MartiReport.pdf (296 KB)
We have a 1971 XR7 that was ordered in 70’… All #'s Matching Original 351(M?), Detroit Locker Rear, Hurst Shifter 4SPD manual, Factory AC, Metalic Blue Paint, Black Vinyl Hard-Top, Black Leather on Black Interior… It was parked about 30 years ago in a climate controlled garage with 100k miles. The Interior is super nice, the paint has orange peel going on, Vinyl hard top is in great shape. Can anyone help me ball park a value or suggest a resource to determine its worth? It is for/will be for sale and we are located in Central New Jersey (Flemington, NJ). Thank you for any and all insight!
I assume it is a Hardtop? I would get a www.martiauto.com report (deluxe) and share it with us. A few pictures would help us determine within $3000 the retail value. Welcome to the site!
Like Don said, get a Marti report, it will tell you and potential buyers how the car was built. Pictures are always a plus too. If it was parked 30 years ago there will be some expenses getting it back running and road worthy. You can post pictures here while waiting for the Marti. 
Just a few thoughts based on your description. It didn’t come with a 351M, since those were never available in '71-'73 Cougars. It could have an M-Code 351C 4 barrel. (The “M” being the 5th digit of the VIN.) The M-Code 351C is a desirable engine, and potentially worth a couple of grand over the standard H-Code 351C 2-barrel engine.
It is extremely unlikely the car was factory equipped with a Detroit Locker, as they weren’t a regular production option. Theoretically, a person with enough influence within FoMoCo might have gotten it installed, but again, very highly unlikely.
Do you mean Hurst Shifter? A “shift kit” would be be something installed in an automatic transmission, and I’m interpreting “4SPD” to mean four-speed manual transmission, since the available automatics were all three-speed units.
Anyhow, sounds like a really nice car. But to put any sort of meaningful value on it will require pictures in order to assess its current condition, and a copy of the Marti report to see exactly how it came from the factory.
This is from the OP’s other post.
VIN: 1F93M513714
Body:65F 1971 Cougar XR-7
Col:6 = Bright Blue Metalic
Trim:6A = Black Leather XR-7 Bucket seats. Note only 73 were built in Bright Blue and Black Leather seats.
Axel:R 3.25 Traction Lock rear axle
Trans:5 = Wide ratio 4 speed. Note only 222 M Code 351 4V and wide ratio 4 speeds were built.
DSO:16 = Ordered through the Philadelphia District Sales Office
Nicely optioned I might say. I have a 71 in the same exterior color. But not nearly as well optioned.
Hey Don,
Thank you for the info, I am definitely going to order it asap. This car I believe is 1 of 1 because it was special ordered in 1970 and with the Detroit Locker Rear, but they didn’t sell them as an option in 71’. So, I don’t think any others had this option and then all the other options. Yes, it is a Vinyl Hard Top. I edited the mistakes in my posting above, it should make better sense now.
Thank you for the advice! I plan on taking it down and washing it this weekend and I will have pics shortly and I will post the Marti Report ASAP!
Hey CJ,
First off, thank you for taking the time to weigh in and offer some insight. I asked my Uncle about the rear and he told me that since it was ordered early in 1970’ they let him get the option, but you are right that it was NOT an option for 1971’. It came from the factory delivered with the Detroit Locker Rear (which I would think makes it 1/1 not to mention the combination of all the other options. Yes, Hurst Shifter, not kit and it is a 4speed Manual. I plan on ordering the Marti Report ASAP and I will have picture of that and the car posted soon! Thanks Again for the help and I’m open to any other questions or info that will help me start to get a picture of worth, but the pictures and report will be a big help…
Hey BadCatt,
Awesome info! Thank you for these insights. I am going to order the Marti Report and get the rest of the info ASAP and I will post it. I think this car is 1 of 1 because the Detroit Locker Rear was chosen in early 1970 and then was removed as an option for 1971, so I think I may have the only factory one with that rear potentially and likely with all the other options combined of that same build sheet. Would have loved if he sprung for the cobrajet engine, but 351 M Code isn’t bad. I will likely have pictures up early next week. I edited my original post and forgot to say that it has factory Air Conditioning too.
I suspect there’s still a bit of confusion over terminology, as far as the rear differential is concerned. The Detroit Locker was only available as part of the Drag Pak option, in conjunction with 4.30:1 rear gears, in a special nodular-iron differential case with 31-spline axles. None of those components were available with a 351, even in 1970.
According to information posted above, the axle code for your car is “R,” meaning a 3.25:1 Traction-Lok differential. Still a nice unit, and fairly rare, but not the same as a Detroit Locker.
(Detroit Locker is a fully mechanical unit that uses a ratcheting mechanism to lock the wheels together. Traction-Lok incorporates a clutch pack to allow some slip between the components as they engage and disengage. They’re not as strong, but operation is smoother and quieter.)
CJ,
It seems that you are correct, I must have been told bad info. Thanks for explaining the differences between the two types, I really appreciate learning what I can! I’m guessing that the Marti Report will only verify exactly what you said… Enjoy your weekend!
I’d like to take a look at it. Sending you a PM with my contact info.
I had that drivetrain in a different 1971 Mercury product. Fine choice, 3.25, in those days pre-overdrive transmissions…
Hey Guys,
I added the Marti Report to the original post and I will have the pictures online later this weekend!
Interesting Jason. Thanks for sharing! I have a 3.00 Traction-Lok diff and a C-6 Auto Trans built on 09/28/70 two days ahead of schedule.
I’m gonna start a build thread and post my Marti with all the other info on my 71 soon. I just need to find the time to do it.