About Us

The Road Less Traveled: George Ikari's Legacy at I & I

 In the vibrant world of vintage car restoration, where passion meets precision, the story of I & I Reproduction, Inc. is a testament to the American dream. It all begins not in a corporate office, but with George Ikari, a man who truly built something amazing from humble beginnings. Born in an internment camp during WWII and later relocated to Los Angeles, George's path was anything but privileged. He didn't have a high school diploma or a college degree, but he gained invaluable business smarts right from his dad and other family members who ran their own local businesses. Before he was deep into classic cars, George was a dedicated US Army veteran, sold Snap-On tools, and was even a skilled meat cutter – experiences that no doubt built up the discipline and resourcefulness that would become hallmarks of his entrepreneurial spirit.

But George's true calling was in the rumble of an antique engine and the gleam of perfectly restored chrome. George's passion for buying and restoring old Chevys was so strong he would travel to distant cities and states, tirelessly attending swap meets and flea markets to find the perfect parts for his projects. It was this passion that led him to join the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA) in the early 1970s, where he connected with others who shared his interest.

The true spark of I & I came from a personal need. When George couldn't find a good quality horn rubber button for his 1933 Chevy panel truck, he decided to make his own by having a mold created from an original part. As fellow VCCA members and friends began asking for the same item and other hard-to-find parts, George started making more molds and dies to meet their needs. This simple act of solving a problem for his community in 1974 officially marked the start of our company. 

I & I: A Legacy of Passion, Precision, and Family

George Ikari, who founded the business, sadly lost his battle with cancer in 1991. In his passing, the company was entrusted to his youngest daughter, Carolyn. George had always seen Carolyn's tremendous grit, and he trusted her for her integrity, leadership, and tenacity—qualities that would prove essential for the future of I & I. While George's other two children, Stephen and Wendy, have since retired, we are incredibly grateful for their contributions and for sharing their invaluable knowledge with our customers over the years.

Guided by Carolyn's vision, the company has grown and evolved in ways George could only have dreamed. A master of strategy and a forever learner, Carolyn has modernized the company by sourcing new vendors, including those overseas, while also expanding in-house production. Through her dedication to R&D, she has replenished and expanded inventory and consistently optimized internal processes to grow the company's revenue.

Today, I & I Reproduction, Inc., named for the enduring spirit of the Ikari family, stands as the direct manufacturer and supplier of top-quality parts and accessories for antique Chevrolet enthusiasts. We are more than just a business; we are a multi-generational family operation. Carolyn, her daughters Darian and Denise, and Denise’s partner, Charlie, now operate the entire company together.

While Carolyn never expected to lead I & I in this new era, she feels both the uncertainty and the exhilaration of the possibilities ahead. She is grateful to have her children's support as she takes the company forward. For us, making sure our customers are happy and providing top-quality care isn't just business; it's personal. We genuinely get how much your vintage Chevy means to you, and that's why we pour so much care into every single part we make.

At I & I, we are honored to carry on George Ikari's remarkable legacy. His journey from one horn button to a pioneering business is not just our history; it's the driving force behind everything we do to provide you with the best parts and service for your classic ride. 

Thank you to all of our customers for your years of continued support, good conversation, and friendship!