- Several upgrades have been made to the original turbo-diesel of this Defender.
- The exterior has also been transformed and is painted in Oak Green Metallic.
- A Texan rancher originally commissioned this Defender and is now selling it.
This is Lange, a thoroughly re-engineered classic Land Rover Defender from Heldeburg, and it costs well over twice as much as a brand-new Defender OCTA that opens at $158,800 in the States. So what does all that money buy?
Read: Helderburg’s Defender Costs As Much As A Used Ferrari SF90 And Still Runs A Diesel
Plenty of shops will restore and upgrade an old Defenders, usually swapping in a modern V8 and a fresh gearbox along the way. Heldeburg took the harder road with this one. Rather than tearing out the original 300Tdi turbo-diesel, the company kept it and reworked it for 42 percent more power, holding onto the mechanical character that makes an old Defender worth wanting in the first place.
According to the company, a Texas rancher first commissioned Lange as something to cover his land in. He ran it for a couple of years before stepping up to a larger Defender 130 from Helderburg, which is why the original is now up for grabs. The asking price is $348,720.
What Else Is New?
Beyond upgrading the Land Rover’s engine, the company added a new performance brake system, modern power-assisted steering, a locking 4×4 differential, new suspension with upgraded shocks, sway bars, and stabilizers, promising to boost stability on the highway while still ensuring it has all the off-road chops you’d expect from a Defender.
The exterior is finished in Oak Green Metallic and is said to be in immaculate condition. Helderburg also added a full matte-black roll cage to the exterior. This isn’t just for aesthetics either. The cage runs through the bodywork and mounts up to the frame, so occupants should be kept safe if the Defender ever rolls while out on the open road or while off-roading. Similarly, there’s a strong steel bumper with red tow hooks, new headlights, and a black grille.
The cabin is also far removed from this Defender’s former self. In addition to featuring a modern infotainment system, it includes a new three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel and has been trimmed in a stunning combination of black and brown quilted leather. With bench seats in the third row, it can carry up to eight people.
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