A quirky three-wheeled car that set off from the UK four months ago has finally rolled into Cape Town after a gruelling 16 000km road trip.

Oliver Jenks, 34, from Devon, and Seth Scott, 31, from Canada, began the journey in October from Devon in their Reliant Robin, affectionately named “Sheila the Three-Wheeler.”

Their mission? To become the first people to drive the route from the UK to South Africa in a three-wheeled car – a feat that secured them a Guinness World Record.

The pair originally hoped to arrive in January but faced delays after the car’s engine “blew up” as they were nearing the Congo.

They eventually completed the trip on Wednesday, arriving in the Cape on a scorching day with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Three-wheeled car adventure across continents

The unusual road trip took the duo across more than 20 countries. Their route stretched from Dover to France, across Spain, and then by ferry to Africa.

From there, they travelled through countries including Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and the DRC before reaching South Africa.

Scott described the journey as unforgettable.

“It was incredible to see the landscape change as we went through deserts, jungles, into the plains,” Scott told the BBC.

The travellers said spotting elephants during the trip was one of the highlights.

Emotional finish at Cape Point

The final stretch of the journey ended with a drive to Cape Point, which Jenks described as “emotional.”

“The final drive was a bit of a tear-jerker,” he added. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful drives we’ve done on the entire trip.”

After its marathon adventure, Sheila the Three-Wheeler may now be heading for retirement. Jenks said the tiny vehicle is expected to be installed in a Cape Town museum.