Helderburg Journeys
How to Buy a Smog-Compliant Classic Land Rover Defender for California
Dreaming of owning a timeless Classic Land Rover Defender but worried about California’s strict smog laws? You’re not alone. The good news is that owning a smog-compliant Classic Land Rover Defender in California is not only possible but is a hassle-free process when you commission a custom Helderburg Defender.
The Land Report: Helderburg Defenders: Luxury Restored Land Rover Defenders
Helderburg featured in The Land Report Magazine… Some think of it as the Out of Africa vehicle; others as the model of choice for the Australian Outback. We think of classic Land Rover Defenders as timeless treasures that are adept motoring over the peaks of the Colorado Rockies, cruising the sandy tracks of the Pine Barrens of Georgia or parked at the Maroon Creek Club in Aspen.
Rugged Elegance: The Land Rover Legacy
From the moment I turned the pages of my first National Geographic magazine. The images of distant lands, exotic animals, and untamed wilderness. But there was something else in those pages that caught my young eye and never let go – the Land Rover Defender.
Vintage Land Rover Defender – A D90 Drive
Our passion lies in restoring vintage Land Rover Defenders, transforming them into modern masterpieces while preserving their classic soul. Take a drive with us.
3 D90 Defenders
Three of our favorite rugged D90 Defender restorations by Helderburg. Options like roof lights, racks and soft tops are on display with the drone footage in this rocking video.
What happens when you combine a Porsche and a Defender?
Paul Potratz talks about how to enjoy a Porsche and a Defender in this video as he drives Finley the 1972 Porsche 911. Watch and listen to this 911.
Driving Max the D90 Soft Top Defender
Take a drive with Paul Potratz in Max, the Defender D90 soft top down back roads and enjoy it’s classic good looks.
Are Old Defenders Hard to Drive?
One of the top three questions I’m frequently asked by prospective buyers looking to Commission a Custom Land Rover Defender from Helderburg: “Are old Defenders hard to drive?” The answer might surprise you.
Helderburg Steps – Tip #26
Would you consider a fold up step instead of a step up bar on your Defender? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts on this.
Do a Half Door with your Soft Top Defender! – Tip #25
Would you do a Half Door with your Soft Top Defender? Paul Potratzshares his thoughts on this.
Is A Land Rover Defender Expensive to Maintain? – Tip #23
Is a Land Rover Defender Expensive to Maintain? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts.
70 Percent of Defenders Still on Road – Tip #22
70 percent of Land Rover Defenders are still on the road today. Paul Potratz shares his thoughts on what this means for reliability and brand love.
To Lift or Not To Lift – Tip #21
Should you Lift or Not Lift a Land Rover Defender? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts.
Is a Defender Comfortable? – Tip #20
How comfortable is a Land Rover Defender? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts.
New vs Classic Defender – Tip#19
What are the differences between a Land Rover Defender and a Classic Land Rover Defender? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts.
Why Was the Classic Land Rover Defender Discontinued? – Tip #18
Why do you think the Classic Land Rover Defender was discontinued? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts.
Is a Land Rover Defender Bulletproof? – Tip #17
What does it mean when people say a Land Rover Defender is Bulletproof? Watch and find out.
16 or 18 or 20 inch Tires – Tip #15
What size tires do you want on a Defender? Paul Potratz explains the differences between tire and wheel sizes and their benefits.
Value of Defender on Market Today – Tip #14
What is the market value for a classic Land Rover Defender today? Paul Potratz explains what you can get for your money and what to watch out for.
D90 vs D110 – Tip #13
Which size Defender is right for you? Paul Potratz explains the differences between the D90 and the D110.
Custom Land Rover Defender for Sale: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re in the market for a custom Land Rover Defender, you’re in the right place. Land Rover Defender has been around since 1948, and it’s still one of the most popular and versatile vehicles on the market. Custom Defenders are becoming increasingly popular, with many companies offering bespoke builds to suit any taste and
Gear Review: Nicks Boots
Watch Paul Potratz’s extended review of Nicks Boots including the Urban Logger Boot and the Robert Boot.
What’s the Benefit of Owning a Defender?
Listen to Paul Potratz’s five benefits of owning a restored Classic Land Rover Defender.
What Model Year Defender is Most Desirable – Tip #12
Do you know what model year Defender is most desirable? Watch the video for the answer!
Helderburg Defenders’ Tesla-Powered EV Classic Land Rover Defenders
Helderburg Defenders, renowned for their bespoke craftsmanship and attention to detail, have embarked on an electrifying journey. Offering an exceptional range of EV Vintage Land Rover Defenders, Helderburg seamlessly merges…
Classic vs Collectible Car Tip #11
Do you know the difference between a classic car and a collectible car? Paul Potratz offers some tips to consider before you buy.
Get Your Dream Ride with a Custom Land Rover Defender for Sale
If you’re in the market for an off-road vehicle that can handle any terrain, the Land Rover Defender is a top choice. But why settle for a standard model when you can have a custom Land Rover Defender for sale? With a custom Defender, you can have a ride that perfectly suits your needs and
Filson Travel Kit Review
Watch Paul Potratz review of the Filson Rugged Twill Travel Kit.
Boost HP for $54 in a Defender! Tip #10
Helderburg Tip #10: How to boost your Horsepower for under $100.
What to Keep Original When Restoring a Defender? Tip #9
What is the importance of Originality when restoring a Defender Helderburg.
How to Make Your Car Paint Shine Like Glass
Watch this video with Paul Potratz and learn how to make your paint shine like glass when you polish your car.
What is a Land Rover 300TDI Engine?
The Land Rover Defender 300tdi engine was a superior design for several reasons.
Can you start a frozen classic Land Rover Defender? Tip#8
Can you start a frozen Diesel? Paul Potratz talks you through the process.
What engine is in a classic Land Rover Defender? Tip #7
What engine is in a classic Land Rover Defender? Paul Potratz talks about the engines.
Classic Land Rover: Daily Driver or Off-Roader?
The Classic Land Rover Defender: It’s a classic SUV that has stood the test of time and continues to be the ultimate adventure and daily driver.
Filson Mackinaw Wool Bibs Review – Are They Worth the Investment?
Are Filson Mackinaw Wool Bibs worth the investment? In this video, Paul Potratz takes a look at some of the pros and cons of the bibs and if they’re worth the money.
New Or Classic Defender? Tip #6
Is this a new or classic Land Rover Defender? Paul Potratz talks about the differences.
Helderburg Tip #5: Looking for Deep Tone Exhaust?
Paul Potratz’s tip for upgrading your Defender’s performance with an exhaust upgrade.
Gear Review: Filson 48 Hr Tin Cloth Duffle Bag
Watch Paul Potratz’s extended review of the Filson 48 Hr Tin Cloth Duffle Bag.
Helderburg Tip #4: Performance Upgrade VNT Turbo
Paul Potratz’s tip for upgrading your Defender’s performance with a VNT Turbo.
Engine Option Swaps
When it comes to customizing your Land Rover Defender, one modification that’s becoming increasingly popular is swapping out the original diesel or gasoline engine for a LS V8 motor.
Land Rover Defender Builders in the US
Arkonik, ECD Auto Design, and Helderburg are all Land Rover Defender custom builders, but they each have their own unique approach to building and restoring these iconic vehicles.
Helderburg Tip #3: Perfomance Upgrade Injection Pump
Paul Potratz’s tip for upgrading the performance of your Defender with adjustments to the Injection Pump.
What are the Differences of a Gasoline vs a Diesel Motor Vehicle?
When it comes to choosing the right engine for your ride, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about diesel engines.
Helderburg Tip #2: Performance Upgrade Intercooler
Paul Potratz’s tip for upgrading the performance of your Defender by upgrading the Intercooler.
Helderburg Tip #1: Gas vs Diesel
What’s the difference between a gas and diesel motor? Paul Potratz shares his thoughts.
A Short Story About Land Rover Defender
Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there was a rugged and reliable vehicle known as the Land Rover Defender. It was a vehicle that could go almost anywhere and do almost anything.
Why Are Land Rover Defenders So Expensive
Vintage Land Rover Defenders are considered by many to be not only highly desirable vehicles, but also excellent investments.
Eagle Adventure with Albert the D90 Defender
Take a drive with Paul Potratz in the snow in Albert, the Defender D90 to capture photos of Eagles.
The History of Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic and much-loved vehicle that has a rich history spanning over 70 years. Its origins can be traced back to the post-World War II period.
Driving Centurion the D90 in the Snow
Take a drive with Paul Potratz in the snow with Centurion, the Defender D90. Watch and listen for engine sounds.
Gear Review: Filson Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat
Watch Paul Potratz’s first reaction to this Filson Lined Mackinaw Wool Packer Coat.
Driving Enzo the D130 on Snowy Trails
Take a drive with Paul Potratz on some snowy trails in Enzo, the Land Rover Defender D130. Watch and listen for engine sounds.
Gear Review: Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket
Watch Paul Potratz’s first reaction to this Filson Mackinaw Wool Cruiser Jacket.
1972 Porsche 911 RS-Style Leaf Green 2.8L
Paul Potratz takes this 911 out of the garage for an exhilarating drive. This Porsche 911t was a 2.5 year complete nut and bolt build to make it quite possibly the fastest and best handling long hood Porsche in existence that still looks like a classic 1972 Porsche Long Hood (on the exterior).
A Pure Driving Experience
Take a ride with John in his classic Defender 110 and learn what makes him so passionate about Defenders.
Maine Moose Adventure
Paul Potratz and Mike take a trip to Maine in the Sprinter to take pictures of moose. They are hoping to see a mother and calf. Watch to the end to see if they reach their goal.
Gear Review: Filson Aberdeen Jacket
Watch Paul Potratz’s first reaction to this Filson Aberdeen Work Jacket. It’s different, it’s unique and it’s oil finish wax cotton. If you like your Filson Short Tin Cruiser then you will also like the Aberdeen Work Jacket.
Rare D110 3 Door Land Rover Defender
A Rare D110 3 Door Land Rover Defender with a soft top. See the details here.
Rare D110 3 Door Land Rover Defender
A Rare D110 3 Door Land Rover Defender with a soft top. See the details here.
D110 Double Cab Making a Splash
This D110 Double Cab Soft Top Defender makes a splash on this early spring drive.
Shooting Sportsman: A Defender for the Uplands
Helderburg featured in Shooting Sportsman Magazine… Meet Elizabeth. Yes, as the color and make hint, “she” is named in honor of Britain’s queen. The Land Rover Defender, upon which Elizabeth is based, and the Monarch have enjoyed almost equally long reigns, and both could be called classics. But this Elizabeth was disassembled and rebuilt from the gravel up.
Reclaimed Wood Floors
Preserving history and creating a unique Craftsman look. The state of New York has a long history of craftsman wooden boat builders perfecting their craft along the many bodies of water throughout the state.
Winter Waterfall Adventure
Paul Potratz and Mike take a drive in Enzo the D130 Land Rover Defender and then hike through snow and ice to get some great photos of waterfalls on this adventure.
Classic D130 Driving in the Snow
Magical drive in an unrestored, original patina Classic Defender D130. It’s just a lot of fun to drive.
The Craftsman: Vincent at BML
Watch the tour of BML Tool & Mfg with Vincent and Paul and discover the craftsmanship in these precision rifles. Watch the Video
Norton Country Ride
An Autumn day and country roads is the perfect setting for a ride on the orange Norton Commando 750.
D130 Enzo Autumn Drive
An Autumn day and country roads creates the perfect setting for a drive in Enzo the D130 Defender. Enjoy the ride and the view.
Porsche 911s Bahama Yellow Autumn Drive
A fall day and twisty roads is the perfect setting for a drive in the 1969 Porsche 911s. Watch and listen to the 911 sounds.
D110 Elizabeth Mountain Adventure
We recently did some roof top tent camping in our Land Rover Defender D110 Elizabeth. We also stopped into Peter Limmer and Sons Custom Hiking Boots in Intervale NH.
Vrboska: Cooperstown Journey
A journey in Vrboska the D90 Soft Top Defender to Cooperstown with the top off. A peaceful valley Sunday.
June 18-20, 2021 Rovers in the Woods II
Have a passion for Outdoors, Land Rovers, Enduros and Adventure? See the photos from this year’s Rovers in the Woods Event.
2020 Rovers & Gents in the Country
Have a passion for Outdoors, Land Rovers and Adventure? Then you’re invited to spend a few days with me on the Farm. See our Photo Gallery! Sign up for our Spring 2021 Event!
Pheasant Shoot in South Dakota
I’m excited to be sharing my first blog post with you since starting Helderburg. I just returned from a pheasant hunt in South Dakota and what a fabulous experience— even if you’re not a hunter. I have been asked what my favorite part was and I have to say, it was seeing the hunting dogs