Essex Engineer Revives Austin 7 as Electric Vehicle
Vehicle dynamics expert John Stubbs is launching an electric version of the Austin 7 — bringing the iconic British car back to life more than 100 years after its debut.
The new model, called the Arrow, starts at £31,000 and joins other electrified British classics like the MG B and Land Rover.
“Austin Sevens were simple cars. They were lightweight and easy to modify – so they were used for everything – from family cars to racers. So I wanted to try and inject the same feeling and emotion into the new car – to capture the simplicity and spirit of early motoring, but with a modern electric twist,” Stubbs says.
The Arrow combines modern technology with traditional elements. It features a new steel chassis and composite body while maintaining original-style leaf spring suspension and drum brakes on 5-inch spoked wheels.
Its 20bhp electric motor delivers:
- 0-60mph in under 8 seconds
- 119-mile range
- 3-hour charging time
The project began after Stubbs acquired the Austin Motor Company’s name and trademarks for £170.
Initial production will be in Rayne, Essex, with plans to shift some manufacturing to India. This will allow the team to focus on developing competition versions and other Austin-based models.
“We’ll begin delivering our first customer cars in March. The plan is to limit production to exactly 120 cars in our first year – exactly the same number Austin built in their first year,” Stubbs says.
The company is seeking investors to expand its global reach and develop additional models under the revived Austin name.
Photo credit: Rod Kirkpatrick
