Ebay’s Van Conversion of the Year Awards are back for a second year, supported again by TV presenter and architect George Clarke.
The search is now on for everything from the best trade transformation to the chicest campervan, as eBay celebrates the most beautifully executed, space efficient and intelligent LCV conversions in the UK.
The online automotive marketplace is seeking the best fitouts across a range of industry sectors, covering any and every purpose. From bespoke racking in an electrician’s van to a plumber’s impressive shelving or even a holidaymaker’s dream camper, all van converters are encouraged to enter.
Last year’s winner was an ambulance that was converted into a mobile bar, showing that anything could be possible for 2024.
As part of the launch of this year’s competition, eBay has revealed its own project vehicle – a converted Ford Transit Mk1. The classic vehicle, dubbed the ‘eBay Lounge’, was previously owned by a German fire department before being purchased by eBay and renovated into a multi-purpose, camper-style van and event support vehicle.
Continuing from the success of last year’s inaugural Van Conversion of the Year Awards, eBay has re-enlisted expert architect and presenter George Clarke as part of the judging panel.
Clarke, who will be head judge in 2024, is joined by Peter Stevens, the man responsible for designing the exterior of the iconic McLaren F1 and also the brains behind the concept for the eBay Lounge.
The panel, which also includes Laura Richards, category lead for vehicle parts and accessories at eBay, will identify a selection of individual category winners before choosing the overall Van Conversion of the Year.
George Clarke said: “We were hugely inspired by the conversions we saw last year, and after all the success and buzz it created, we thought we would give the people of the UK another chance to show off their creations. As someone that has previously converted a van, I know how incredibly fun and rewarding the whole process can be, from coming up with the concept to building the finished vehicle. I know eBay is the go-to online marketplace for DIY creations, and it is fantastic to see them recognising and championing van converters.”
Entries are now open and are set to close at 23.59 Sunday 11 August, with the winners to be announced in September. Category winners will each receive £250 worth of eBay coupons while the Overall Van Conversion of the year award winner will receive a £10,000 cash prize.
Last year’s winner was publican Paul White, who had turned an old ambulance into a mobile bar to create the AmBEERlance, as he looked for ways to get drinks to his faithful customers during Covid lockdowns.
Full competition details and the form to enter are here.
