Mobile ovens included on shortlist for eBay van conversion award

A million miles away from most fleet conversions, eBay has announced the shortlist for its 2024 Van Conversion of the Year Awards.

The General Van Conversion of the Year winner will receive £10,000 cash; Shortlisted winners will receive a £250 voucher valid for eBay parts and accessories.

Shortlisted entries include everything from a retro mobile bakery to a live DJ booth, from a shed on wheels to a compact, all-electric caravan

Judges include TV presenter and architect George Clarke, designer Peter Stevens, responsible for the exterior design of the iconic McLaren F1 supercar, and eBay vehicle parts and accessories category leader Laura Richards.

“It was great to review all the applications and see how creatively each applicant used eBay parts and accessories to bring their dream vehicle to life,” said Richards.

“Each submission evokes the DIY spirit that eBay encourages, and each has its own unique style and story.”

The eBay Van Conversion of the Year Awards celebrate some of the most beautifully executed, space-saving and smart light commercial vehicle (LCV) conversions in the UK across a range of categories.

This year’s shortlist includes awards for Best Electric Vehicle, Best Bespoke Build, Most Creative, Weekend Traveler, Best Budget-Friendly Conversion, Best Corporate Conversion as well as the Special Recognition award.

“This year’s eBay Van Conversion of the Year Awards presented a wider variety of conversions for us to consider,” said Clarke.

“Entries include everything from cleverly customized mobile work vans to weekend getaway campers and full-time touring caravans.

“It will be difficult to pick an overall winner, but I am very impressed with the creativity and DIY skills displayed by this year’s participants.”

Shortlist

Best Electric Vehicle Award: Joe Edwards, Wiltshire, Nissan E-NV200

The electric camper powers off-grid camping, using a 40kWh battery under the van and a 3,000w inverter purchased from eBay to charge the leisure battery.

Not only that, if the traction battery runs out of charge, there’s a power plug to charge the van from the dead battery, reducing range anxiety.

Best Bespoke Build Award: Jack Lydon, Essex, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter caravan has been meticulously transformed into a fully livable space with a distinctive touch, a professional DJ booth.

Most Creative Award: Josie Rose, Kent, Mercedes-Benz Vario

Mercedes-Benz Vario van converted into a shed on wheels.

Weekend Traveler Award: Tom and Emma Coy, North Lincolnshire, 2017 LWB Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter van is equipped with a concealed toilet, full shower room, fixed bed and a completely off-grid electrical system.

Best Budget-Friendly Conversion: Tom Maisey, Sheffield, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Designed to escape the nine-to-five work schedule, this minibus conversion was designed for weekend getaways.

Best Corporate Transformation Award: Trevor and Tracy Hatton, Gloucestershire, Bedford CA

60 year old Bedford CA converted into a vintage mobile bakery.

The conversion includes unique touches like a specially modified side panel that allows them to operate the coffee machine from outside the van.

Special Recognition Award: Niall Seymour, Kent, USA school bus conversion

The special recognition award goes not to a minivan, but to an American school bus imported from Texas.