eBay is again running its Van Conversion of the Year Awards, celebrating well-executed, space-efficient, and intelligent light commercial vehicle conversions in the UK.
The online automotive marketplace is seeking the best fit-outs across various industry sectors. From custom racking in an electrician’s van to a plumber’s shelving or a holidaymaker’s camper, all van converters are encouraged to enter.
As part of this year’s competition launch, eBay has unveiled its project vehicle — a converted Ford Transit Mk1. The classic van, named the ‘eBay Lounge,’ was owned by a German fire department before being purchased by eBay and renovated into a multi-purpose, camper-style van and event support vehicle.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Van Conversion of the Year Awards, eBay has enlisted an expert judging panel. Architect and presenter George Clarke will be the head judge in 2024, leading a panel that includes Peter Stevens, who designed the exterior of the iconic McLaren F1 and the concept for the eBay Lounge, and Laura Richards, eBay’s category lead for vehicle parts and accessories.
“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,” said George Clarke, TV presenter and architect. “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.”
“At eBay, we love to champion those who have the will power and desire to create, convert, build and maintain their vehicles at home,” added Laura Richards, in charge of vehicle parts and accessories at eBay. “The Van Conversion of the Year Awards are the perfect way for us to see some of the incredible creations that have come to life using quality parts sourced through eBay.”
Entries are now open
and will close at 23:59 on Sunday, August 11th, with the winners announced in September. Category winners will each receive £250 worth of eBay coupons, while the overall Van Conversion of the Year winner will receive a £10,000 cash prize.
Last year’s winner was publican Paul White, who converted an old ambulance into a mobile bar, the AmBEERlance, to serve drinks to his customers during Covid-19 lockdowns. Paul was praised for creating a functional vehicle that helped keep his business open.
