Television architect and presenter George Clarke has unveiled the six extraordinary finalists competing for the coveted title of eBay Van Conversion of the Year 2025. The shortlist, packed with creativity and ingenuity, features everything from a Hobbit-inspired home on wheels to a celebrity-frequented mobile hair salon.
The overall winner, who will be crowned in December, will receive a £10,000 prize. Clarke, renowned for his Channel 4 series 'George Clarke's Amazing Spaces', was on the judging panel that selected the half-dozen standout conversions from a pool of impressive entries.
Meet The Remarkable Finalists
Among the shortlisted vehicles is a Vauxhall Movano named 'Frodo', owned by Jessica Kleczka. Inspired by a love of woodland and mystical adventures, this van was a labour of love created with her partner, Risi, and their red setter, Heidi.
Kleczka's van is a masterpiece of sustainable living, featuring a compost toilet, indoor and outdoor kitchens, and an electrical system that allows for off-grid living for up to a week. Furnished with vintage pieces and reclaimed wooden pallets, Frodo is designed for comfort during long travels while keeping costs low.
"I believe that Frodo is a testament to what can be achieved with limited resources, little experience, and a lot of creativity," Jessica stated. After purchasing the van and key components on eBay, the build took three and a half months of dedicated work.
From Fire Engine to Food Truck
Another standout is a burger van crafted from a former Scania fire engine by Niall Seymour, a previous category winner. Seymour, 35 from Bexley, discovered the fire truck on Facebook Marketplace in September 2023 and drove to Leeds to collect it.
He spent over a year gutting the interior and building a new body to house a fully-functional kitchen, sourcing most of the parts, including gas connections and plumbing, from eBay. "It is the only fire engine food truck I've ever seen with a fully built kitchen," Seymour exclaimed. "It's the best thing I have ever built!" His unique creation earned him the Special Recognition Award.
A Mobile Salon for A-List Clients
The Built for Business Award was secured by Alex Kamintzis for his Mercedes Sprinter, converted into a fully-equipped mobile hair salon. Complete with two hairdressing chairs and mirrors, the salon serves a diverse clientele, from A-listers to children and OAPs.
"When we launched Evolution Mobile Salons, we believed it to be the UK's first mobile hair salon," Kamintzis said. The van's functional design allows him to operate with the same professionalism as a traditional salon, travelling to locations from farm shops to business parks.
George Clarke commented on the high standard of entries, saying, "Selecting an overall winner won't be easy, but the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by this year's entrants is incredibly inspiring." The awards celebrate outstanding design, clever use of space, and exceptional craftsmanship across several categories, including the Tiny Haven Award and the Globetrotter Award.
