Ollie Jenks, an Englishman, recounts how the adventure began with a proposal from Seth Scott, his Canadian friend. The idea was ambitious: they would drive a British-made Reliant Robin from London to Cape Town, a trip spanning 14,000 miles, crossing 22 countries. This journey aimed to set a record for the longest voyage in a three-wheeled vehicle.
Reliant Robins hold a special place in the U.K. as iconically humble cars from the 1970s. Known for their three-wheel design, these cars were intended for short trips, primarily to local shops. Despite ceasing production in the early 2000s, they remain culturally significant, partly due to their appearance in the sitcom “Only Fools and Horses.”
Jenks and Scott challenged the odds, choosing the Reliant Robin despite its limitations for vast distances through diverse terrains like jungles and deserts in Africa. The car, promptly named Sheila, was silver and among the last Robins manufactured. The duo embarked in October with supplies strapped to Sheila’s roof, relying on hope to reach Cape Town.
Jenks described driving Sheila as a test of endurance, lacking conveniences like power steering and air conditioning. The car struggled with steep inclines, and journeys were marked by numerous mechanical failures.
“We made friends with the designer of this car, and he’s scared to take it any more than 20 miles.”
Facing challenges including attempted coups in Benin and military activity in Nigeria, Jenks and Scott managed the journey with assistance from sponsors and crowd funding. Their journey captivated nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram under the catchphrase “14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense.”
Their experiences included military escorts through dangerous regions in Cameroon and close shaves with traffic mishaps, like a near collision with a bus in Congo. The adventure also demanded numerous repairs as Sheila’s parts failed on Africa’s tough terrain.
Generosity from locals and car enthusiasts worldwide played a key role. Assistance ranged from securing a gearbox in Ghana to orchestrating engine replacements in Cameroon. Communities offered help, leading to Sheila being transported on cattle trucks to garages across Africa.
Despite setbacks, exhilarating moments highlighted their journey. Sheila navigated stunning landscapes, even managing a safari with giraffes and elephants. Over 120 days after starting, Sheila arrived in Cape Town, surviving severe overheating issues along the way.
Graeme Hurst, a South African car enthusiast, expressed admiration for the journey. Sheila was presented in a luxury car showroom in Cape Town, drawing more attention than high-end models with her history-marked features.
Jenks remarked on the relief upon completing the journey, planning for Sheila’s future in the London Transport Museum after resting in Cape Town. Reflecting on the experience, Jenks humorously compared driving Sheila to being in a “motorized coffin.”