Austin 7 makes a comeback with electric power
The classic Austin 7 is set to be revived as an electric car thanks to the efforts of an Essex engineer.
John Stubbs, a vehicle dynamics and suspension expert is bringing the tiny two-seater back as an ‘entry-level’ electric classic called the Arrow that will cost from £31,000.
Just over 100 years after the Austin 7 made its debut, Stubbs is relaunching it using a blend of modern technology and traditional hardware. It joins the likes of the MG B and the classic Land Rover among iconic British cars reinvented with electric power.
The Arrow uses an all-new steel chassis and composite body, and is fitted with original-style leaf spring suspension and drum brakes behind skinny five-inch wide spoked wheels. Stubbs says this helps give an ‘authentic’ 1920s feel but with modern precision and braking standards.
“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,” explains Stubbs.
The Arrow is powered by a 20bhp motor which will get the tiny roadster from 0-60mph in less than eight seconds. A 20kWh battery provides the electric Austin 7 with a range of 119 miles and can be recharged in around three hours.
Stubbs launched the Arrow project after discovering that he could buy and register the rights to the Austin Motor Company’s name and trademarks for just £170.
Initial cars will be handbuilt in Rayne, Essex but Stubbs plans to move some production to India to allow his team to focus on developing competition versions of the Arrow and other new Austin-based models.
Stubbs added: “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,” adds John.
Following the launch of the Arrow, Stubbs and his team are now seeking investors to help develop further models under the revived Austin name and expand its global reach.