Ebay has revealed the shortlist for its Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024, which showcase a wide range of creative transformations.
A judging panel led by TV presenter and architect George Clarke pored over entries from across the UK and whittled the list down to seven category winners, who each secure a £250 coupon, valid for eBay parts and accessories.
The awards celebrate the most beautifully executed, space efficient and intelligent light commercial vehicle conversions in the UK across a range of categories. One of these is set to walk away with a £10,000 cash prize as this year’s overall winner.
The Best Electric Vehicle Award went to Joe Edwards of Wiltshire for his Nissan e-NV200 camper. This uses a 40kWh battery underneath the van to recharge the leisure battery and an eBay-purchased 3000w inverter, powering off-grid camping. If the traction battery runs out of charge, a mains plug is available to charge the van from the leisure battery.
The eco-conscious conversion includes eBay parts such as an induction hob and a 250W solar panel. Impeccably executed details include lovingly crafted woodwork drawers and an artistic mountain-inspired lamp.
Jack Lydon of Essex took the Best Bespoke Build Award for his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper van cum professional DJ booth, which Lydon will use as he travels through Europe.
The Most Creative Award was given to Josie Rose of Kent for her Mercedes-Benz Vario minibus, turned into “a charming cottage on wheels.” Rose hopes the van will inspire other female Van Lifers to embrace their ‘Girlie’ side and confidently tackle their own DIY projects.
Tom and Emma Coy of North Lincolnshire were awarded the Weekend Wanderer category for their 2017 LWB Volkswagen Crafter, transformed 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. It’s already been used to travel 3,000 miles around France.
Next up was the Best Budget-Friendly Conversion, awarded to Tom Maisey of Sheffield for his 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that’s been 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.
A 60-year-old ‘rust bucket’ Bedford CA converted by Trevor and Tracy Hatten of Gloucestershire into a vintage mobile bakery was chosen for the Best Enterprise Conversion.
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.
Niall Seymour, Kent, secured the Special Recognition Award with his American school bus imported from Texas and turned into a holiday vehicle for his family. While not eligible for the overall Van Conversion of the Year Award, the judges collectively agreed it deserved an honourable mention on eBay’s shortlist.
George Clarke 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.”
