by Revival of the British Car
The spirit of British car manufacturing from times past is coming to life in the form of a compact retro electric car from the revived Austin Motor Company. The Austin Arrow might seem like a vintage roadster, but officially it is classified as an L7e heavy quadricycle, placing it in the same category as urban electric vehicles like the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino.
The prototype was first presented back in 2023, but now we are seeing the finished production car for the first time, which is already on sale. Its design actively borrows features from the Austin Seven, which debuted in 1922 and later participated in races driven by legends such as Bruce McLaren and Colin Chapman.
Classic Features with Modern Touches
Key design elements include open wheels, round headlights, a traditional radiator grille, leather straps on the hood, and a bathtub-shaped body reminiscent of the Morgan Super 3. With a length of just 3.7 meters, the Arrow is shorter than most subcompact hatchbacks, making it maneuverable on narrow city streets.
The interior is also designed in a retro style with a wooden steering wheel, leather seats, and analog dials in the center of the dashboard. The model is available with both right-hand and left-hand drive.
Buyers are offered a wide range of options for personalization. The color palette includes eleven shades that can be combined with nickel or gray accents. The company also offers three different wheel finish options and seven colors of leather upholstery.
Compact but Lively
Under the nostalgic body lies a single electric motor with a power of 20 hp. While this figure may seem laughable, the Arrow’s weight is only 605 kg, allowing it to reach a top speed of 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. This is half a second faster than the base European Mazda MX-5 with a 1.5-liter engine producing 130 hp.
Energy is provided by a 20 kWh battery pack, sufficient for a range of up to 100 miles, and a full charge takes about three hours.
The project was worked on by Nigel Gordon-Stewart, whose work experience includes positions at Lamborghini, McLaren, Lotus, and MG. He noted that the Arrow “really drives quite well… it’s just a heap of fun with a nostalgic feel of technology… You definitely stand out from the crowd, and that makes driving an electric car a wonderful and joyful experience.”
Price and Availability
Deliveries have already started in the UK, with further plans for export to the USA and the Middle East. Prices start from £31,000, making the Arrow more expensive than the Mazda MX-5, which costs £28,585 in the UK. This clearly indicates that the Arrow is not aimed at the budget market segment, but at buyers looking for a boutique electric car that combines charm, individuality, and references to British automotive heritage.
The emergence of the Austin Arrow demonstrates an interesting trend in the automotive market: combining environmentally friendly electric propulsion with emotional, nostalgic design. This indicates that the future of urban mobility may not only be functional but also filled with character and history, offering an alternative to standard, faceless city models. Its positioning as a premium product also indicates the formation of a new niche segment for enthusiasts who value uniqueness and style.
