Who runs Tatanka Parts?
Tatanka Parts is currently run by me, Sofia Hellbom, I am the daughter of Claes Hellbom, who is the founder of the company. Claes has over 40 years of experience with these cars, and was therefore asked to take over the spare parts warehouse from Volvo in 2009. This was a success and we have been able to satisfy customers all over the world with spare parts. In 2013 I started working part-time, but since 2024 I have taken over the company and continue to run it, of course with great support from my father Claes.
With our solid stock of spare parts, we can offer a wide range and high-quality support. Everything from original parts NOS (New old stock), used to extensive new production. Our goal is to be able to satisfy everyone with the parts you need. So that you can keep your cars rolling and safe. Many of the parts are difficult and sometimes impossible to get hold of. Mainly because new production usually requires a large quantity and it is sometimes difficult to justify. But we do our best. When the opportunity arises, we also buy cars to dismantle, if they are not in such a condition that it is possible to refresh and resell.
Who works at Tatanka Parts?
Sofia, slowly but surely starting to learn how and where all the items should be. But at the moment it is mostly office work and work with the social and planning of future activities. When I am not at work, I spend time with my family. I am more than happy to be at home and tinker with my aquariums, plants, crops and crafts with my daughter. Together with my partner, we have hunting and nature as interests.
Claes has a solid knowledge of Volvo TGB thanks to a long work with making special builds with these vehicles for various jobs out in the field. He had close contact with Volvo and was asked to take over the sales of the products. Said and done and today it is still his passion.
And it was also the knowledge of these cars that gave him the opportunity to be one of the participants in the Paris Dakar on several occasions. Together with a Danish/Swedish team. Primarily as project manager in the construction of the car itself. The first time was in 1989 with a Volvo 303 When they crossed the finish line under the Danish flag in one of the longest Dakar races. Then a few years later in 2003-2005, again under the Danish flag, with a rebuilt Volvo xc70. Where the chassis came from a Volvo c303.
Currently, he is the one who answers technical questions and supports me in everything. Otherwise, he is retired and is retired the rest. And as a retiree, it is the hunting and camping life that looms.
Andreas is the guy who packs all the orders and is now also in the workshop and helps Claes. A guy with focus and accuracy and has a wonderful energy where the music and the stays flow in the packing department.
Rebecka is Claes' second daughter, and also my sister, who also helps out when needed. She organizes, cleans and has a great interest in her Volvo tgb11 which she is going to convert for camping/overlanding.
Together we are a great team that complements each other.