The Epic Journey of Sheila: A Reliant Robin’s Trek from London to Cape Town

Englishman Ollie Jenks had a friend who proposed a seemingly bizarre adventure. The plan was to drive a Reliant Robin, a classic British three-wheeler, from London to the southern tip of Africa—a journey spanning 14,000 miles through 22 countries. This idea was so outlandish that Jenks couldn’t resist accepting it.

Reliant Robins enjoy a cult status in the U.K., recognized as modest vehicles intended for short trips in the 1970s. Though production ceased in the early 2000s, their legacy lives on in British culture, notably as the Trotter brothers’ van in the sitcom “Only Fools and Horses.” Such a vehicle seemed ill-suited for a trek through Africa, but Jenks embraced the absurdity.

Setting off with Sheila

Named Sheila, Jenks and his Canadian friend Seth Scott acquired one of the last built Robins for their adventure. With minimal supplies, they departed in October, relying largely on hope to reach Cape Town. Jenks candidly described Sheila as lacking power steering and air conditioning, struggling with hills. Even the car’s designer advised caution beyond short distances.

Their efforts defied conventional wisdom, yet they persevered through four-and-a-half months with costs estimated between $40,000 to $50,000. Sponsors and crowdfunding aided their documentation of the journey on Instagram, gathering nearly 100,000 followers under the moniker: “14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense.”

A Journey Fraught with Challenges

The trip was far from uneventful. In Benin, they encountered an attempted coup. Northern Nigeria saw them navigate airstrikes targeting Islamic State. In Cameroon, a military escort covered 300 miles through regions afflicted by separatist violence.

“Imagine this car in a military convoy,” Jenks remarked on the surreal experiences.

Traffic dangers, such as an overtaking bus nearly causing disaster in Congo, punctuated the trip. True to Reliant’s reputation, Sheila experienced numerous breakdowns. Within weeks, new wheel springs were required; in Ghana, the gearbox failed to leave only fourth gear operational. Clutch and distributor issues in Cameroon culminated in engine failure.

Despite technical hurdles, Jenks and Scott persisted, their journey supported by the kindness of strangers. When a gearbox broke, someone sent a new one to Ghana. U.K. Reliant enthusiasts located an engine to ship to Cameroon. Locals helped load Sheila onto a cattle truck for transport to a repair garage.

Majestic Moments and a Melting Pot of Cultures

While adversity abounded, there were rewarding experiences. Sheila navigated stunning mountain ranges and deserts previously untouched by a Reliant Robin. She joined safaris alongside giraffes, rhinos, and elephants.

After over 120 days, Sheila reached her destination. Though her engine struggled in the Namibian desert, a tenacity-driven quest saw her arrive in Cape Town.

“This is a great underdog story,” stated Graeme Hurst, a South African car enthusiast who followed the journey online. “I admire their sheer perseverance.”

In Cape Town, Sheila was displayed in a showroom alongside luxury cars. Despite her wear and tear, including a broken window and dented rims, she drew significant attention.

A Triumphant End

Jenks described his relief upon finishing the adventure in Cape Town and escaping the confined vehicle.

“It was like driving a motorized coffin,” he joked.

Sheila will soon receive a comprehensive service before a final trip to Kenya, then onward to Turkey and back to the U.K., where she’ll reside at the London Transport Museum.