I wrote before on a similar topic. From a purely financial standpoint...
If you spent 2K on a Civic, would the Civic be paid for or was that a down payment? Puttering around my car keeps me out of trouble (not that I'm prone to getting into trouble) and keeps my hands and mind busy. I get to learn things, which is very enjoyable in and of itself. There is the tangible reward of doing the work yourself and driving the result of your labor of love. If you enjoy the admiration of others, most are really impressed that you can work on a mercedes-benz.

Enjoy the fruit of your labor. Your kids (if you have any at home) also get to learn that working tirelessly has it rewards and sets them apart from their piers. They may also get to proudly drive the fruit of your labor and brag to their friends that he/she helped in the maintenance and restoration.

clint

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81 300D N/A 130K miles (Nelly)
87 300D Turbo 80K miles (The Scalded Dog...because it runs like a scalded dog)
95 e320 Wagon 104K
2003 Sprinter 47K miles.
1999 Tandem Bicycle
One beautiful low miles wife (who likes diesels) (that's my wife holding the sign)

My son and I fixing Nelly's odometer