Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

It is.

But, while I accept that "because I can" is a valid reason, I can't really imagine why you would want to build a fast car that is a) powered by 4 rotor Wankel engine rather than a more efficient Otto cycle engine, or b) based upon a Volvo 142.

Wouldn't you end up with a much better result by starting with something with decent suspension, like a Merc 124 or a Jaguar XJ40?

Alternatively, if making something highly unlikely go fast is your thing, why not start with something even shitter? Like a Morris Marina?

He's Swedish