An unprecedented launch from the heart of South Africa celebrates dreams, car culture, and boundless possibilities.

Dream Drive, an innovative online skill-based gaming platform, has launched a 1:18 scale model of the iconic BMW E30 325i, the ‘Gusheshe,’ to the stratosphere in an inspiring cinematic event. In collaboration with South African football legend Siphiwe Tshabalala, who is the Dream Drive ambassador, and production powerhouse 7 Films, Mission: Gusheshe captures the spirit of a nation whose love for cars transcends metal and rubber, reaching toward the stars.

Dream Drive offers a unique opportunity for South Africans to win their dream car through an advanced Web-based skill challenge rooted in strategy. Unlike traditional giveaways, each monthly competition on the Dream Drive site guarantees a winner.

Dream Drive challenges participants through a tech-focused ‘spot the ball’ game, where precision is key. Players analyse a high-resolution image with 12 million pixels and must pinpoint the exact pixel where they believe the centre of the ball lies. Equipped with ‘line of sight’ and magnification tools, players hone their skills, competing not against luck, but against skilled judges, including former professional soccer players and referees led by Tshabalala himself. Competition results are verified by an independent law firm and auditors.

“Everyone has a dream car. Making these dreams real through Dream Drive is a gift. If you’re skilled enough to beat all the other ‘players’ in that month that dream car could be yours,” says Tshabalala who will be handing over the keys to the winner of the launch competition.

The launch competition showcases an exceptional line-up of 20 vehicles, from the 2024 Golf GTI to the Renault Kwid, and of course the beloved BMW E30 325i as well. Players can enter multiple times and play for different cars.

“In today’s climate, owning a car is often more dream than reality,” says Matthew Chapman, co-founder of Dream Drive. “Interest rates are high, and financing through traditional banks is tougher than ever. Dream Drive offers an exciting and rewarding skill-based game, giving South Africans the chance to win the car of their dreams for as little as R11.”

For South Africans, a car is a lifeline, a symbol of belonging, and a status symbol. It is also an absolute necessity in a country where public transport is often unreliable.

“We wanted to show that no dream is out of reach, and sending the Gusheshe to space felt like the perfect way to prove it,” says Steve Tyler, co-founder of Dream Car and the creative force behind the film.

The Mission: Gusheshe launch symbolises both the Gusheshe’s legendary status and the power of South Africans to aim higher. The E30 Gusheshe holds a unique place in South African culture. Though born in Germany, it found its true home in South Africa, even earning a street name synonymous with pride and passion.

To bring Mission: Gusheshe to life, meteorologist Dr Markus Geldenhuys oversaw the launch of a 3000g altitude balloon, imported from Poland, which carried the Gusheshe to a breathtaking 35 kilometres above Earth — three times higher than a commercial jet’s altitude.

This rare balloon requires careful handling and an ideal weather window, which led the team to Beaufort West. After securing air traffic clearance, the capsule embarked on a 2.5-hour journey before descending 60 kilometres from the launch site, where the team spent the entire day locating it across multiple farms.

The stunning visuals of Mission: Gusheshe were brought to life by DOP Hyden Brown, with editing by award-winning James O’Sullivan. The film captures Tshabalala’s reflections on car culture, dreams, and the resilience needed to pursue the impossible, culminating with a powerful invitation for viewers to join Dream Drive and play for their own piece of freedom.

Watch Mission: Gusheshe today and see for yourself that no dream is too high. Visit dreamdrive.co.za and play to win the car of your dreams.

Link to video of Mission: Gusheshe.