This 1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza Is a Classic With Muscle ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

A timeless V-tail design boosted by a 285 hp Continental IO-520 and long-range tip tanks.

1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza [Credit: Carolina Aircraft]
1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza [Credit: Carolina Aircraft]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article features a 1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza as a "Today's Top Pick," praised for its blend of classic V-tail elegance and modern utility.
  • Key upgrades include a powerful 285 hp Continental IO-520 engine and D'Shannon 15-gallon tip tanks, significantly enhancing its climb performance, high-altitude cruising capability, range, and gross weight capacity.
  • The aircraft boasts a meticulously maintained airframe with 9,500 hours and a cockpit combining classic Beechcraft layout with modern avionics, such as a Garmin GNS 430W GPS and ADS-B Out.
  • Listed at $99,000, this Bonanza is presented as an exceptional performance value, making an upgraded V-tail aircraft accessible to a wide range of pilots.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza.

There is a certain undeniable gravity to a V-tail Bonanza on the ramp—a blend of mid-century elegance and high-performance promise. While the P35 arrived in 1962 as a refined member of the family, this specific aircraft has evolved into a modern sleeper by trading its original specifications for a muscular engine upgrade. It captures the spirit of the legendary forked-tail while providing the utility and range needed for serious 21st-century cross-country travel.

What truly transforms this P35’s mission profile is the heart beating under the cowling. While the factory-standard 1962 model featured the 260 hp Continental IO-470, this aircraft has been muscularly upgraded with a 285 hp Continental IO-520 engine. With 835 hours logged since a major overhaul, the extra authority of the IO-520 provides a significant boost in climb performance and high-altitude cruising capability. The powerplant is paired with a three-blade McCauley propeller, ensuring efficient thrust whether you’re departing a short field or settling into a fast flight-level cruise.

1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza [Credit: Carolina Aircraft]
1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza [Credit: Carolina Aircraft]

The airframe, with 9,500 total hours, has been meticulously maintained and outfitted for the long haul. It is equipped with D’Shannon 15-gallon tip tanks, a modification that not only extends your range but also grants a 200-pound gross weight increase, allowing you to carry more fuel, more passengers, or more gear on those half-continent legs. For cold-weather operations, the inclusion of an engine pre-heater and a pilot storm window adds a layer of utility that many older airframes lack.

Inside the cockpit, the panel balances classic Beechcraft layout with reliable technology. Navigation is anchored by a Garmin GNS 430W WAAS-enabled GPS, supported by a Narco MK 12D digital nav/com. Situational awareness is further bolstered by an Insight Strikefinder stormscope and a Graphic Engine Monitor, allowing the pilot to keep a watchful eye on those six cylinders. For modern compliance, the aircraft is equipped with a Garmin GTX 327 transponder paired with a Garmin GDL-82 for ADS-B Out.

Listed at $99,000, this Beechcraft P35 Bonanza represents an exceptional performance value. It offers the speed and prestige of the Bonanza line, enhanced by major engine and fuel system upgrades, at a price point that makes the V-tail dream attainable for a wide range of pilots.

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.

FLYING Staff

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

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE