What's a Marti Report and do I need one?

Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works acquired the original Ford Motor Company production tapes in the late 1980s — tapes that Ford was preparing to destroy. These tapes contain complete build records for virtually every Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury produced between 1967 and 1973. The Marti Report is the output of querying those records against a specific VIN.

What a Marti Report Contains

• Factory-ordered option codes (engine, transmission, suspension, accessories)
• Exterior paint code and interior trim code as ordered at the factory
• Production sequence number (where the car fell in its plant's build sequence)
• Scheduling and destination information (which dealer received the car)
• Rarity statistics (how many other cars were built with the same option combination)

Which Vehicles It Covers

The database covers 1967-1973 model year Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products — including first-generation Mustangs (1967-1973), Torinos, Fairlanes, Mavericks, and full-size Fords. Pre-1967 Mustangs (1964½-1966) use a different authentication system — the Ford dealership invoice or Mustang Club of America authentication — because the Marti database begins with 1967 production.

Do You Need One?

For any Ford over $25,000 within the covered range: yes, without exception. For Boss 302 and Boss 429 Mustangs, Mach 1s with 428 Cobra Jet, and Shelby variants, the Marti Report is the single most important document on the car. It confirms or refutes option codes that sellers claim — and in my experience evaluating these cars, claimed options fail Marti verification at a rate that would surprise most buyers.

How to Order One

Basic reports start at approximately $35-$50 direct from Marti Auto Works. A deluxe report with full rarity statistics runs $80-$100. Turnaround is typically a few business days. If a seller of a high-value Ford in this range is evasive about ordering a Marti Report or refuses to provide one, treat that as a serious red flag and walk away from the deal.