I just got my copy of the book, and in the introduction (page 11, in the second edition), there is a picture of a car only described as an "Austin Seven special". I rather like the shape of this car. Does anyone know if it could be built on a standard book chassis?

Yes, no problem.
But you'd have to design the bodywork yourself. The chassis would probably need some changing and you'd have to make sure what you design will pass the SVA.
Quite a few people are making their own design loosley based on the Book design.
I can think of few things more rewarding than building a car that is your own design.

i really like that 'austin seven special' on page 11 too.

I'm hoping that once I complete a kit car, I might be encouraged enough to try something from scratch, and rather than the '7 style which im going to have with the kit, the austin seven shown might be something cool and different for pootling about in.
i had 5 minutes of considering and decided that to make it road legal might be a lot more effort that I expected..
but, its still something I'd like to try. maybe in 5 years..

I actually prefer the older style like the austins and am making my own with traces of a more vintage vehicle. They original Austin sevens had simple bodywork that could be make out of alloy by yourself (possibly).
I think the Locost chassis lends itself to easy redesign for your needs.
Dale

If you've read the Gospel of Ron, then you need the Old Testament:

Book of Patrick



Book of Austin



Book of Bill



Book of Martin

haha, old testament... excellent!