Success Story: Narragansett Reproductions

HOPKINTON, R.I.—For more than 30 years, Narragansett Reproductions has been churning out top quality replacement wiring harnesses for owners of antique and classic cars.

“It’s a very big hobby,“ said owner Ed Pease.

Pease has turned his hobby into a lucrative business. Nestled in rural Hopkinton, the company is managing to survive despite the economic downturn.

“I think there’s just enthusiasm in this country for older cars,“ Pease said.

Narragansett Reproductions is doing better than other companies, but it’s still feeling the impact of the recession.

“We have noticed a slow down. It hasn’t been as brisk as it was last year at this time,“ Pease said.

To survive, Pease said the company tightened its belt. Pease said the company goes to fewer trade shows than it did before.

There’s enough steady business from loyal customers, some of them very well known, to keep the family business going. Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno got wiring harnesses for his car here.

“We did a Duesenberg—that was the latest car we did for him,“ Pease said.