1960 Cessna 172B
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
IFR🛠️ Recent Maintenance Upgrades (2023-2025) This airplane has received over $60,000 in upgrades and maintenance in the last two years
with full documentation. Avionics Panel Garmin GI-275 electronic flight instruments (EIS
ADI HSI MFDbackup) Garmin GTX-345 ADS-B In/Out Garmin GNS-430W WAAS GPS/NAV/COMM (2025 upgrade) Guardian iPad panel mount New breaker panel wiring Full LED exterior lighting conversion
Description
**1960 Cessna 172B - N6868X** **Full Garmin Glass (3x GI-275) ' No Vacuum System ' Turnkey IFR Platform** If you're looking for a classic 172 with a **modern Garmin panel already installed**, this is it. N6868X eliminates the need for a $30K-$50K avionics upgrade and delivers a clean, reliable platform for PPL, IFR training, or efficient cross-country flying. I purchased this aircraft for training and time building. It has been extremely reliable and is flown regularly. Selling only to move into a larger aircraft. --- ## **Key Highlights** * **3x Garmin GI 275 (ADI, HSI, EIS, MFD, backup)** * Garmin GNS 430W WAAS GPS/NAV/COMM * Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B In/Out (traffic weather displayed on panel) * **No vacuum system** (modern, simplified reliability) * **Micro Vortex Generator kit** * Full LED exterior lighting * Clean logs with documentation (337s, 8130s, invoices) It is wired for an autopilot but no autopilot is installed 4.3 hours / 42 gallons tank. (Longer than my bladder can hold). --- ## **Aircraft Details** * **Year/Model:** 1960 Cessna 172B * **Registration:** N6868X * **Airframe TT:** ~5,858 hrs * **Tach:** ~2,880 hrs * **Useful Load:** ~850-900 lbs (verify W B) * **Location:** Southern California --- ## **Engine Prop** * **Continental O-300-D** * ~425 hours since top overhaul * Strong running engine, excellent borescope (Aug 2024) * Clean oil analysis * Flown regularly (no long idle periods) * **McCauley 1C172 Prop** --- ## **Recent Investment (~$60K+)** Extensive upgrades and maintenance completed 2023-2025 with documentation: **Avionics Electrical** * Full Garmin glass panel (GI-275 suite) * New breaker panel and wiring * Terrain unlock + full GI-275 functionality * Guardian iPad mount **Engine Fuel System** * New ignition harness plugs * Gaskets replaced (intake, exhaust, valve covers) * Crankshaft seal starter pad gasket * Fuel primer rebuild * New calibrated fuel senders (integrated with GI-275 EIS) * Airwolf remote oil filter kit **Airframe Controls** * Control rigging adjusted * Nose strut serviced * Brakes, tires replaced * Pushrod tube seals replaced --- ## **Inspections** * Annual: Aug 2025 (next due 09/2026) * Pitot-static/transponder: due 10/2026 * ELT battery: due 03/2027 --- ## **Why This Aircraft** * **Modern panel without modern aircraft price** * **No immediate upgrade costs** * **Simple, proven engine with low operating cost** * **Ideal for training or personal ownership** * **Lower insurance profile for newer pilots** --- ## **Summary** This is a **well-sorted, modernized 172B** that stands out from typical 172's. It offers the simplicity of a classic airframe with the functionality of a much newer airplane. --- 📞 Call/Not interested in broker assistance) ---
Engine
🔧 Engine Propeller Engine: Continental O-300-D (SN: 900042-D) 2,160 hrs SMOH (major overhaul by Ameritech Aircraft Engines) 425 hrs STOH Borescoped Aug 2024 - all cylinders/valves looked excellent Propeller: McCauley 1C172 (SN: E7448) Maintained with regular inspections Blades dressed/painted as needed
Interior
Interior looks great, Exterior is faded some but could probably be back to looking great with a ceramic coat.
Exterior
lighting conversion
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison 1 active offer
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Listing Source
trade-a-plane.com
|
$97,500
$98,500
|
Palm Springs, CA | Apr 01, 2026 | — | Active |
Estimate Monthly Payment
Cessna 172B loan calculator
AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Cessna 172B
This 1960 Cessna 172B (N6868X) is a 4-seat single engine piston with 5,858 hours on the airframe. There are currently 6 172B aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $67,500 to $165,000. This aircraft is priced above the market average at $97,500.
The 172B cruises at 122 kts (226 km/h) with a range of 640 nm (1,185 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights. Service ceiling of 14,000 ft allows operation above most weather.
Operating costs: Fuel burn is 8.6 GPH (33 L/h), which at current Jet-A prices (~$5.50/gal) means approximately $47/hr in fuel alone. Total variable cost including maintenance reserves is approximately $130/hr. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew, annual inspection) average $18,000. With 5,858 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (2,000 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.
NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record. Mechanics have filed 10 service difficulty reports for this type — common maintenance items to discuss during pre-buy.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Cessna 172B — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimateCESSNA 172
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA 172. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
FAA registration data pending for N6868X.
Location & Ownership
Title Status
No FAA title records
Available for US-registered aircraft only
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.
Safety Record
NTSB safety data coming soon.
We'll check N6868X against the NTSB accident database.
Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna 172B
SDRs are reports filed by mechanics about problems found during maintenance. 10 recent reports for this aircraft type.
SKIN CRACKED UNDER RT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE INNER NOSE RIB WAS CRUSHED, BROKEN AND CRACKED. THE INNER NOSE RIB ON THE LT SIDE WAS DEFORMED BUT NOT ACTUALLY BROKEN. THE APPEARANCE OF BOTH RT & LT NOSE RIBS WAS ...
UPON THE FLAIR ON LANDING AT NORMAL WEIGHTS THE CONTROL YOLK BROKE AT THE OUTSIDE LT RADIUS. THIS CAUSED THE NOSE WHEEL OF THE AC TO DROP AT A GREATER SPEED THAN NORMAL AND SHIMMY WAS EXPERIENCED THE MAIN GEAR HAD JUST TOUCHED DOWN WHEN THE FAILURE ...
AS AIRCRAFT TAXIED FROM TIE-DOWN, NOSE WHEEL FAILED ABRUPTLY, APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET FROM TIE-DOWN, TUBE, TIRE AND NOSE WHEEL REMAINED IN YOKE, WITH NO DAMAGE TO TIRE OR YOKE.
DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION, THE RT DIRECT AILERON CABLE (PN 0510105-72) WAS FOUND TO BE CHAFFING ON THE RT WING AFT ATTACH BOLT THREADS AND NUT. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT BOTH THE LEFT AND RT AFT WING ATTACH BOLTS WERE INSTALLED BACKWARDS WI...
(CAN) ENGINE RAN WELL NO VISIBLE PROBLEM. PIECE OF PISTON SKIRT BROKEN LOOSE HELD IN BY OIL RING AND CYLINDER CURVE ONLY.
(CAN) AT ANNUAL INSPECTION THE CENTRE SECTION OF THE STABILIZER SPAR WAS FOUND TO BE BUCKLED AND CRACKED AT THE CENTRE LIGHTENING HOLE, WHERE THE TRIM CABLES RUN THROUGH. THERE WERE TWO CRACKS ABOUT 2 IN. LONG, RUNNING FROM THE BOTTOM RIGHT AND TOP L...
(AUS) ENGINE IN AN EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION. DEFECTS INCLUDE CRACKED CRANKCASE, WORN CRANKSHAFT, WORN GEARS, WORN CYLINDERS AND VALVES.
DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION, OIL PRESSURE HOSE WAS FOUND WET WITH OIL. AFTER REMOVING HOSE, HOSE CRACKED AND BROKE WHEN TWISTED. FUEL HOSE WAS CHECKED AND WAS IN THE NEAR SAME CONDITION. NO LOG ENTRY FOUND AS TO WHEN AND IF THESE HOSES HAD BEEN REPLA...
DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION, NOTED THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF FUEL. THIS COULD BE A HAZARD IF AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE OCCURRED. (X)
DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION, ELT WAS FOUND NOT TO MEET FAR 91.207(D). IT FAILED G-TEST AND WAS MOUNTED IMPROPERLY IN AIRCRAFT. IT WAS MOUNTED WITH VELCRO AND A DETERIORATED STRAP. (X)
Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.
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