A new Land Rover Defender 110, re-imagined by American design house Helderburg for a fine art collector, carries a price tag of £302,663 ($403,740). The bespoke vehicle, built on an original factory Defender, has been transformed into a luxury, hand-built model.
Design Inspired by Vermeer
The exterior features a pearl metallic white finish that shifts in appearance depending on the light. In sunlight, the car looks crisp white, but beneath trees it can radiate blues and greens. The design was inspired by 17th-century Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer, with light directly influencing the look.
Helderburg Founder Paul Potratz said: "The client gave me the inspiration, but eventually he stopped choosing colours and simply told me: 'Paul, you decide. I trust you'. When a client grants that level of trust, it allows us to show what complete vehicle re-engineering really looks like."
Modernised Engineering
Engineers preserved the original frame and 300Tdi turbo-diesel engine, but extensively re-engineered the engine to deliver increased torque and ensure effortless highway cruising. The vehicle now delivers an estimated 28–32 mpg through its 15.5-gallon fuel tank, a boost compared to the 8–10 mpg typical of the gas V8 original.
The Defender has been fitted with new Aegis Helderburg performance brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Progressive suspension geometry provides stability at speeds of 70mph, and a bespoke Helderburg sound system is also installed.
Potratz added: "We designed the engine dynamics, suspension geometry, custom glass, hand-engraved metalwork, and light-shifting paint to work as one living unit. Everything was designed to be discovered over time."
