A useful bit of information might be that only about 2500 of this year and model were produced, and that it was a special edition with many unique features not found on other 140 series cars, therefore ONLY 71 Es are valid for pricing comparison. You are correct that it is (by far) the most desirable 140. (though I am also partial to 72 E wagons) I had one and it was a wonderful car. I paid $495 for it over 20 years ago, restored it, put over 100K additional miles on it, and sold it for $1500 after having owned it for six or seven years.

I definitely agree that you should buy it back as salvage. In fact, if the doors still open and shut properly, and it goes straight down the road, it is most likely repairable. A friend of mine has a restoration/race prep shop, and has rehabilitated shunted race cars that looked almost as bad. He is familiar with the 140 series, having a road car almost identical to yours, and a couple of IT racers. He is located in eastern West Virginia though, which might be a bit far for you.