Austin Motor Company is back with a pint-sized model blending 1920s style with electric power
The ghosts of British motoring past continue to resurface, this time in the form of a pint-sized retro EV from the revived Austin Motor Company. At first glance the Arrow could pass for a vintage roadster, yet it is officially classed as an L7e heavy quadricycle, putting it in the same category as the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino urban EVs.
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A prototype was shown back in 2023, but this is our first proper look at the finished production car that just went on sale. Its styling leans heavily on the Austin Seven that debuted in 1922 and went on to be raced by legends such as Bruce McLaren and Colin Chapman.
Classic Cues With A Modern Twist
Key design flourishes include exposed wheels, circular headlamps, a traditional grille, leather bonnet straps, and a tub-shaped body reminiscent of the Morgan Super 3. At just 3.7 metres (145.7 inches) long, the Arrow is shorter than most subcompact hatchbacks, which should make it light on its feet in tight city streets.
The interior is also full-on retro with a wooden steering wheel, leather seats, and analogue dials in the middle of the dashboard. The model is available in both right-hand- and left-hand-drive configurations.
Buyers have plenty of personalization options. The color palette includes eleven shades that can be combined with Nickel or Shadow accents. The company also offers three different finishes for the wheels and seven colors for the leather upholstery.
Small But Spirited
Underneath the nostalgic skin sits a single electric motor delivering 20 hp (15 kW). While that figure sounds comically low, the Arrow weighs only 605 kg (1,334 lbs), allowing it to reach its advertised 100 km/h (62 mph) top speed in brisk 7.8 seconds. In fact, that’s half a second faster than Europe’s base Mazda MX-5 with the 130hp 1.5-liter engine.
Power comes from a 20 kWh battery pack, good for up to 100 miles (160 km) between charges, with a full recharge taking around three hours.
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The man behind the project is Nigel Gordon-Stewart, whose CV includes stints at Lamborghini, McLaren, Lotus, and MG. Speaking on Instagram, he said the Arrow “really does drive rather well… just lots of fun with a nostalgic technology feel… You certainly stand out from the crowd, and it makes EV driving a wonderful and joyous experience.”
How Much Does it Cost?
Deliveries have already started in the UK, with exports to the US and the Middle East on the way. Prices begin at £31,000 ($41,400), positioning the Arrow above the Mazda MX-5, which is listed at £28,585 ($38,200) in Britain. This makes it clear the Arrow is not aimed at the budget end of the market but at buyers looking for a boutique EV that blends charm, individuality, with a nod to Britain’s motoring heritage.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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