CASE STUDY 03

The Gusheshe & Kasi Rockstars

History of the 325is
To talk about the BMW 325is we first have to understand its European counterpart; the BMW E30 M3. Developed directly from motorsport, the BMW M3 of 1986 was the first of its kind. When the car was presented at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1985, it was a sensation. The idea behind the first BMW M3 was to make a racing sedan available as a street version. Nobody foresaw just what a roaring success the M3 would become – on everyday roads as well as the world’s greatest race tracks. The heart of the BMW M3 was undoubtedly its sophisticated four-cylinder engine. The basis for this was the two-litre four-cylinder from the then 3 Series, which was completely revised. Among the best features of the original engine were its low weight, high torque and durability. When it became clear that South Africa would not be getting the M3, the 325is was created. Initially this was the same concept as the 325i Sport available in other markets; merely a 325i 2-door fitted with a body kit and a close-ratio gearbox (improving acceleration at the expense of top speed and economy). This model was available in 1989. However, consumers quickly demanded more performance, and in 1990 the EVO I was released. This model was a radical redesign of the car, featuring aluminium body panels, brakes and suspension from the M3, and larger 2.7I engine sourced from Alina, capable of 197hp… Everything changed from there.

Context of Gush in SA
The 325is, affectionately known as the Gusheshe in Kasi’s all around South Africa was an immediate hit in the streets. A car of stature, bold, loud, never ending and beautiful from each and every angle. No matter which street or on which corner, the Gush would always turn heads. People watch in silence when a fresh 325is moves past in slow motion, purring gracefully and blasting only classics. It’s important to understand just how popular this car is in South Africa. Yes, people always had aspirations of supercars, Lambos and Ferrari’s, Porsches and Bentleys but in between all the luxury stands a car attainable in the Kasi. Toe to toe with any supercar, not looking out of place in any luxury vehicle line-up. The 325is is every broer’s first dream car. That's its power, a legend in the streets, an automatic win if you pull up in a Gush. In my own experience; I grew up around these cars. My father had 3 different gusheshe’s. A grey 325i, a white 325is EVO I and a blood orange 325is EVO II (my favourite). These were special cars, when I use to sit passenger as we drive through the streets all eyes would turn, people would whistle and you’d feel like a rockstar.

Spinners The Kasi Rockstars
Spinning originated as a ritual done at funerals when gangsters would steal cars and spin them to honour the dead. Soon it began to catch traction in the late 80s. In the early 1990s, spinning became practised outside of the criminal world. Drivers drag-raced and performed stunts with their cars and the car that became synonymous with spinning was the Gusheshe. The sedan was so perfectly shaped that it had no problem bending and swaying, built for impact, these were cars that could handle the intensity of what spinners were doing.

Spinners are undoubtedly rockstars in the Kasi. Always ready to put on a show, they understand the importance of showmanship. Having the ability to spin was always one thing but being able to entertain the crowd and have them involved in the less than 5 minute runs is a whole other thing. The best in the business are able to demand attention, do tricks so dangerous and close to disaster that you just can’t turn away. This is their power, getting so close to trouble but manoeuvring out so gracefully. Crowds cheering and whistling, screaming and kicking. The rockstars keep going, keep performing. Blowing tires and burning clutches all in the beautiful name of the sport.

The intertwined image of spinning and the 325is is a harmonious relationship. Here is a car that cries out to be pushed to its limits, built for those limits and here is a sport that demands everything a car has to offer. Here is a machine that is adored by many, coveted by all being used in gracious anarchy by rockstars, ballers, daredevils. A match made in heaven.

Credits:
CD+ Photography: Klein Muis + Ruaan Vos