Very seldom does the builder of a custom car reap a profit, unless it wins a shitload of prestigious awards. Even then, it isn't often. Granted this thing was off the wall and couldn't be used as a daily driver, even if you found a way to get it legally on the road with no glass. But most customs are either rolling ads for a body shop's skills, or to please the owner, with the realization selling it they would take a loss.
Think of that loss as money spent on a hobby, that never comes back. Same as you can't catch/eat enough fish to justify the money spent boat/gear/expenses, catching them. But you don't expect to, it's a hobby. I spent $2300 on new upholstery that wasn't needed, I just wanted it.
