9 minute read
A driving Force: Interview with Paul Potratz of Helderburg
Dream Escape chats to Paul Potratz about his childhood passion that he forged into a luxury brand – and how he intends to preserve the British heritage of the Land Rover.
A man who dared to dream big, Paul Potratz, sits at the heart of Helderburg – the hub for the rebirth of vintage Land Rover Defenders into works of rolling sculpture. Set in a 300-acre farm in Upstate New York, Helderburg is a sanctuary for automotive artistry with every vehicle having a unique name, colour, design and backstory.
“I believe every Helderburg should be as unique as the person commissioning it, which is why I rarely repeat a design. My goal is always to create something deeply personal that reflects the client’s story, tastes, and sense of adventure.”
Paul’s passion for Defenders began in the grease-stained floors of his father’s small-town repair shop, where he learnt the value of hard work, attention-to-detail, and a commitment to quality – principles that now define every Helderburg restoration. A driving force, his story from humble beginnings to crafting the world's most luxurious Defenders, is a testament to the power of vision and relentless dedication.
“My father had a deep appreciation for anything made in England – waxed cotton coats, his Raleigh bicycle, a Norton motorcycle, and of course, classic vehicles. One day, when I was around seven years old, a man named Garret brought his Rover to my dad’s shop. He had just moved from the UK, and that truck immediately caught my eye. I was hooked!”
As Paul grew older, his love for Defenders only deepened, and when he had finally saved enough, he bought his first, stating that ‘it’s never just about the vehicle, rather it’s about the way it makes you feel.’
“Driving it brought back memories of my father – and gave me something more. A Defender allows me to relax, feel creative, and dream a little. Every time I get behind the wheel, it feels like I could go anywhere… explore a backroad, disappear into the mountains, or simply find a bit of quiet in the middle of nowhere.”
Paul’s journey with Helderburg evolved organically from a name given to his social media profiles, allowing him to quietly share the ‘country gentleman’ lifestyle he enjoyed.
“I simply wanted to share the things that bring me peace; classic Defenders, my dogs, the outdoors, being well dressed, analogue watches, manual film cameras, and the kind of slower, more meaningful life my father always dreamed of and one I’ve come to realise is worth more than most people ever stop to notice.”
Over time, Paul’s custom-built Defenders began to capture the attention of others. And the response, he remembers, ‘was overwhelming in the best way’.
“I remember the first time I posted one of my personal Defenders for sale – it sold in fifteen minutes! The next one sold in five, and that’s when I realised that I could keep building them, not as a business in the traditional sense, but as a creative outlet. A way to connect with others who share the same passions. I don’t build for profit, I build to create, to connect, and to live a life that is fully mine.”
More than just restored vehicles, Helderburg’s creations are a symphony of handcrafted details – think meticulously stitched Scottish leather from Andrew Muirhead, German wool carpets, and Italian Alcantara headliners, creating an interior that is as luxurious as it is functional. A proprietary braking system, new suspension, and a modern drive train are implemented to ensure that these classic vehicles perform like modern ones.
“My goal is always to create a true one-of-one - every Helderburg is original, though there’s always a signature - a unique colour and boldness in the detail. Even without a badge, you can tell it’s a Helderburg.”
Each Defender represents 3,000 hours of painstaking work, from the complete chassis restoration to the final polish, a testament to the human touch in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. Paul and his team are committed to preserving the British heritage of the Land Rover, while also improving upon it.
“Helderburg isn’t about being the fastest builder, and that’s by design,” Paul explains.
Every Helderburg goes through countless hours of planning, testing, and refinement, with an in-house R&D team of former Land Rover Special Vehicles craftsmen working alongside Paul to develop and test performance upgrades, reengineer drivetrain components, and customtune suspension for better handling. A quiet pursuit of excellence, one that values restraint over excess and craftsmanship over shortcuts.
“When you build with intention, every detail becomes part of a legacy. Every minute detail - down to the windshield sprayer nozzle – matters. Clients often say a Helderburg feels less like a vehicle and more like a piece of rolling art. I take that as the highest compliment.”
Paul’s vision has always been to create Defenders that outlast on-trend vehicles, that feel just as relevant twenty years from now as they do today.
For Paul, the art is in the design – choosing colours and materials that have never been seen on a classic Defender, guiding clients through the experience of creating something that feels unmistakably their own.
“There are details on a Helderburg you won’t find anywhere else, with many of the parts made by hand. Designing from the ground up, a Helderburg becomes a reflection of the client's personality. I love to encourage bold choices that may not have been considered at first, but often become a favourite part of the build.”
This ethos is reflected in Paul’s working environment, particularly at his tranquil Cotswolds estate. Here, surrounded by rolling hills and meandering streams, time seems to slow down. It’s a peaceful place where ideas have room to grow, and the meticulous process of handcrafting is celebrated.
This idyllic countryside estate is where Paul hosts the Helderburg Experience; by private invitation only to prospective and qualified individuals to visit and drive the custom-built Defenders on gravel roads and off-road trails, shoot sporting clays, go canoeing, ride horses or motorcycles, fish in one of the streams, and simply slow down and enjoy nature.
Think of it as a rather brilliant, relaxed setting where prospective clients can get a true taste of the Helderburg lifestyle. "This location is our newest addition, with two more 'experience' locations arriving later this year – one Stateside and one gloriously, quintessentially British, never the goal – quality and soul was. It’s about building vehicles, memories, and a brand that will endure.”
And the best part? Helderburg offers the chance to be endlessly creative, designing Defenders that are entirely original – no two ever being the same, and that’s the way Paul likes it. “Every build is a new story, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to bring someone's personality to life through design. But the best part for me is the people; I’ve met clients from all over the world who’ve become close friends, bonded not just by a love for classic vehicles, but by shared interests, values, and a desire to live life with more intention – it’s the most rewarding part of the process.
Helderburg started with a passion for design, but what keeps Paul inspired is the community it’s created.
“Driving a classic Land Rover Defender is a visceral experience. It’s mechanical, purposeful, and connects you to the road in a way that few vehicles can. When I started Helderburg, my goal was never to be just another classic Land Rover builder. For me, owning a Land Rover has always been about the lifestyle - and this is a way to share that with others.”
It’s clear though, from chatting to Paul, that what makes driving a Helderburg truly special, are the moments it creates. “Driving a Helderburg delivers unforgettable journeys – bringing confidence on the highway, control on winding backroads, and a presence that turns even a short drive into something memorable.”
You might also enjoy...
UNIQUE OFF-ROAD LAND ROVER EXPERIENCES IN THE UK
Dream Escape will take care of every element of your tailored off-road experience, allowing you to relax at your chosen location and enjoy the drive.
Gleneagles, Perthshire
Scotland’s most exciting off-road experiences, set amongst the stunning backdrop of the Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles guests are invited to tackle rugged Highland trails, head up steep gradients and traverse meandering rivers. Younger guests can even ride in their very own scaled-down Land Rover replica.
The Fife Arms, Aberdeenshire
An exhilarating off-road experience on the Invercauld Estate, passing through moorland, former illicit stills and ruined villages with spectacular mountain vistas, all from the legendary Fife Arms Defender.
Bovey Castle, Devon
This quintessential Devon castle's Land Rover estate tour of the hotel's unrivalled grounds is a great way to experience timber extraction tracks and the outer estate woodlands.
Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
A thrilling affair for motoring fans and adventure seekers, and a chance to explore the dramatic castle grounds with Land Rover Experience days, offering expert tuition and challenging off-road tracks. Peckforton Castle offers a unique opportunity to drive the latest models of Defender, Range Rover, Discovery and Range Rover Sport in the heart of flourishing Cheshire countryside
Luton Hoo Hotel, Bedfordshire/ Hertfordshire border
Embrace your inner thrill-seeker with off-road driving on the Luton Hoo estate challenging terrain and through water. A brilliant opportunity to try something new or develop your existing skills and the perfect base to stay and unwind in the spa at the end of an active day.
Words: Natalie Millar-Partridge
