eBay Van Conversion of The Year Award 2024 Shortlist Released
eBay has announced the shortlist for its Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024, with an eclectic range of vehicles making it to the final round of judging
The Overall Van Conversion of the Year winner is set to receive £10,000 in cash, with shortlisted winners being awarded £250 coupons valid for eBay parts and accessories
Shortlisted entries include everything from a retro mobile bakery and live-in DJ booth to a charming cottage-on-wheels and a compact EV camper
Judges include TV presenter and architect, George Clarke, car design icon, Peter Stevens, and eBay Category Lead for Vehicle Parts and Accessories, Laura Richards
eBay has announced the shortlist for its overall Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024 with each category winner securing a £250 coupon, valid for eBay parts and accessories.
The eBay Van Conversion of the Year Awards celebrate the most beautifully executed, space efficient and intelligent Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) conversions in the UK across a range of categories. This year’s shortlist includes recognition for Best Electric Vehicle, Best Bespoke Build, Most Creative, Weekend Wanderer, Best-Budget Friendly Conversion, Best Enterprise Conversion, plus a Special Recognition prize.
eBay’s judging panel was led by TV presenter and architect, George Clarke, and included the designer responsible for the exterior of the iconic McLaren F1 supercar, Peter Stevens, and eBay Category Lead for Vehicle Parts and Accessories, Laura Richards. The panel pored over an impressive array of entries from across the UK to select just seven category winners – with one of those set to walk away with a £10,000 cash prize as this year’s overall winner.
George Clarke, TV Presenter and Architect, and head judge, said: “This year’s eBay Van Conversion of the Year Awards has presented an even more diverse line-up of conversions for us to judge. Entries include everything from cleverly customised mobile-business vans to weekend getaway campers and full-time van lifer homes-on-wheels. Choosing an overall winner will be a challenge, but I’m very impressed with the creativity and DIY skills showcased by this year’s entrants.”
Laura Richards, eBay Vehicle Parts and Accessories Category Lead, said: “It’s been wonderful to review all the entries and see how each applicant has creatively used eBay’s parts and accessories to bring their dream vehicle to life. Every submission evokes the DIY spirit that eBay encourages, each with its own unique style and story.”
Peter Stevens, car designer, said: “I was thoroughly impressed by both the variety and the standard of entries this year, as many displayed distinctive personalities and a keen eye for design. This year’s winner will certainly deserve its status as the eBay Van Conversion of the Year and I hope they inspire others to have a go at personalising their van or car.”
The Shortlist
Best Electric Vehicle Award: Joe Edwards, Wiltshire, Nissan E-NV200
Joe’s electric camper uses a powerful 40kWh battery underneath the van to recharge the leisure battery and an eBay-purchased 3000w inverter, powering off-grid camping. Not only that, but if the traction battery runs out of charge, a mains plug is available to charge the van from the leisure battery, mitigating any range anxiety.
This conversion was eco-conscious throughout and stacked with eBay parts, including an induction hob – so that no fossil fuels are required to cook – and the installation of a 250W solar panel. Beyond this, the van was fitted with impeccably executed details including lovingly crafted woodwork drawers and an artistic mountain-inspired lamp.
Joe said: “Our conversion was inspired by the electric camper we set out to transform, leading us to create a vehicle free of fossil fuels and infused with our love for natural materials. My favourite feature is the mountain light, which integrates various woods to form a mountain range that casts a warm glow, ideal for a cosy evening.”
Best Bespoke Build Award: Jack Lydon, Essex , Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Jack’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan has been meticulously transformed into a fully liveable space with a distinctive twist – a professional DJ booth. The campervan showcases a combination of high-quality craftsmanship and an array of eBay parts and accessories. This bespoke campervan reflects Jack’s passion for music, as he travels through Europe, capturing each destination with its own unique mix.
Jack said: “Using eBay’s parts and accessories, I’ve created a professional music studio on wheels that will take me across the UK and Europe while recording mixes that capture the essence of each destination. This conversion has allowed me to blend my passion for music and travel and I hope it inspires others to think creatively and pursue their passions.”
Most Creative Award: Josie Rose, Kent, Mercedes-Benz Vario
With no prior DIY experience, Josie was able to transform her Mercedes-Benz Vario minibus into “a charming cottage on wheels.” The whimsical details and boho charm reflect Josie’s personal style, which she hopes will inspire other female Van Lifers to embrace their ‘Girlie’ side and confidently tackle their own DIY projects.
Josie said: “I’ve loved every moment of creating my charming cottage on wheels, using eBay’s parts and accessories to combine my creativity with the practicality of converting a minibus. The Vario now embodies my personal style, and I hope it encourages other female van lifers to embark on their own builds with confidence.”
Weekend Wanderer Award: Tom and Emma Coy, North Lincolnshire, 2017 LWB Volkswagen Crafter
Instead of hosting a big wedding last year, Tom and Emma bought a Volkswagen Crafter van and embarked on transforming it into a liveable space, which they can use for travelling through Europe and wild camping. With the high cost of off-the-peg camper vans, the couple used eBay parts and accessories to create a van equipped with a hidden toilet, full shower room, fixed bed and a fully off-grid electrical system.
Emma said: “Opting to buy a van and convert it ourselves instead of having a big wedding was certainly unconventional, but it’s a decision we’d make again in a heartbeat! With the cost of prebuilt vans just too expensive, we used eBay’s parts and accessories to get all our supplies and did it ourselves – and now it’s taken us 3,000 miles around France.”
Best Budget-Friendly Conversion: Tom Maisey, Sheffield , 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Created with the aim of breaking free from the nine-to-five grind, this van conversion was crafted to enhance weekend getaways. Fully custom-built, the design addressed all the practical needs for short trips while also considering the ‘feng shui’ of the space. Tom meticulously handled the conversion himself, using various eBay parts to achieve a sophisticated and smartly-designed living area.
Tom said: "I've always been intrigued by the challenge of living large in small spaces and the creativity required to design a space that maximises both functionality and experience. By using parts and accessories from eBay, I’ve turned this fascination into reality, allowing me to enjoy weekends away."
Best Enterprise Conversion Award: Trevor and Tracy Hatten, Gloucestershire, Bedford CA
After dedicating 20 years of life as a dementia care assistant, Tracy decided to shift her career to follow her passion for baking. Husband Trevor also wanted a change, so together hatched a plan to transform a 60-year-old ‘rust bucket’ Bedford CA into a vintage mobile bakery. The conversion includes unique touches, such as a custom-modified side panel that opens to allow them to operate the coffee machine from outside the van.
Trevor said: “We were quite apprehensive about changing our careers, launching the Baking Bird, and converting Betty, our rusted Bedford CA, into a functional mobile bakery. However, this conversion has allowed Tracy to pursue her passion after years of hard work, tested my DIY skills and has truly changed our lives. It’s a risk I’ll never regret taking.”
Special Recognition Award: Niall Seymour, Kent, US school bus conversion
Our special recognition award goes not to a van, but to an American school bus imported from Texas. As a result, Niall’s camper conversion isn’t eligible for the overall Van Conversion of the Year Award, but our judges collectively agreed it deserved an honourable mention on eBay’s shortlist.
Niall undertook this project to create a holiday vehicle for his family and incorporated custom-built elements and eBay-purchased items throughout. Considering, Niall had no prior building experience, this achievement is especially impressive.
Niall said: “Everyone turns their heads when we come past in our old American school bus conversion. It’s really an honour to be shortlisted, I had such fun converting the bus and my family have loved taking it on trips to Kent and Devon – it will certainly be enjoyed by us all for years to come.”