This 1960 Cessna 180C Skywagon Is a Refurbished Backcountry ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Classic utility airframe has been updated with a powerful P-Ponk engine and full Garmin IFR panel.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:32 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1960 Cessna 180C Skywagon [Seitz Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1960 Cessna 180C Skywagon as "Today's Top Pick," highlighting its legendary utility as a bush plane and its extensive modernization.
This specific aircraft has received a powerful P-Ponk/Northpoint XP-470-50 engine conversion, a new Hartzell Voyager propeller, and numerous STOL upgrades for enhanced backcountry performance.
It boasts a thoroughly modernized glass panel equipped for IFR flight, including dual Garmin G5s, a Garmin 430W WAAS navigator, ADS-B In/Out, and an S-Tech 30 autopilot.
Listed at $249,900, the aircraft is presented as a turnkey solution for serious adventure flying, having already completed major, expensive upgrades.

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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 1960 Cessna 180C Skywagon.

First introduced in 1953, the Cessna 180 was designed as a more powerful and rugged conventional-gear sibling to the popular Cessna 170. It was an immediate success, blending a 225 hp Continental engine (later 230 hp) with a robust airframe and excellent load-hauling capability.

It quickly earned the “Skywagon” moniker for its incredible utility, becoming the definitive aircraft for bush pilots from the Alaskan wilderness to the Australian outback.

This aircraft is a prime example of a classic, rugged airframe that has been completely refurbished and thoroughly modernized for serious backcountry flying. This Skywagon has received numerous desirable modifications, including a powerful engine conversion, extensive STOL upgrades, and a modern glass panel, making it a turnkey machine for adventure.

The airframe has 4,048 total hours and is powered by a P-Ponk/Northpoint XP-470-50 engine conversion, a high-compression Continental O-470 with only 93 hours since its 2022 major overhaul. That engine turns a new three-blade Hartzell Voyager propeller with just 90 hours.

1960 Cessna 180C Skywagon [Seitz Aviation]

STOL performance is enhanced with a Bush STOL cuff and fences, as well as Micro AeroDynamics vortex generators. It also features 86-gallon, long-range fuel tanks, 10-inch Airframes Alaska wheels, and a Selkirk extended baggage compartment.

The avionics panel is fully equipped for modern IFR flight. It features dual Garmin G5s, Garmin 430W WAAS navigator, and Garmin SL30 as a second nav/com. The system includes a Garmin digital transponder for ADS-B In and Out, with traffic and weather displayed on a panel-mounted Garmin 796.

An S-Tech 30 autopilot with altitude hold and GPSS steering provides significant workload reduction, while an Electronics International CGR-30P engine monitor precisely tracks the upgraded powerplant.

Listed at $249,900, this 1960 Cessna 180C represents a rare opportunity to acquire a legendary airframe that has already had all the major, expensive upgrades for power, performance, and panel completed.

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.