This 1962 Cessna 210B Centurion Is a Freshly Overhauled ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Iconic high-performance retractable features a low-time engine overhaul.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:24 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1962 Cessna 210B Centurion [Credit: PacTex Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1962 Cessna 210B Centurion as "Today's Top Pick," highlighting it as a pivotal early model in Cessna's high-performance aircraft lineage.
This specific aircraft is a rare find, meticulously maintained by the same owner for 30 years, boasting a brand-new engine overhaul (25 hours SMOH), a recently replaced propeller, and a modern IFR-capable glass avionics suite.
With 6,030 airframe hours, excellent mechanical health, a comfortable four-passenger interior, and a $140,000 price tag, it is presented as a sophisticated and reliable vintage traveler ready for its next mission.

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

Today’s Top Pick is a 1962 Cessna 210B Centurion.

While later iterations of the Centurion are famous for their massive cantilever wings and pressurized cabins, the early 210 series represents the dawn of Cessna’s high-performance era.

Introduced in the early 1960s, the 210B was a pivotal refinement of the original design, featuring a wider, deeper fuselage and the addition of a third side window that would become a staple of the line. It offered pilots the utility of a 182 Skylane with the speed and efficiency of a retractable-gear machine, cementing its place as the premier cross-country hauler of its day.

This 210B is a rare find for a buyer seeking a vintage aircraft.

With 6,030 total hours on the airframe, it has been maintained to an exacting standard by the same owner for the last 30 years. This long-term stewardship is evident in the aircraft’s mechanical health. It has undergone a PacTex Aviation multipoint audit and inspection before being listed, ensuring it is ready for its next mission.

The heart of this Centurion is its fuel-injected Continental IO-470-S engine. Known for its rugged reliability, the powerplant provides the 210B with a cruise speed of roughly 160 knots.

Most notably, the engine features a brand-new major overhaul completed in April 2025, with only 25 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). It is paired with a three-blade McCauley propeller that has only 65 hours since new, offering the ultimate safety net for a pre-owned buyer.

The panel is anchored by an Aspen Evolution PFD/MFD glass suite and a Garmin GNS 650 touchscreen GPS/nav/comm. Situational awareness is further enhanced by a JPI EDM 900 primary engine monitor, Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, and Stratus transponder providing ADS-B Out compliance. This full IFR-capable suite ensures the cockpit remains a modern, productive workspace even in busy airspace.

1962 Cessna 210B Centurion [Credit: PacTex Aviation]

For the passengers, the interior is in excellent condition and features comfortable sheepskin seat covers. While the exterior retains its original paint due to the aircraft’s hangared history, no expense was spared during the maintenance process under its long-term owner who has kept it in excellent working condition. With a four-passenger capacity and a reputation for stable, joy-to-fly handling, it remains one of the most practical tools in the general aviation fleet.

Listed at $140,000, this Cessna 210B Centurion stands ready as a sophisticated and reliable traveler for the pilot who demands both prestige and performance.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.