Collector Car Storage
Cars deteriorate from sitting as surely as from driving. Humidity works on metal and leather, fuel goes stale, tires flat-spot, batteries die and seals dry out. Good storage is a controlled environment plus someone paying attention.
Facilities range from a secure dry building to full concierge care with exercise drives, trickle charging and delivery. The right level depends on how long the car sits and how much the owner wants to do personally.
Specialists on Fully Sorted
What to ask before you book
- Is the building climate and humidity controlled, and what range is it held to?
- What security, fire protection and insurance does the facility carry, and what must my own policy cover?
- Are batteries maintained, tires checked and cars started or exercised on a schedule?
- How much notice is needed to collect the car, and are there access hours or fees?
Common questions
Does a collector car need climate-controlled storage?
In humid, coastal or very cold climates it is a real benefit, mainly for controlling humidity. In a dry, mild climate a clean, sealed, secure building is often enough. Stable conditions matter more than a particular temperature.
How should a car be prepared for storage?
Clean it inside and out, fill the tank and add stabilizer, change the oil if it is due, raise tire pressure, connect a battery maintainer and use a breathable cover. Leave the handbrake off on a level floor.
Is a stored car covered by insurance?
The facility's policy generally covers the building and its liability, not the full value of each car. Keep an agreed-value collector policy in force and tell the insurer where the car is kept.
Other trades
Researching a particular car first? Model histories cover what to look for and what goes wrong, model by model.