Winner of eBay van conversion award revealed

The overall winner of eBay’s Van Conversion of the Year Awards 2024 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 Van Conversion of the Year trophy.

The awards, judged by TV presenter George Clarke, F1 designer Peter Stevens and hosted by eBay, returned this year after acclaimed success in its inaugural year.

Lydon’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 him to create an all-encompassing space to facilitate his living, travelling and performing needs.

After purchasing a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter last year, he transformed it using parts and accessories purchased on eBay into a Japanese-inspired, contemporary home and professional music set up. 

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 oak. 

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

Lydon 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.

“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.” 

Head judge, architect and TV presenter, Clarke, congratulated Lydon on his win. He said: “The judges and I were extremely impressed by the attention to detail, leftfield thinking and big creativity that he demonstrated with his creation. I’ll be following his endeavours as he tours around Europe this year.”

Laura Richards, head of performance and experience for parts and accessories at eBay, added: “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 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.