what is this 1971 worth for a project

Depending on who bids it might go cheap

The insurance company totalled it, so they figure it would cost more than the value of the car.

It previous owner might also want it back, but would think he would have had that option before he settled

As others have said figure your budget, what you would be comfortable bidding, if it is a sealed bid then give them a number, if it is an actual auction then set your high bid and DONT get caught up in the excitement.

The engine compartment sheet metal looks solid, so the rest of the car might be good, but pictures can be deceiving.

Was a factory AC car, motor looks like it is a fresh motor as clean as it is and paint looks nice, not a bad set of wheels. So if nothing else there are plenty of good parts if the body is worse than the pictures show.

I would want to look at it before bidding and most places allow this. But if you could get it for $1,500 you couldn't go wrong as long as it is a running lot drivable car.

My 2 cents