Epic Road Trip in a Reliant Robin: From London to Cape Town

Ollie Jenks, an Englishman with a penchant for adventure, took on a bold challenge proposed by his Canadian friend, Seth Scott. Their journey involved driving a Reliant Robin from London to the southern tip of Africa. This epic 14,000-mile trip spanned 22 countries, all undertaken in a three-wheeled vehicle.

The Unlikely Vehicle

The Reliant Robin is iconic in the U.K. for its simplicity and quirky design. Originating in the 1970s, these three-wheelers were made for short trips around town. Despite production stopping in the early 2000s, they remain beloved, partly due to their appearance in the popular sitcom “Only Fools and Horses.” Jenks humorously notes that the Reliant Robin is ill-suited for long journeys, especially ones through challenging terrains like African jungles and deserts.

Embarking on the Challenge

Sheila, a silver Reliant Robin, became the centerpiece of their adventure. Equipped with basic supplies and a can of fuel, Jenks and Scott departed in October, armed with hope and disregard for Sheila’s limitations. Without power steering or air conditioning, Sheila struggled with hills and uneven roads. Her designer even advised against long trips.

Despite these drawbacks, the duo invested between $40,000 to $50,000 in this journey. Sponsors and crowdfunding aided their endeavor, attracting nearly 100,000 Instagram followers tracking their quest under the tagline: “14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense.”

Adventures and Obstacles

Their route was fraught with geopolitical challenges. While in Benin, they encountered an attempted coup and navigated northern Nigeria amidst U.S. airstrikes targeting Islamic State. In Cameroon, Jenks and Scott received a military escort through an area beset by separatist violence. The sight of their little vehicle in such serious situations added to the journey’s surreal nature.

Road mishaps were frequent; in Congo, a close call with a bus nearly ended their trip. True to the reputation of the Reliant Robin, they faced multiple mechanical failures. A broken gearbox in Ghana left them with only fourth gear. Throughout Africa, they overcame problems thanks to the generosity of strangers who arranged for spare parts and assistance in repairs.

Triumph and Resolution

Despite these setbacks, moments of beauty marked their journey. Sheila traveled through breathtaking mountains and deserts, places a Reliant Robin had likely never been. In Africa’s wilderness, they drove alongside wildlife like giraffes and rhinos.

After more than 120 days, Sheila finally reached Cape Town. The engine, which had threatened to overheat since the Namibian desert, held on just long enough. Graeme Hurst, a South African car enthusiast, marveled at their tenacity, acknowledging their humorous yet uplifting feat.

In South Africa, Sheila drew attention among luxury cars in a showroom, her wear and tear proudly displayed. Soon, she will make one last journey back to the U.K., destined for the London Transport Museum.

Reflecting on his adventure, Jenks expressed triumph and relief. Released from the cramped confines of the tiny vehicle, he described the experience wryly as driving a “motorized coffin.”