This 1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk Is a Practical, Capable, Antique ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Up-to-date Garmin avionics give this early Skyhawk new life.

FLYING Staff

Monday, April 07, 2025 at 12:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk [Courtesy: PacTex Aviation LLC]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft For Sale's "Today's Top Pick" is a 1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk, a historically significant model known for its nearly 70-year legacy as a versatile workhorse in aviation.
This particular vintage Skyhawk uniquely combines its classic appeal with modern utility, featuring new Garmin glass-cockpit instrumentation for enhanced safety and contemporary familiarity.
With 3,155 airframe hours and 1,383 engine hours, this IFR-equipped aircraft is suitable for modern training, time building, and travel, and is available for $135,000.

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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 1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk.

The venerable Cessna 172 has been training new pilots, transporting families and connecting entrepreneurs with customers for close to 70 years, As a result, the aircraft has become both a sought-after workhorse and a collectible antique.

Early examples like the aircraft for sale today, painted in period-correct colors and schemes, are especially popular on the used market.

While older 172s retain their original avionics, this Skyhawk has new Garmin instrumentation with glass-cockpit displays much like those found in the newest versions. It could be an ideal vehicle for shoppers looking for a vintage aircraft with the added safety and familiarity of a contemporary panel.

1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk [Courtesy: PacTex Aviation LLC]

This 1961 Skyhawk has 3,155 hours on the airframe and 1,383 hours on its 145 hp Continental O-300 engine. The aircraft has been upgraded with an alternator conversion. Its IFR panel includes Garmin G3X avionics with GTX 375 transponder, Garmin G5 instrument, GAD 29B, GNC 255, and GRT 225.

Pilots seeking for a handsome, historically significant antique that also is suitable for modern-day training, time building and travel should consider this 1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk, which is available for $135,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance .com.