Raymond Besasie's X-2
The X-2 was an experimental custom car owned and built by Raymond Besasie of Besasie Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The car was the second of 4 experimental cars built by Besasie. The X-2 featured a rear mounted 1956 Cadillac engine with two radiators which were fed with air through two side panel scoops. and 3/4 race cam,[2] producing 400 horsepowers. The body was built out of 16 gauge aluminum and the frame was made out of chrome moly tube. The car featured a wraparound windshield and a hydraulic sliding steel roof. The car had no opening doors, and the occupants had to climb up and over the door to enter or exit. The body was fit with a 4 foot fin. The taillights were seven-way, one for each specific circumstance. Once the bodywork was complete, it was painted light lemony yellow.[3] Styling was conceived by Raymond's son.[2]
In 1958 the X-2 was nominated as one of 28 "Top Customs of the Year" in Motor Life July 1958.[4] The car was also featured in a Clark gasoline commercial in the early 60's.[2]
Orchid X-2
The car was sold to Vada Schwartz from Phoenix, Arizona who owned a flower shop called My Florist Shop. She shipped the car to Barris Kustoms for a new paint job. The lemon color was not wat Vada wanted, Vada's shop was world-renowned for its imported orchids, so she asked George Barris to create a color blend in Candy Purple, just like one of her orchids. The interior was re-trimmed in matching orchid and pearl Naugahyde.[5] Named "Besasie Orchid X-2," Vada's iteration of the car was shown at the 1960 Renegades Rod & Custom Motorama in Long Beach, California. According to a story in Car Craft November 1960 it was the most startling car at the show.[6]
The car was last seen in a sad shape sitting next to a railroad in 1970.
Magazine Features
Motor Life July 1958
Car Craft November 1960
Trend Book 197 Custom Cars 1961 Annual
References
- ↑ The HAMB - 1950s Dream Cars..dreams on wheels
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Retrocom - The Milwaukee X Cars
- ↑ The Big Book of Barris
- ↑ Motor Life July 1958
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedbarris - ↑ Car Craft November 1960
Did you enjoy this article?
Kustomrama is an encyclopedia dedicated to preserve, share and protect traditional hot rod and custom car history from all over the world.
- Help us keep history alive. For as little as 2.99 USD a month you can become a monthly supporter. Click here to learn more.
- Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive regular updates and stories from Kustomrama.
- Do you know someone who would enjoy this article? Click here to forward it.
Can you help us make this article better?
Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com if you have additional information or photos to share about Raymond Besasie's X-2.
This article was made possible by:
SunTec Auto Glass - Auto Glass Services on Vintage and Classic Cars
Finding a replacement windshield, back or side glass can be a difficult task when restoring your vintage or custom classic car. It doesn't have to be though now with auto glass specialist companies like www.suntecautoglass.com. They can source OEM or OEM-equivalent glass for older makes/models; which will ensure a proper fit every time. Check them out for more details!
Do you want to see your company here? Click here for more info about how you can advertise your business on Kustomrama.
