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.
