Guinness record set by traveling 22,000 kilometers on three wheels

What would it be like to travel more than 22,000 kilometers in a three-wheeled vehicle?

British national Oliver Jenks, 34, and Canadian national Seth Scott, 31, set a Guinness World Record by traveling from London to Cape Town, South Africa, in a three-wheeled motor vehicle, experiencing a unique kind of feeling. This journey, completed in an old 'Reliant Robin' affectionately named 'Sheila', covered approximately 14,000 miles (22,500 km) from London across the African continent, making it the longest journey ever undertaken in a three-wheeled vehicle.

This adventurous and remarkable journey, which began on October 24, 2025, spanned nearly five months, connecting Europe and Africa across more than twenty countries. For these two young men, both over six feet tall, traveling in this small vehicle made of plastic and fiberglass with an 850cc engine was by no means an easy task. This model of car, extremely popular through British television shows like 'Only Fools and Horses', was described by the two as "a kayak with a motor attached." Adorned with a roof rack for extra luggage and sponsor stickers, the small vehicle named 'Sheila' traversed deserts and jungles, facing numerous unexpected challenges.

However, this wonderful journey was not a path strewn with flowers. In January 2026, while traveling through Cameroon near the Congo border, the vehicle's engine exploded loudly, causing significant damage. "It sounded like someone had fired a gun. At that moment, we thought our journey was over," Oliver recalled of that terrifying moment. They had to explain the situation to police officers and endure a difficult nine-hour journey in a cattle truck to save themselves. Their courage was severely tested when a group of people in fancy dress surrounded them in Nigeria, demanding money, and when they traveled through a kidnapping-prone area in Cameroon under military escort. Additionally, unbearable heat of 42 degrees Celsius, dilapidated roads, and constant mechanical failures of the vehicle further complicated their journey.

Nevertheless, the love these two adventurers received from fans worldwide was immense. A fund they started to bring in a new engine to replace the broken one raised over £16,000 within a short period of 24 hours, thanks to the generous contributions of over five hundred people. Overcoming all these obstacles, Oliver and Seth arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, in March 2026. Through this journey, they also raised funds for the charity 'School in a Bag', providing significant support for the education of underprivileged children. For them, aspiring to a Guinness World Record, this was truly a life-changing experience.

Leaving their wonderful 'Sheila' motor vehicle on display in a Cape Town museum, they returned, demonstrating to the whole world that there is a very thin line between human courage and a dream that seems like madness.