George Clarke Reveals Winner of eBay's Van Conversion of the Year 2025

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter DIY conversion has been crowned the winner of eBay's Van Conversion of the Year 2025.

eBay’s Van Conversion of the Year competition is back for its third year, celebrating creativity, ingenuity, and pure imagination on four wheels. From cosy camper vans to bold one of a kind creations, the awards shine a spotlight on the incredible ways people are rethinking van life.

Last year’s standout was Jack Lydon, whose quirky mobile DJ booth took home the prestigious Van Conversion of the Year trophy. The inaugural 2023 award went to Paul White’s “AmBEERlance,” an old ambulance reinvented as a pub on wheels, proving that no van is too unconventional to be transformed.

Meet the UK’s Top Van Conversion Champions: Charlie and Rosie

Creativity, ingenuity, and a love of adventure on four wheels, that is exactly what eBay’s Van Conversion of the Year competition celebrates. This year, Cheshire couple Charlie Ding and Rosie Wells took home the top prize for their incredible Mercedes Sprinter campervan. Their van beat five other finalists to be crowned the UK’s best converted van, earning them the trophy and a £10,000 cash prize.

18 Months of Dedication and Ingenuity

Transforming a standard Mercedes Sprinter into a cosy, fully functional home on wheels took the couple 18 months of hard work. Every aspect of the van was designed and built by Charlie and Rosie themselves, featuring clever solutions like a bed that lowers from the ceiling. The interior décor was inspired by their travels in Vietnam, giving the van a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Charlie Ding commented:

"We are ecstatic to have won the overall prize, especially after investing so much time and effort into planning and building our ideal conversion. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering a project like this."

Rosie Wells added:

"Our van is like travelling around in a little city apartment. It’s been perfect as we travel from country to country with our dog, Little Rosie. This is the life for us, and I hope we show that anyone can make a van to go out and live in."

A Van Built for Adventure

The van is more than just a showpiece, it’s a fully functioning vehicle. Charlie and Rosie recently took a nine-month sabbatical to travel across Europe in their van, visiting 13 countries, including France, Romania, and Slovakia. Even their dog, Little Rosie, joined them on the adventure.

Praise from the Experts

George Clarke, presenter of Amazing Spaces and lead judge of the competition, said:

"Charlie and Rosie’s van encompassed everything we’re looking for – a seamless blend of engineering ingenuity and clean, cosy design. It’s a smart and wonderfully inventive use of space."

The judges were impressed by the combination of clever engineering, practical design, and attention to detail, making this year’s competition one of the most inspiring yet.

Inspiration for Your Own Van Conversion

Charlie and Rosie’s story is proof that with vision, creativity, and dedication, anyone can transform a van into a beautiful, functional home on wheels. Whether it’s a short road trip or a year-long sabbatical, their journey shows that the possibilities for van life are endless.