No longer listed as of May 2026. The price below is the last asking price — the final sale price is not disclosed.

1978 Cessna 185

Single Engine Piston

No longer listed

$495,000

Total Time 3,109 hrs

Seats 6

Engine CONTINENTAL IO-470-F

Cruise 145 kts (269 km/h)

ICAO Type C185

✓ Clean NTSB

Listing Details

Seller reported

Year: 1978
Make: Cessna
Model: 185
Total Time: 3,109 hr
Seller: Canadian Aircraft Sales
Source: csplane.com

1978 CESSNA 185 sold For pricing information, please contact us. If you have any questions or would like to know more about this aircraft, click below to contact us! Inquire about this Aircraft Photo Gallery

Cessna 185 — Model Specs

Model specification

Standard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.

Seats

Cruise Speed

145 kts (269 km/h)

Max Speed

150 kts (278 km/h)

Range

720 nm (1,333 km)

Ceiling

17,150 ft (5,227 m)

Max Weight

3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)

Useful Load

1,440 lbs (653 kg)

Horsepower

300 HP

Fuel Capacity

84 gal (318 L)

Fuel Burn

15.5 GPH (59 L/h)

TBO

1,700 hrs

Estimated Cost of Ownership

AeroGurus estimate

Fuel Burn

15.5 GPH

~$101/hr

Variable Cost

$175/hr

fuel + mx + reserves

Annual Fixed

$22,000/yr

hangar + insurance + annual

Engine Overhaul

$35,000

every 1,700 hrs

AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the . Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.

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Cessna 185 Price

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Market price band

Cessna 185 typical: $140,000 – $378,410 median $271,500 across 22 active listings

This listing at $495,000 is 82% above median.

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About the Cessna 185

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is the bigger, more-powerful taildragger Skywagon — produced 1961-1985 with a 300 hp Continental IO-520 and six seats. Effectively a 180 with more engine, the 185 is the heavyweight bush taildragger — favoured for serious backcountry, float and utility operations where the 180 runs out of useful load. Cruise around 145 knots; useful load comfortable for six.

Produced 1961–1985. Total produced: 4,400.

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