This 1987 Mooney M20K 252TSE Is a Speed-Modified ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Custom paint, speedbrakes, and a three-blade prop combine for unmatched ramp appeal.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1987 Mooney M20K 252TSE [Credit: Barnett Investment Group]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1987 Mooney M20K 252TSE as "Today's Top Pick," celebrated for its speed and efficiency in the piston single market.
This specific aircraft includes a desirable "Encore" conversion, upgrading its engine to 220 hp with only 531 hours since overhaul, and features a modern cockpit with Garmin GNS 430W, ADS-B In/Out, and autopilot.
Priced at $249,500, this Mooney is well-equipped for serious travel with features like speedbrakes, prop deice, and built-in oxygen, offering a compelling blend of performance and IFR capability.

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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 1987 Mooney M20K 252TSE.

For pilots who prioritize speed and efficiency above all else, the Mooney M20K 252TSE has long been a sought-after gem of the piston single market. This 1987 model takes that legendary performance a step further with a desirable “Encore” conversion, boosting its power and utility to match its sleek aesthetics.

This particular airframe enhances that lineage with an Encore conversion, upgrading the powerplant to 220 hp. The engine has just 531 hours since a major overhaul in 2014. It is paired with a three-blade composite MT propeller, also with matching hours since overhaul, ensuring smooth operation and potent climb performance. The aircraft is further equipped for serious travel with speedbrakes, prop deice, built-in oxygen system, and Reiff engine preheater.

The cockpit balances classic capability with modern utility. The panel features a Garmin GNS 430W gps/nav/com, and a Garmin GTX-345 transponder provides ADS-B In and Out. A King KAP-150 two-axis autopilot helps manage the workload on long hauls, while a JPI EDM 700 engine monitor allows for precise leaning.

The interior features gray leather seats with sheepskin inserts, while the exterior sports a 2012 Matterhorn white paint scheme with velvet black-and-silver accents that still presents well.

The M20K 252, introduced in 1986, was Mooney’s answer to the challenges of its predecessor, the 231. While the 231 was fast, its fixed wastegate and hot-running engine required careful attention. The 252TSE (Turbo Special Edition) revolutionized the airframe with the intercooled Continental TSIO-360-MB1 engine, allowing the aircraft to run cooler, climb higher, and maintain its 210 hp output.

1987 Mooney M20K 252TSE [Credit: Barnett Investment Group]

Listed at $249,500, this Mooney M20K 252TSE offers a compelling blend of speed, style, and IFR capability. With a new battery installed in early 2025, it is ready for its next owner to push the throttle forward and retract the gear.

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.