Auto Transportation

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It is only natural that one of auto racing’s pioneer countries would have museums dedicated to automobiles and it does. Travelers to Milan, Italy can enjoy the Alfa Romeo Museum located in Arese, Milan, Italy. The museum is in the former Alfa Romeo factory area and covers almost a century of Alfa Romeo history. During its manufacturing heyday, Alfa Romeo not only produced the automobiles they are famed for but also manufactured commercial vehicles, marine and aircraft engines, locomotives, buses and tractors. The museum occupies 52,000 square feet and comprises six floors. The visitor will find four theme areas that include a chronicle of all the Alfa Romeo road cars manufactured from 1910 plus prototypes, concept cars, scale models and aeronautical exhibits. The first car ever manufactured by Alfa Romeo, the 1910 24 HP Torpedo, is on display here. Most of the one hundred original Alfa Romeo models are fully functional today. The museum shut down for renovations at the beginning of 2009 but is expected to re-open in time to celebrate Alfa Romeo’s 100th birthday in 2010. After his father’s death, Torino Lamborghini constructed and opened the Centro Studi e Rierche Ferruccio Lamborghini in honor of his father, Ferrucio Lamborghini. The museum is located at Via Statale 342, 44040 Dosso (Ferrara); however, unlike the other automobile museums in Italy this one does not maintain a regular schedule. In order to visit, one must schedule an appointment. Visitors are rewarded with such views as a white Countach Quattro Valvole, a Miura SV, an Espada, and and an early 400 GT. Hanging from the ceiling is a Lamborghini Helicopter, a prototype built by Lamborghini but never produced.

No museum tour of Italy would be complete without a visit to the Galleria Ferrari located in Maranello just south of the town of Modena where Ferrari where Enzo Ferrari was born. The museum is a monument to the man who exuded passion about everything automotive. Ferrari was both a racecar driver and a designer and manufacturer of racing cars. His fast paced adventurous life dances before the visitors eyes throughout the museum packed with memorabilia including the trophies won by Enzo himself and of course, the famous cars. A unique feature of the museum is the amphitheater that houses two F-1 driving simulators. Here, the visitor can experience the thrill of being behind the wheel of a racing car sans the skill and danger. The visitor traveling through Torino should take in the Il Museo Dell’Automobile sponsored by Fiat. However, although there are many Fiats in the collection, the theme is technology displaying cars that featured important innovations in automotive history. The landmark of the collection is the 1907 Itala that won the Peking to Paris race in 1907. Both the race and the car are immortalized in Luigi Barzini Sr.’s book, ‘Peking to Paris.’ Another famous car on display is the Isotta Franchini that was used by Gloria Swanson in the film ‘Sunset Boulevard.’ Painted on the front doors are the initials N.D. that stand for Norma Desmond, the name of the character played by Gloria.

If you are planning to ship your vehicle, you may be considering how to choose the right auto transporter. When you enquire about auto shipping companies just ask them if they are broker or carrier. Schedule your auto shipping 4 weeks in advance, giving enough time for car mover carrier to pick up your vehicle. If you are not present, ask your friend, relative to transfer the car to the car mover. Most of the auto transport companies offer door to door service. Sometimes it may be difficult to drive in large truck carrying your vehicle in a residential area. So auto shipping companies tell their customers to drop their vehicle in a terminal from where they will pick up the car. See to it that your vehicle is insured. Before shipping your vehicle, truck driver will inspect your car for any scratches or damages and note it down in bill of lading. This document should be signed by both the parties. Same procedure is followed upon delivery.

Do check your vehicle before signing bill of lading. If you find any damages while unloading you can claim for damages now but not at a later stage. Do not keep personal belongings in the car as it may damage the interiors of the car. Some items like spare tires or car jacks can be found in the trunk of the car but do tie it down properly. When working on the total cost of the shipping, provide information for other things also like origin/destination, departure date, type of vehicle, type of car transport service desired and auto shipping requests etc. Some car shipping companies require certain amount of deposit or full payment in advance. If you make full payment prior to auto shipping service, use a credit card so that charges may be disputed if circumstances warrant such actions.

Do check there license certificate. Do contact local Better Business Bureau as well as verify that the shipper’s license is valid and active with the appropriate transportation agency. It is important you take time to check references and get all services agreed to by the company in writing. If any problem arises with the auto shipping company try to settle it. However if you feel you have reached a dead end or you are not treated reasonably you can file a complaint with multiple agencies (BBB, State or Federal Department of Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission) as well as seeking legal counsel.