem either if in the week is no good.
Best of luck with the oily bits.
Nick

[PeetBee]

Watch out for the towing weight with the Golf, I went to collect a Dutton Phaeton today, but was told by the trailer hire place that my Mk 2 Golf would be over the legal limit just by hitching the trailer up. I was not amused.
I am now sulking in front of the pc instead of playing with my new toy

[pawsmcgraw]

PeetBee said: Watch out for the towing weight with the Golf, I went to collect a Dutton Phaeton today, but was told by the trailer hire place that my Mk 2 Golf would be over the legal limit just by hitching the trailer up. I was not amused.
I am now sulking in front of the pc instead of playing with my new toy

if you look up on previous post on the motorsport section there is a case of this.Its titled"if you tow a race car read this"As i point out to someone evey week,most people are badly informed, illegal ,therefore uninsured and leaving them selves wide open to prosicution........as i was,screwed

[simonelite501]

Hoorah! Another Dutton on these hallowed pages! C'mon, spill the beans! What series and spec? Where abouts are you?

[peetbee]

Simon,
I'm trying to arrange collection of an S3 Phaeton (sound familiar!!) and bring it back to sunny Gloucester to join my S4 that's undergoing a rebuild.
The s3 has a 1600 xflow that will be going into the s4, hopefully!
How's your plan for hillclimbing going?

[simonelite501]

Hi Pete, the S3 is up and running, being used as a daily driver at present. The new seasons just around the corner and the new race suit is in the wardrobe
Being in Gloucester, your only about 45mins from me, so maybe a visit, either way. Maybe you ought to get in touch with Aprisa, the price seems very reasonable.
Good luck with it, speak soon. Simon.

[peetbee]

Thanks Simon, glad to hear you're ready to go, I'm tempted with the hillclimbing idea myself so I'll have to give you a call/cheer you on, where's your first event?
A mate of mine has managed to borrow a Discovery, so we're trying again this weekend, I WILL get the Dutton onto my driveway!