Take an in-depth walk around Vater, the Land Rover Defender D110 Soft Top with Paul Potratz. Experience all the special details that make the Helderburg classic and unique.
Vaterchen: The Artisan Helderburg Defender, A Classic Tribute
The Helderburg Artisan Collection, introduced after two and a half years of meticulous development, marks a new chapter in bespoke Land Rover Defender craftsmanship. The inaugural build, named “Vaterchen” (German for father), stands as a heartfelt tribute to the founder’s father. This edition sets itself apart through a philosophy rooted in minimalist, classic design and a devotion to old-world handcraft, rather than contemporary luxury trends.
At its core, the Artisan collection is tailored for enthusiasts who revere authenticity and the tactile connection of vintage vehicles over modern flash. While the “standard” Helderburg Defender blends timeless British utility with modern comfort—outclassing even luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon—the Artisan Collection intentionally steps back. Its vibe is distinctly period-correct, focusing on natural textures, tactile craftsmanship, and restrained details seldom seen in today’s automotive world.
For “Vaterchen,” the exterior is defined by Porsche sepia brown non-metallic paint, a “Puma” Bonnet with a characteristic raised central hump, and minimal badging for a truly understated look. Instead of aluminum wheels and high-gloss finishes, it wears steel Heritage Grilles and bumpers, with robust black Wolf steel wheels and meaty Goodyear tires for a rugged, classic stance. The five-door, 110-inch wheelbase (“D110”) body ensures practicality and presence. The soft canvas top, rendered in dark chocolate brown with Tan herringbone lining and contrast Porsche-tinged stitching, brings both utility and elegance—the top can be removed single-handedly in under ten minutes, making open-air adventures effortless.
Unique to this build are the painstaking design details: body panels and aluminum fenders (“wings”) shaped by artisan panel beaters, each piece stripped and painted individually for a flawless, ripple-free finish. All hinges, clamps, and brackets are stripped, painted to match, and re-installed, a process underscoring that no shortcut is taken. The galvanized steel cappings and trim, left with unpainted rivets and spot welds, signal a level of authenticity rarely found in the world of classic Defender restorations.
Distinctive interior appointments set the Artisan Collection even further apart. The cabin is swathed in bison leather and authentic Harris Tweed wool—a nod to British textile tradition—while the carpet is a genuine Porsche square-weave wool, trimmed with bison leather binding. Even the steering wheel, a classic Land Rover design, is wrapped and stitched by hand in supple leather. Small but telling details abound: painted vent covers, leather-wrapped handles, back seat luxury bench seating, all-leather map pockets, Alpine subwoofer integration, and bespoke Focal speakers from France.
Passenger comfort is prioritized through ample legroom and seat elevation in the second row and rear, providing expansive views throughout the journey. All seats, including the rear benches, are equipped with seat belts and practical folding mechanisms for versatility.
The hidden elements receive equal care, such as the battery compartment beneath the driver’s seat—detailed with the same square-weave wool and bison leather as the visible interior.
With its blend of rugged classic aesthetic, artisanal execution, and personal legacy, Helderburg’s Vaterchen exemplifies the spirit of a true heirloom vehicle. It offers an immersive sensory experience, from the feel of the materials to the subtle bouquet of leather and wool, making it not just a means of transportation, but a rolling tribute to family, history, and enduring craftsmanship.
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