Take a drive with Paul Potratz in Bruno, the Defender D110 and get in-depth details on driving a Helderburg, starting a diesel in the cold, our luxury leather interiors and so much more. See more of this Defender here.
Behind the Wheel of Bruno: A Helderburg D110 Defender 300TDi Test Drive
Climbing into the Helderburg-customized D110 Defender, aptly named Bruno, is less a commute and more an event. This is not your run-of-the-mill off-roader—Bruno is the product of careful craftsmanship, luxurious upgrades, and thoughtful performance modifications.
Cold Starts and Diesel Endurance
One of the first impressions of Bruno comes not from its appearance, but its resilience. Parked overnight in subzero temperatures, without a block heater, the 300TDi engine fired up reliably with only the glow plugs and proper fueling ensuring a smooth start. This sort of performance speaks to the robust nature of the 2.5L turbo diesel engine—a powerplant famed for longevity, efficiency, and staggering mileage. Many such engines live well past half a million miles with minimal issues, a testament to their “bulletproof” design.
Interior: Where Luxury Meets Utility
Step inside, and Bruno’s interior banishes any preconceptions of spartan Defender cabins. Meticulous sound deadening throughout the bulkhead, doors, roof, and flooring brings tranquility to the cabin—even at idle, engine noise is barely perceptible. Premium touches abound: Italian Alcantara suede lines the headliner, while the seats feature a chocolate-and-black two-tone leather with caramel stitching in a diamond pattern. The sportier MK2 seats, with adjustable lumbar support, are both heated and accommodating—though larger passengers may find the firm side bolsters snug.
Functionality is integral. Helderburg’s unique HVAC system combines heating and air conditioning, delivering effective windshield defrosting—no small feat for a Defender. Thicker, 5mm glass enhances insulation and quietness, and the distinctive aroma of hand-stitched leather lingers, giving the interior a sense of true luxury. Billet aluminum details around gauges, vents, shift knob, and door handles add refined, tactile quality, showing off the obsessive attention to detail behind each build.
Driving Experience: Reworked for the Modern Road
Bruno isn’t just for show. The five-speed manual transmission has been reworked so that clutch operation is nearly effortless—practical even in stop-and-go city traffic. While many Defenders lose their composure on the highway, performance tuning for the diesel and drivetrain transform Bruno into a long-distance cruiser, effectively doubling stock horsepower and, more importantly, maximizing torque for effortless acceleration.
Despite its three-inch lift and imposing 35-inch Maxxis Trepador mud tires, the ride remains surprisingly compliant thanks to progressive-rate coil springs and properly fitted radius arms, ensuring correct suspension geometry. Steering upgrades make Bruno agile and easy to maneuver, even with large tires, and four-wheel disc brakes provide modern stopping power.
Exterior and Craftsmanship
Bruno’s presence is formidable: the metallic green paint—rich and subtly shifting in sunlight—rests atop an all-aluminum body, complete with signature Helderburg billet aluminum accents, full external roll cage, roof rack, custom fiberglass arches, and bead-locker-style wheels. The body is disassembled, painted, and painstakingly reassembled, panel by panel, for a flawless finish reminiscent of the original British factory methods.
Functional upgrades extend to handmade spray nozzles and unpainted rivets, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Every visible touchpoint, inside or out, is crafted to elevate the Defender from utilitarian workhorse to heirloom-quality investment.
A Defender that Stands Apart
Bruno exemplifies the Helderburg ethos: hand-built, meticulously detailed, engineered for enjoyment rather than speed. It invites its driver to unplug, meander down quiet country roads, or confidently tackle rough trails—reminding them that the journey is meant to be savored. For those seeking connection to the road, tactile pleasure, and something to pass down through generations, a Helderburg Defender like Bruno is truly one-of-a-kind.
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