Epic Journey Across Africa in a Reliant Robin

Ollie Jenks, an Englishman, took on an unconventional journey when a friend proposed an idea that seemed too absurd to reject. His Canadian friend, Seth Scott, shared a love for cars and wild adventures. They decided to drive a decades-old British-built Reliant Robin from London to Africa’s southernmost tip. The plan was to cover a 14,000-mile journey across 22 countries in a three-wheeled vehicle. The Reliant Robin, a cult favorite in the U.K., was made for short trips but never for such a demanding expedition.

Despite being ill-suited for rugged terrains, Jenks accepted the challenge. The vehicle, named Sheila, was among the last of its kind made. In October, they embarked on their journey with essentials strapped to Sheila’s roof and hope for a successful trip to Cape Town, South Africa. Jenks humorously noted Sheila’s lack of power steering and air conditioning, making her unsuitable for long journeys.

Despite advice against their plan, Jenks and Scott persevered. Their adventure spanned over four and a half months and cost approximately $40,000 to $50,000. They received support from sponsors and public funding, drawing nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram under the name ‘14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense.’

The journey was fraught with challenges. They arrived in Benin amid an attempted coup and navigated northern Nigeria during U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State targets. In Cameroon, they got a military escort due to separatist violence. Traffic issues added to their troubles, especially when a bus almost crushed Sheila in Congo. The Reliant Robin, known for occasional unreliability, faced several breakdowns.

In the first two weeks, Sheila required new wheel springs. In Ghana, the gearbox broke, leaving them only with fourth gear. Cameroon brought clutch and distributor issues, culminating in a blown engine. Through these hurdles, the kindness of strangers and the determination of the duo sustained them. Gearboxes and engines were shipped to various locations, while mechanics across Africa helped repair Sheila.

Despite the odds, the journey offered breathtaking moments. Sheila navigated majestic mountain ranges and expansive deserts. She ventured on safari alongside giraffes and stood by elephants and rhinos for photographs. After over 120 days, Sheila reached Cape Town, although her engine struggled with overheating towards the end of Namibia’s desert.

Graeme Hurst, a South African car enthusiast, admired the journey, describing it as an underdog story. Sheila gained attention in a South African showroom, positioned among luxury cars, showcasing the wear from the journey.

Sheila will undergo thorough servicing before being transported to Kenya and then back to the U.K. for a spot at the London Transport Museum. Jenks felt a sense of triumph and relief in reaching Cape Town, likening their journey in the small vehicle to driving a ‘motorized coffin.’