You’re not throwing in the towel, you’re realizing that sometimes you have to be realistic and responsbile with your life. You’re doing a smart thing.
And it shouldn’t hurt you right now. You should feel liberated.
Do not get me wrong, I’m all about cars, they are a huge passion of mine, but when it comes down to sacrificing everything you own/do/have for them, that’s when you need to step back and take stock.
Wait until you can financially, and mentally, attack a project car. Only then will you truly enjoy the experience. My 2 cents…