eBay launches 2024 Van Conversion of the Year Awards

eBay is today launching its Van Conversion of the Year Awards for the second year, as it celebrates the most beautifully executed, space efficient and intelligent Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) conversions in the UK.

The online automotive marketplace is seeking the best fit-outs 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.

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 that is perfect for both entertaining and relaxing.

Continuing from the success of last year’s inaugural Van Conversion of the Year Awards, eBay has re-enlisted the help of an expert judging panel, including expert architect and presenter, George Clarke, who will be head judge in 2024. He leads a panel that includes the man responsible for designing the exterior of the iconic McLaren F1, Peter Stevens, who also came up with the concept for the eBay Lounge. Laura Richards, Category Lead for Vehicle Parts and Accessories at eBay, completes the judging panel, who will identify a selection of individual category winners before choosing the overall Van Conversion of the Year.

George Clarke, TV Presenter and Architect, 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 11th 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. Paul was praised for creating such a functional final vehicle and one that ultimately kept his business open.

Laura Richards, Category Lead – Vehicle Parts and Accessories eBay UK Ltd, said: “At eBay, we love to champion those who have the will power and desire to create, convert, build and maintain their vehicles at home. With thousands of sellers and direct from brand stores, the breadth and scale of eBay allows converters to create the vehicles of their dreams. 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.”

For more information about the awards, or to enter a van into the competition, go here: https://pages.ebay.co.uk/van-conversion-awards/