Helderburg might not be a household name—yet. But this newly established company is setting a new standard for restoring left-hand-drive Land Rover Defenders, originally built in Solihull, UK, with meticulous craftsmanship and top-tier luxury.

A Farm in New York, a Legacy of Excellence

Based on a sprawling 300-acre farm in Upstate New York, Helderburg has taken Land Rover restomodding to an unprecedented level. Their Defenders, which often surpass the $400,000 price mark, are designed for true enthusiasts—those who appreciate the boxy silhouette, iconic design, and uncompromising quality.

Currently, Helderburg offers exclusive builds such as the Dolivo, a two-door soft-top Defender D110 priced at $304,867, and the Francesca, a double-cab variant featuring the proprietary Mark III Turbo Diesel powerplant at $431,732. The most affordable model, the Vincent Red D90, still commands an impressive $254,320.

Precision Engineering & Bespoke Luxury

The appeal of a Helderburg Defender lies in its detail-oriented craftsmanship. From billet aluminum exterior door handles with recessed finger grooves to premium Scottish leather upholstery, German wool, and Italian Alcantara, no expense is spared. The braking system has been overhauled for optimal performance, and each vehicle boasts exclusive paint options and a high-fidelity luxury audio system. The level of customization is unparalleled, with each project requiring up to 3,000 hours to complete.

The Visionary Behind Helderburg

Helderburg is the brainchild of Paul Potratz, who founded the company in 2020. Having grown up in his father’s automotive repair shop, Paul developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. After repeatedly finding faults in professionally restored Defenders, he decided to take matters into his own hands—creating the ultimate Land Rover restomods.

His journey began by sharing his creations on social media, where interest quickly surged. This led to an influx of inquiries, turning his passion into a globally recognized business. Today, Helderburg is one of the top three custom Defender restoration companies worldwide.

A Fusion of Adventure and Elegance

Paul views the Defender as the ultimate adventure vehicle. A long-time enthusiast of British automobiles, he values craftsmanship over mass production. Although he has owned luxury cars from Mercedes, Porsche, and Ferrari, his heart has always belonged to the Defender.

Originally drawn to the rugged look of the Defender D110, he quickly realized its driving experience needed serious refinement. To match his fast-paced business lifestyle, he injected modern technology, refined the interior, and ensured the vehicle was both powerful and quiet. The result? A Defender that exudes success without pretension.

The Helderburg Difference

What sets Helderburg apart is its commitment to hand-built excellence. The company restores 1993-1997 Defenders, ensuring they remain free of modern electronic complications while enhancing reliability. Customers can choose from engines such as the 300 TDI turbodiesel, TD5 turbodiesel, GM LT1 6.2-liter V8, or the GM LS3 paired with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

With over 100 exterior color choices—from Mint Green to Magenta Metallic—each build begins with a direct consultation with Paul himself. Customers customize every detail, from the powertrain to the seating configuration, with continuous updates throughout the process.

The final payment is made upon completion, which can take up to a year, resulting in a bespoke adventure-ready vehicle that commands admiration wherever it goes.

A Niche Market, A Timeless Appeal

For those who favor modern over vintage, the latest Land Rover Defender models start at $56,900 in the U.S., with the high-end OCTA Edition One priced at $169,425. However, for those who appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, and bespoke luxury, a Helderburg Defender remains in a class of its own.

Photo: Helderburg Defenders | Facebook