What happened to the reasonably priced project car?

I figure I've got 16 to 17 thousand in mine. It's Insured for an actual cash value of 25. 10 years ago I paid 2800 for it as a solid roller with a blown tranny and possible junk drivetrain including the motor and rear end. Ended up with a very good salvagable running motor which happened to be a 98 Mopar performance 5.9 Magnum crate right from Ma Mopar with 30,000 miles. Intially bought as a father/son make a driver in a couple months fun, learning endeavor. I can't begin to tell you how many hours I have in restoration time now. What's my time worth? Nothing if I enjoy what I'm doing and like the result. The realistic value of this car?...Well, everythings relative isn't it? Lots of variables to determine that. I'm always happy if I'm not upside down with actual cash spent vs value. I have no intention of selling it....ever maybe...I love it so much. This coming from a guy who owned a '61 corvette for 10 years, 30 some odd years ago.