eBay Reveals Winner of Van Conversion of the Year 2024

• eBay reveals a campervan fitted with a mobile DJ booth as the winner of its Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024
• DJ Jack Lydon’s unique project saw off hundreds of entries to win the £10,000 cash prize, before embarking on a European music tour
• The Annual awards recognise the UK’s best van conversions from tradespeople, professional converters, catering businesses, van-lifers and holidaymakers

• Watch the moment head judge and TV Presenter George Clarke met Jack and announced him as the winner HERE  

London, 14^th October 2024 - eBay has revealed the overall winner of its Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024 and the triumphant project combines the practicality campervan with a fully-equipped DJ booth to create a one-off party van.  

Jack Lydon, a DJ from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, will take home the £10,000 cash prize as well as the prestigious Van Conversion of the Year trophy. The coveted awards, judged by TV presenter George Clarke, iconic F1 designer Peter Stevens and hosted by eBay, one of the UK’s leading online marketplaces for vehicle parts and accessories, returned this year after acclaimed success in its inaugural year. 

Jack’s conversion was recognised in the “Best Bespoke Build” category, for its quirky creative concept and innovative funky design of his mobile DJ booth. His passion for music inspired Jack to create an all-encompassing space to facilitate his living, travelling and performing needs. After purchasing a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter last year, Jack transformed it using parts and accessories purchased on eBay into a Japanese-inspired, contemporary home and professional music set up.  

With limited building and DIY experience, and a plethora of parts and tools purchased on eBay, Jack successfully converted a campervan fit to hit the road across Europe, spinning mixes that embody the vibe of every destination. 

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is complete with a fold down bed, a shower cleverly tucked away under the seats, DJ deck stand, built in speakers and turntables. It also includes a record holder that doubles as a divider between the lounge and kitchen, all finished in high quality oak.  

It took a year for Jack to complete the conversion, and he recently travelled to Barcelona to start his European music adventure.  

Jack said: “I am absolutely buzzing to have won the award – it is great to have my pride and joy recognised by some really cool people. Using eBay’s parts and accessories, I’ve created a professional music studio on wheels that will take me across the UK and Europe while recording mixes that capture the essence of each destination. This conversion has allowed me to blend my passion for music and travel and I hope it inspires others to think creatively and pursue their passions.”  

For this year’s awards, eBay re-enlisted the help of an expert judging panel, including head judge, architect and TV presenter, George Clarke, the man responsible for designing the exterior of the iconic McLaren F1, Peter Stevens and eBay’s Head of Performance and Experience for Vehicle Parts and Accessories, Laura Richards. 

George Clarke, TV Presenter and Architect, and head judge, said: “A big congratulations to Jack for his win. The judges and I were extremely impressed by the attention to detail, left-field thinking and big creativity that he demonstrated with his creation. I’ll be following his endeavours as he tours around Europe this year. 

“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 included everything from cleverly customised mobile-business vans to weekend getaway campers and full-time van lifer homes-on-wheels. I was very impressed with the creativity and DIY skills showcased by this year’s entrants. 

Peter Stevens, car designer, said: “Jack’s van is certainly deserving of eBay’s Van Conversion of the Year. I do hope that he inspires others to have a go themselves with a design project – whether that be a car, a van conversion, or something completely different.” 

Laura Richards, Head of Performance and Experience - Parts and Accessories at eBay, said: “It is wonderful to see how Jack has creatively used eBay’s parts and accessories to bring his dream vehicle to life – the updating of the gas tank in particular was integral to the conversion and he has truly evoked the DIY spirit that eBay encourages, with such a unique style and story.”  

Before selecting the overall winner, eBay’s judging panel whittled it down to just seven stand-out van conversions from the following award categories: Best Electric Vehicle, Best Bespoke Build, Most Creative, Weekend Wanderer, Best Budget Friendly, Best Enterprise Conversion and Special Recognition. Each of the category winners were gifted £250 vouchers to spend on eBay parts and accessories.  

The Runners up 

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

Joe transformed his Nissan E-NV200 into an eco-friendly electric camper van using eBay-sourced parts, including an induction hob for fossil fuel-free cooking and a 250W solar panel. The van was fitted with impeccably executed details including lovingly crafted woodwork drawers and an artistic mountain-inspired lamp. 

Joe said: “Our conversion was inspired by the electric camper we set out to transform, leading us to create a vehicle free of fossil fuels and infused with our love for natural materials. My favourite feature is the mountain light, which integrates various woods to form a mountain range that casts a warm glow, ideal for a cosy evening.” 

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

Josie transformed her Mercedes-Benz Vario minibus into “a charming cottage on wheels.” The whimsical details and boho charm reflect Josie’s personal style, which she hopes will inspire other female Van Lifers to embrace their ‘Girlie’ side and confidently tackle their own DIY projects. 

Josie said: “I’ve loved every moment of creating my charming cottage on wheels, using eBay’s parts and accessories to combine my creativity with the practicality of converting a minibus. The Vario now embodies my personal style, and I hope it encourages other female van lifers to embark on their own builds with confidence.” 

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

Tom and Emma bought a Volkswagen Crafter van and embarked on transforming it into a liveable space, which they can use 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.  

Emma said: “Opting to buy a van and convert it ourselves instead of having a big wedding was certainly unconventional, but it’s a decision we’d make again in a heartbeat! With the cost of prebuilt vans just too expensive, we used eBay’s parts and accessories to get all our supplies and did it ourselves – and now it’s taken us 3,000 miles around France.” 

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

Tom converted a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the aim of breaking free from the nine-to-five grind. Fully custom-built, the design addressed all the practical needs for short trips while also considering the ‘feng shui’ of the space. Tom handled the conversion himself, using various eBay parts to achieve a sophisticated and smartly designed living area. 

Tom said: "I've always been intrigued by the challenge of living large in small spaces and the creativity required to design a space that maximises both functionality and experience. By using parts and accessories sourced on eBay, I’ve turned this fascination into reality, allowing me to enjoy weekends away." 

Best Enterprise Conversion Award: Trevor and Tracy Hatton, Gloucestershire, Bedford CA 

After dedicating 20 years’ of life as a dementia care assistant, Tracy decided to shift her career to follow her passion for baking. Husband Trevor also wanted a change, so together hatched a plan to transform a 60-year-old ‘rust bucket’ Bedford CA into a vintage mobile bakery. 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. 

Trevor said: “We were quite apprehensive about changing our careers, launching the Baking Bird, and converting Betty, our rusted Bedford CA, into a functional mobile bakery. However, this conversion has allowed Tracy to pursue her passion after years of hard work, tested my DIY skills and has truly changed our lives. It’s a risk I’ll never regret taking.” 

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

Niall undertook this project to create a holiday vehicle for his family and incorporated custom-built elements and eBay-purchased items throughout. Considering, Niall had no prior building experience, this achievement is especially impressive. 

Niall said: “Everyone turns their heads when we come past in our old American school bus conversion. It’s really an honour to be shortlisted, I had such fun converting the bus and my family have loved taking it on trips to Kent and Devon – it will certainly be enjoyed by us all for years to come.”