Musings: Restoration = Money loss! (ALWAYS)

I’ve been buying cars and “restoring” them for years. The term restoration can be argued about too—that’s for another day. I enjoy working on cars and making them look new again. I gather most on this board have the same addiction. Luckily, my wife supports this passion (but she says she doesn’t understand it). My question/discussion here refers to my consistent loss of investment during a restoration/build. I can honestly say that after owning/restoring about 10 old cars in my life (ranging from Jeeps, trucks, to, now, Mopar), I NEVER once made money on the deal. In fact, I typically lose about 30-40% of my investment—I know because I track every dime I spend on the process. This completely EXCLUDES my time. I never keep track of the time spent as this is real fun for me. In fact, my modus operandi has been buy a vehicle, restore it, hold it for a while and enjoy driving it, then sell it to get funds for another project. Unfortunately, I’m not wealthy, so I have to sell to be able to get something new. Otherwise, I’d store it somewhere (ha ha).
I guess I have two multi-part questions I’d like to hear from forum members about.
First, does anyone honestly MAKE money on their restorations? If so, what’s the secret to making money? Are these guys selling at auction houses making money (like I see on TV)?
Second, do most members lose money too and have the same addiction?
As an example, my latest project is a 1974 Plymouth Duster. I paid $3500 for the car. I have put exactly $4250 into the car (beyond the purchase price). It is a slant six, automatic car and I know that on the BEST DAY it is only worth about $5000. Again, this represents a 31% loss. (LOVE the car by the way).
Respectfully submitted,
MLC Dodge.