Best van conversions recognised by eBay

A former Ambulance converted into a mobile bar has been named the best van conversion by eBay, at its inaugural Van Conversion of the Year Awards.

Paul White, a bar owner from Liverpool, battled it out against hundreds of other van converters and has won a £10,000 cash prize. As well as taking home the top prize for his creation, Paul was also judged to be the “Best Business Entry”.

His AmBEERlance vehicle is based on a Peugeot Boxer that was previously used as an ambulance, but is now a fully functioning and licenced bar. It took him just four days to complete the conversion.

White said: “One thing you couldn't get in lockdown was freshly pulled pints, so the van allowed us to visit our regulars, while spreading a bit of joy. It also allowed us to pay our staff in full while the bar was closed and they were furloughed. It was so lovely to see neighbours buying each other pints to say 'thank you' as they were high risk so unable to go out.

“It kept us afloat; we wouldn’t have survived without it. We were able to source most of the parts from eBay, such as the solar panels, the lithium batteries, and the electrics. It made a massive difference because we needed everything fast so we could get out and see our regulars and other locals.”

The judging panel consisted of: TV presenter and architect, host of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, George Clarke; bespoke engineering and design company, Envisage Group; and eBay’s Vehicle Parts and Accessories Category Lead, Laura Richards. The panel worked hard considering hundreds of impressive entries, ranging from tremendous tradesmen transformations to the chicest campervan conversions from specialist industries and “Van Lifers”.

Before selecting the overall winner, eBay’s judging panel managed to whittle the shortlist down to seven van conversions from the following categories: Most Stylish Design, Best Business Entry, Best Luxury Camper, Best Professional Conversion, Engineering Innovation, Thriftiest Conversion and Best Beginner Build.