CARS
APRIL 10, 2025
If you’re a fan of automotive craftsmanship, rugged British heritage, and ultra-luxurious custom builds, then Helderburg should definitely be on your radar.
Based on a sprawling 300-acre farm in Upstate New York, Helderburg is a rising star in the vintage restomod world. Launched in 2020, the company has quickly built a reputation for producing some of the most elite and bespoke left-hand drive Land Rover Defender restorations on the planet. And when we say elite, we mean it — some builds exceed a jaw-dropping $400,000 USD.
So, what sets Helderburg apart in an industry that’s becoming increasingly saturated with high-end restorations?
It all comes down to the details. Every Helderburg Defender is a labor of love, with some projects requiring up to 3,000 hours to complete. From custom billet aluminum door handles with recessed finger grooves to interiors wrapped in premium Scottish leather, German wool, and Italian Alcantara — these are vehicles where every inch screams refinement. The brand even designed its own performance braking system, tailored specifically for their builds.
But it’s not just the materials or the mechanics that make Helderburg special. It’s the philosophy.
At the heart of the company is founder Paul Potratz, whose journey from a small-town body shop apprentice to luxury Defender icon is as inspiring as the vehicles he builds. Growing up in his father’s modest vehicle repair shop, Paul developed an early love for Land Rovers. Years later, after a successful career in advertising, he began collecting restored Defenders — but none met his standards. Frustrated, he began restoring his own. When he started sharing them online, demand exploded. Helderburg was born out of that organic momentum.
Paul has since developed a perfected formula — sourcing top-tier materials, partnering with skilled craftsmen, and curating each build with an obsessive eye for design. The result? Defenders that are equal parts off-road legend and rolling art pieces.
If you’re curious to see the craftsmanship for yourself, the visuals speak volumes. Photos and videos showcase vibrant colorways, meticulously detailed stitching, and sound systems that rival luxury lounges. It’s clear that Helderburg isn’t just selling a vehicle — they’re delivering an experience.
In a world where mass production often overshadows passion, Helderburg is a refreshing return to artisan quality — and a love letter to the iconic Defender.
See article on Signe
