Two friends embarked on an extraordinary journey last October, driving a decades-old three-wheeled Reliant Robin from London to Cape Town, covering approximately 22,500 kilometers through 22 countries. The trip, intended to set a world record for the longest distance traveled in such a vehicle, was undertaken by Ollie Jenks and Seth Scott in a Reliant Robin affectionately named Sheila.

The Reliant Robin has long held a cult status in Britain as a modest vehicle designed for short trips, making it an unlikely choice for an expedition through diverse and challenging terrains. Sheila, a silver model and one of the last Reliant Robins ever produced, was outfitted with minimal supplies, including only a can of fuel and a few essentials on the hood. The journey posed significant challenges, including the absence of power steering and air conditioning, and the vehicle’s limited hill-climbing capability. Jenks noted the original designer of the car recommended not driving it faster than 20 miles per hour.

Financing the trip required between $40,000 and $50,000, which Jenks and Scott raised through sponsorships and crowdfunding campaigns. Their route, crossing multiple African nations, exposed them to periods of intense unrest and danger. They arrived in Benin amid an attempted coup and traveled through Nigeria during U.S. airstrikes. In Cameroon, where violence posed a serious threat, they received a military escort covering around 480 kilometers to ensure their safety.

Mechanically, Sheila proved fragile, suffering numerous breakdowns throughout the journey. The expedition benefitted from the generosity of strangers and Reliant Robin enthusiasts who supported the travelers by sourcing and shipping replacement parts. For instance, a new gearbox was delivered to Ghana, and an engine shipped to Cameroon replaced a broken one. Following one breakdown, locals assisted in loading Sheila onto a cattle truck to transport the vehicle to a repair garage.

After more than 120 days on the road, Jenks, Scott, and their steadfast three-wheeler arrived in Cape Town. The final leg was especially precarious due to engine overheating, which threatened to end the trip. Despite these difficulties, Sheila drew considerable attention upon arrival, being showcased in a high-end Cape Town showroom alongside luxury cars such as Porsches and Mercedes.

The expedition demonstrated not only the endurance of a little-known vehicle but also the resilience and camaraderie of two friends undertaking a remarkable journey across continents in a machine far removed from typical overland travel vehicles.