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

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

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

  • The article features a 1961 Cessna 172B Skyhawk as "Today's Top Pick" from Aircraft For Sale, acknowledging the Cessna 172 as a venerable, versatile, and collectible aircraft used for nearly 70 years.
  • This specific vintage Skyhawk uniquely combines its period-correct exterior with a significant upgrade to modern Garmin glass-cockpit avionics, offering contemporary safety and familiarity.
  • With 3,155 airframe hours and 1,383 engine hours, this updated antique aircraft is available for $135,000, appealing to pilots who desire a blend of historical charm and modern flight capabilities for training, time building, or travel.
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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.

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

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