More than three decades since the nameplate was quietly put down, the Austin Motor Company is back.

But this time the British brand wants to become synonymous with making small lightweight all-electric sports cars.

Its first model, the Austin Arrow 2, is an ultra-light two-seat roadster clearly inspired by the original Austin 7 made from 1922.

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Instead of a wheezy side-valve engine, the 21st century reboot is powered by a small 15kW e-motor that is combined with a modest 20kWh battery.

But as the Arrow weighs just 605kg it can drive up to 160km on a full charge, and sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

Top speed is limited to a blustery 100km/h, which probably feels a lot quicker, considering the lack of windows or a proper roof.

Built in Austin Motor Company’s new manufacturing facility in India, both left- and right-hand drive will be available priced from £31,000 ($A63,000).

Originally founded back in 1905, Austin began as a luxury car-maker but switched to making small inexpensive cars in 1922 with the advent of the Austin 7.

After the Second World War many Austin 7s were rebuilt as specials, including the first race car built by Kiwi great Bruce McLaren.

Australian motorsport legend Peter Brock also attributed his early racing skills to learning to drive fast with a 7 chassis that lacked both brakes and a body.

The revived car-maker is being led by CEO and industry veteran Nigel Gordon-Stewart who previously worked at TVR, Lamborghini, Lotus and McLaren