What inspired a supercar designer to transform a classic Ford Transit?
It’s not every day you hear about the mind behind the McLaren F1 swapping carbon fiber for camper van cabinetry. Yet that’s exactly what happened when Peter Stevens, the legendary designer whose resume includes the McLaren F1, Jaguar XJR-15, and Lotus Elan M100, found himself in a drab Coventry hotel room. No chair, bland walls, and a takeaway dinner balanced on his lap. For most, it’s just a rough night. For Stevens, it sparked a wild idea: Why not create a camper van with all the comforts of home and park it right at work?
That moment of frustration led to a project that’s equal parts nostalgia and innovation—a 1975 Mk1 Ford Transit, reborn as the eBay Lounge. This wasn’t just about personal comfort. Stevens saw an opportunity to blend his design expertise with the practical needs of modern van life, all while paying homage to the Transit’s rich history.
How did the restoration stay true to the Transit’s roots?
When eBay commissioned the project to celebrate the Transit’s 60th anniversary, it would’ve been easy to chase flashy trends—oversized wheels, slammed suspension, or a tech-heavy interior. But Stevens and the restoration team at Envisage Group took a different route. Their goal? Respect the original design, honor the van’s working-class DNA, and avoid turning it into a caricature.
The result is a van that looks and feels authentic. The original 1.7-liter V4 petrol engine remains under the hood, tweaked just enough to run on modern E5 fuel. The four-speed gearbox is still there, as is the honest, utilitarian stance—no lowering, no gaudy alloys. The only major changes: a conversion from left- to right-hand drive and a pop-up roof for extra headroom. It’s a subtle evolution, not a radical reinvention.
What design choices set this camper apart from the usual conversions?
Stevens’ experience living in a motorhome taught him exactly what he didn’t want in a camper interior. Forget pastel shades and floral prints. Instead, he opted for dark wood cabinetry, a brushed steel sink with a smoked glass cover, and a countertop fridge—all sourced from eBay sellers. The floor? Tough and uncarpeted, built to handle muddy boots and spilled coffee.
There are clever touches everywhere. A table made from a Bentley alloy wheel. Swiveling driver and passenger seats that can rotate 180 degrees. Retro sports seats for lounging outside. And Stevens’ personal favorite: a Classic JLR retro radio, sourced from the Jaguar Classic Parts store on eBay. The entire build is a testament to thoughtful design—practical, stylish, and a little bit cheeky.
How did eBay’s marketplace shape the restoration process?
Every part of the eBay Lounge tells a story of resourcefulness. From headlights and drivetrain components to brake lines and electrical bits, nearly everything was sourced from eBay’s vast network of sellers. Even the restoration team at Envisage Group relied on the platform, tapping into official Ford and Jaguar stores for authentic parts.
This approach isn’t just about convenience. It highlights a growing trend in the classic car world: using online marketplaces to keep vintage vehicles on the road. According to a 2023 report from the Historic Vehicle Association, over 70% of classic car owners now source at least some parts online, citing better availability and competitive pricing. Stevens’ project is a real-world example of how digital tools are breathing new life into analog machines.
What’s it like to drive a designer-restored classic Transit?
Taking the eBay Lounge for a spin isn’t quite like piloting a supercar, but it’s got its own charm. The steering is a bit woolly, the gear selector feels more like a magic wand, and the brakes require a gentle touch. But there’s a certain satisfaction in the way everything fits together—no rattles, no loose panels, just a solid, honest ride.
Stevens, now in his eighties but still an avid racer, rides shotgun with a calm confidence. He’s as happy designing a camper van as he is a Le Mans winner. That passion shows in every detail, from the secure storage to the choice of materials. It’s a van built for real-world use, not just for show.
Why does this project matter for design and car culture?
The eBay Lounge isn’t just a quirky one-off. It’s a reminder that great design isn’t limited to supercars or luxury brands. Sometimes, the most meaningful projects are the ones that solve everyday problems—like turning a dreary hotel stay into the spark for a rolling home-away-from-home.
It also shows how the lines between old and new, analog and digital, are blurring. Classic vehicles can be restored and upgraded with the help of modern technology and online communities, making them more accessible and enjoyable for a new generation.
The big takeaway? Reinventing a classic like the Ford Transit isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.