Ever wanted to drop everything and drive across a continent? Two friends just did exactly that, and they did it in perhaps the world's most unsuitable car. 🚗💨
Englishman Ollie Jenks and his Canadian buddy Seth Scott, both car enthusiasts with a taste for the absurd, have just driven a tiny, three-wheeled Reliant Robin from London all the way to the southern tip of Africa. Their mission? To set a record for the longest journey in a three-wheeled vehicle. Spoiler: they did it. 🏆
"It was so ridiculous I couldn't say no," Jenks said of his friend's initial pitch. Talk about trusting the vibes! ✨
For those who don't know, the Reliant Robin is a British cult classic—a humble three-wheeler designed for quick trips to the shops in the 1970s. It went out of production in the early 2000s but lives on in pop culture fame, thanks to its starring role in the iconic sitcom Only Fools and Horses.
Which makes it the absolute last vehicle you'd pick for a 22,500-kilometer trek through 22 countries, crossing jungles, mountains, and deserts. And that's exactly why they chose it. 😎
Meet Sheila, the Unlikely Hero
Their trusty steed was a silver Reliant Robin named Sheila, one of the last of its kind ever built. With no power steering, no air conditioning, and a noted dislike for hills, Sheila was described by Jenks as "the most unsuitable car for probably any journey."
They set off last October with just a can of fuel, some supplies strapped to the roof, and a whole lot of hope. Four and a half months and an estimated $40,000-$50,000 later, they rolled into Cape Town, South Africa. The journey was funded by sponsors and crowdfunding, proving once again that the internet loves a madcap adventure. 🤝
The duo documented every bump and triumph on Instagram under the handle "14,000 miles, 3 wheels, 0 common sense," amassing nearly 100,000 followers who lived vicariously through their epic road trip. It's the ultimate "for the plot" energy, and we are here for it. 📱✨
So, what's next for these intrepid travelers? Who knows! But they've definitely proven that with enough determination (and a little bit of madness), you can drive just about anywhere—even in a car built for a grocery run.
Reference(s):
Two friends set record by driving three-wheel car the length of Africa
cgtn.com
