The rich legacy of Britain’s motoring history has made yet another return to the spotlight, this time through a small yet stylish retro-inspired electric vehicle from the reborn Austin Motor Company. The new model, called the Arrow, may at first glance look like a classic roadster pulled straight out of the 1920s, but in reality, it falls into the L7e heavy quadricycle category. This means it shares the same classification as urban-friendly electric runabouts like the Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino. While enthusiasts first got a preview of the Arrow in prototype form back in 2023, what we are seeing now is the official production-ready version that has just entered the market.
Stylistically, the Arrow leans heavily on the design language of the Austin Seven, a car first launched in 1922 that went on to become an icon in motorsport history. Legendary figures such as Bruce McLaren and Colin Chapman began their racing journeys behind the wheel of the Seven, and the Arrow seems intent on channeling some of that spirit.
The project is the brainchild of Nigel Gordon-Stewart, a seasoned automotive executive whose résumé includes roles at Lamborghini, McLaren, Lotus, and MG. Sharing his enthusiasm online, he described the Arrow as a vehicle that is “a lot of fun, with a nostalgic technology feel,” emphasizing how it allows drivers to “stand out from the crowd” and makes electric mobility a uniquely joyful experience.
The car’s exterior styling incorporates a host of vintage design cues: exposed wheels, round headlights, a traditional grille, leather bonnet straps, and a body shell resembling the Morgan Super 3. Measuring just 3.7 meters in length, the Arrow is shorter than many compact hatchbacks, making it ideal for maneuvering in narrow city streets. Its interior continues the retro theme with a wooden steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and centrally mounted analogue gauges. Buyers also have a broad spectrum of customization choices, including eleven body colors, optional Nickel or Shadow accents, three wheel finishes, and seven upholstery shades.
Beneath the old-school looks, the Arrow carries modern EV hardware. A single electric motor produces 20 horsepower, which may sound modest but is perfectly suited to its feather-light 605 kg weight. As a result, it sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds, a time that actually outpaces the base European Mazda MX-5 despite the Mazda having far more power. Energy is supplied by a 20 kWh battery, providing up to 160 km of range on a charge, with a full recharge achievable in about three hours.
Deliveries of the Arrow have already begun in the UK, and expansion to markets such as the United States and the Middle East is planned. Pricing starts at $41,400, which puts it slightly above the Mazda MX-5, priced at $38,200 in Britain. Clearly, the Arrow is not a bargain city car but rather a premium boutique EV designed for customers who value a blend of charm, individuality, and a respectful nod to Britain’s illustrious motoring past.