NEWSMOTO
MARCH 2, 2025
A previous generation Land Rover Defender carries history but has also created its own value. Value that can become very expensive.
The name Helderburg probably doesn’t tell us or remind us of anything. It’s a newly founded company based in the northern suburbs of New York.
She undertakes to transform your old Land Rover Defender into a distinctive and luxurious vehicle.
Its founder is Paul Portrage, who started the business in 2020 with the desire to combine the nostalgia of the classic Defender with the needs of modern life.
So, he and his partners prefer to retrofit Defenders built between 1993-1997, as they don’t have many electronic systems and have proven to be durable and reliable.
Portage is a big fan of the Land Rover model and has stated that he decided to start his own company to improve the elements he didn’t like about the off-road vehicle.
Helderburg’s facilities are located on an area of 300 hectares and its executives pride themselves on being able to make the classic model of the British company stand out thanks to the combination of perfectionism that characterizes its people and their obsession with offering the most luxurious.
Essentially, these are restomod creations which are popular in the USA.
The owner of an older Defender turns to them to have a more efficient and well-built on-road vehicle after some time.
It is enough to have the right… pocket. A pocket that needs to be deep, as a Helderburg creation often reaches or exceeds 400,000 dollars! (note: approximately 385,000 euros, current exchange rate).
Of course, these are aimed at well-off fanatics of the model or those who have money and just want a classic model to stand out.
For example, its most “economical” vehicle is Vincent Red , a Land Rover Defender D90 that costs $254,320 (about 244,950 euros, current exchange rate).
In addition, there is the Dolivo , a three-door Defender D110 with a soft removable roof, which costs $304,867 (about €294,000, current exchange rate).
Or the Francesca , a five-door Defender with the exclusive Mark III Turbo Diesel engine, which costs $431,732 (around €400,800, current exchange rate).
What makes Helderburg Defenders so unique? The quality, attention to detail and unlimited personalization options.
The company uses single-piece aluminum components for the body or interior, while offering upholstery made of Scottish leather, quality German wool, and alcantara.
Its engineers design and create high-performance braking systems, while for the bodywork they offer more than 100 colors and shades.
According to the company, up to 3,000 man-hours are required to complete a Defender and deliver it to the customer.
The personalization process begins with a personal conversation between the owner and Portrage himself. The customer chooses the body type, engine and interior of their car.
After paying a deposit of 50% of the final price, he secures his place on the construction list and monitors the entire process in real time. When the vehicle is completed, usually within a year, he pays the balance and takes delivery.
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