I too have obsessions over cars. I am going to be selling my (first) 89 RS soon. When I first saw the RS in a parking lot, I told myself I would buy it no matter what, if it ever came up for sale. And I did.

Flash forward to 2 weeks ago, and guess what? I found another RS that is in MUCH better condition. No major body damage, etc. So I bought it, and now I am getting ready to sell off my original RS.

Bottom line, is that in the long run, think about your time. Time is so important. If you truly enjoy doing this work, then keep "your" car and do it. But, if you would rather drive and enjoy it, then just sell your car or keep some parts and find one that is already restored and make that one "yours".

I don't even want to talk about my 7 year long adventure to bring a 1976 Ford Falcon XC Coupe over from Australia to build my dream car (Mad Max Interceptor) which I eventually sold due to the though process you are having right now. The amount of blood, sweat, tears, time and money you spend restoring a car has to be what you want to do, body and soul. Otherwise, just buy one in better condition or one already restored. I sold my Falcon, lost about $3000 in the sale, but eventually, I might just get a cleaner one that doesn't need a full restore.

We only have so much time on Earth, spend it wisely. And trust me, I struggle too...

Bart