On the awards tour! Inside the battle for Van of Year as 'old rust buckets' are transformed into DJ booths, bakeries and a cottage on wheels... but there's a entry that WON'T be picking up a gong

Seven creative motor enthusiasts are battling it out to win the overall eBay Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024 with entries including a mobile DJ booth, pop-up coffee shop and ingenious school bus camper van.

The awards celebrate the most beautifully executed, space efficient and intelligent Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) conversions in the UK across a range of categories.

This year's shortlist includes recognition for Best Electric Vehicle, Best Bespoke Build, Most Creative, Weekend Wanderer, Best-Budget Friendly Conversion, Best Enterprise Conversion, plus a Special Recognition prize.

Each category winner secured a £250 coupon, valid for eBay parts and accessories.

The judging panel was led by TV presenter and architect, George Clarke, and included Peter Stevens, the designer of the exterior of the iconic McLaren F1 supercar and eBay Category Lead for Vehicle Parts and Accessories, Laura Richards.

Seven category winners were selected by the panel from an impressive array of entries from across the UK. The overall winner will walk away with a £10,000 cash prize.

Head judge Mr 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.'

Laura Richards, eBay Vehicle Parts and Accessories Category Lead, said: 'It's been wonderful to review all the entries and see how each applicant has creatively used eBay's parts and accessories to bring their dream vehicle to life. Every submission evokes the DIY spirit that eBay encourages, each with its own unique style and story.'

Peter Stevens, car designer, said: 'I was thoroughly impressed by both the variety and the standard of entries this year, as many displayed distinctive personalities and a keen eye for design. This year's winner will certainly deserve its status as the eBay Van Conversion of the Year and I hope they inspire others to have a go at personalising their van or car.'

The Shortlist Best Electric Vehicle Award: Joe Edwards, Wiltshire, Nissan E-NV20

Joe Edwards converted a camper van using a 40kWh battery underneath the van to recharge the leisure battery and an eBay-purchased 3000w inverter for powering off-grid camping.

His eco-conscious installation is stacked with eBay parts, including an induction hob - to avoid the use of fossil fuels for cooking - and a 250w solar panel. The van is also fitted with woodwork drawers and an artistic mountain-inspired lamp.

'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', Joe said.

'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.'

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

This Mercedes-Benz Sprinter campervan has been meticulously transformed into a fully liveable space with a professional DJ booth.

Jack Lydon's campervan showcases a combination of high-quality craftsmanship and a collection of eBay parts and accessories.

The bespoke installation reflects Jack's passion for music, as he travels through Europe, capturing each destination with its own unique mix.

He said: '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'.

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

With any prior DIY experience, Josie Rose 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.

Discussing her entry, 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

Instead of having a big wedding last year, Tom and Emma Coy bought a Volkswagen Crafter van and embarked on transforming it into a liveable space for travelling through Europe and wild camping.

With the high cost of off-the-peg camper vans, the couple used eBay parts 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

Created with the aim of breaking free from the nine-to-five grind, this van conversion was crafted to enhance weekend getaways.

Fully custom-built, the design addresses all the practical needs for short trips while also considering the 'feng shui' of the space. Tom meticulously handled the conversion himself, using various eBay parts to achieve a sophisticated and smartly-designed living area.

He 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 from eBay, I've turned this fascination into reality, allowing me to enjoy weekends away.'

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

After dedicating 20 years of life as a dementia care assistant, Tracy Hatten decided to shift her career to follow her passion for baking. Her 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

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

While not eligible for the overall Van Conversion of the Year Award, judges collectively agreed Niall Seymour's bus deserved an honourable mention on the shortlist.

Niall undertook the project, without any prior building experience, to create a holiday vehicle for his family and incorporated custom-built elements and eBay-purchased items throughout.

Speaking about the bus, he 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.'