Ollie Jenks, an Englishman with a knack for adventure, embarked on a remarkable journey inspired by a daring suggestion from his Canadian friend, Seth Scott. The idea involved driving a Reliant Robin, a British-made three-wheeled car, from London to Cape Town, South Africa, spanning 14,000 miles through 22 countries. The aim: to set a record for the longest trip in a three-wheeled vehicle.
Choosing the Reliant Robin
Reliant Robins hold a special place in British hearts. Known for their cult status, they are beloved for their simple design and appeared as the Trotter brothers’ vehicle in the sitcom Only Fools and Horses. Despite their charm, these vehicles are far from ideal for such a lengthy and tough journey, which is exactly what appealed to Jenks.
The vehicle was never meant to handle tropical jungles, mountainous terrains, and desert landscapes,
Jenks said. Yet the challenge of driving Sheila, his silver three-wheeler, was impossible for the adventure-loving duo to resist.
The Start of an Epic Adventure
Jenks and Scott set out in October, armed with a can of fuel, necessary supplies, and a lot of hope. The journey, lasting over four months, required significant funds, totaling $40,000 to $50,000. They secured sponsorships and engaged a crowd of nearly 100,000 Instagram followers under the name “14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense”.
Facing Challenges
The journey wasn’t without risks. The duo arrived in Benin amidst an attempted coup and navigated northern Nigeria during U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State targets. Security in Cameroon provided a military escort for 300 miles due to regional conflict. Yet, it was the mechanical breakdowns that truly tested their resolve.
The challenges were numerous,
Jenks stated, recounting how Sheila’s wheel springs broke, the gearbox failed in Ghana, and more failures occurred in Cameroon, including a significant engine blowout.
Generous aid from strangers helped keep Sheila on the road despite such setbacks. Mechanics across Africa repaired Sheila, often expressing disbelief at the venture.
Memorable Moments
Despite obstacles, the journey held awe-inspiring experiences. Sheila traveled through breathtaking mountain ranges, vast deserts, and even accompanied safari wildlife like giraffes and elephants. After over 120 days of travel, Sheila finally reached Cape Town, despite her engine overheating toward the trip’s end.
South African car enthusiast, Graeme Hurst, admired the adventure, calling it a great underdog story
, exemplifying Jenks and Scott’s perseverance.
Celebrating Triumph
In Cape Town, Sheila was displayed in a showroom among high-end cars, capturing attention with her signs of wear and tear. She deserves a rest,
Jenks said.
Plans are in place to transport Sheila to Kenya, then Turkey, before returning to the U.K., marking the journey’s end at the London Transport Museum.
Reflecting on the adventure, Jenks expressed relief at completing such an ambitious endeavor—a testament to the spirit of adventure and the beauty of human dedication.
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