This 1951 Cessna 170A Is a Practical Antique and an AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Cessna’s classic 170 was the basis for the tricycle-gear 172. [Courtesy: Hiller Aviation Brokerage & Consulting]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1951 Cessna 170A.

When I began shopping for an aircraft that my family and I could use for vacation getaways and weekend day trips, I spent many hours watching videos of Cessna 170s landing on turf strips. For a long time I felt any airplane I owned should be at home on a grass runway. While the requirements changed to include aircraft no more than 40 years old, I still consider the 170 a hot prospect for vintage fans who want to use their airplanes regularly.

A well-loved example of this midcentury machine can provide the stability, easy handling, and reliability of its successor, the 172, while hanging onto those beautifully rounded tail surfaces and charismatic taildragger gear. As tailwheel aircraft go, the 170 is considered friendlier than most.

This Cessna 170A has 5,375 hours on the airframe and 1,650 hours on its 145 hp Continental O-300 engine and McCauley propeller. The aircraft was repainted in 1998. The panel includes a Garmin 300 XL GPS, KMA audio panel, Garmin GDL 82 ADS-B, and dual VORs.

Pilots looking for a personal aircraft with an attractive combination of nostalgia and practicality should consider this 1951 Cessna 170A, which is available for $84,900 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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AircraftForSale Cessna 170A Cessna 172 Continental O-300 Single Engine Taildragger Tailwheel Vintage Aircraft

Jonathan WelshAuthor

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4