1981 Cessna A185F

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is the definitive American bush plane — a four-seat, high-wing taildragger that carried Alaska, delivered missionaries, and hauled freight across the world's roughest terrain from 1961 to 1985. Powered by a Continental IO-520-D (300 HP), the 185 delivers 150 KTAS cruise with a useful load exceeding 1,100 lbs on wheels and serious payload even on floats. With approximately 4,400 built, the 185 is no longer in production — and surviving examples appreciate in value year after year. What makes the 185 legendary. The tailwheel configuration keeps the propeller clear of debris on gravel strips. The 300 HP Continental provides the power-to-weight ratio needed for short-field operations with a full load. On Edo or Wipaire floats, the 185 is the most popular bush floatplane in North America after the de Havilland Beaver. The 185 can operate from gravel bars, glaciers, tundra, and unimproved strips where nosewheel aircraft cannot go. Key variants. The 185 (1961-1967) used the Continental IO-470-F (260 HP). The A185E/F (1966-1985) upgraded to the IO-520-D (300 HP). The A185F is the most desirable variant — 300 HP, later-production refinements, and the most remaining airframe life. The 180 Skywagon is the smaller sibling with a Continental O-470 (230 HP) — less power but lighter, simpler, and often cheaper. Buying advice. Corrosion is the primary concern on any 185, especially float-equipped aircraft. Inspect belly skins, float attach fittings, wing strut attachments, and lower fuselage longerons. Continental IO-520 engines are reliable but check for case through-bolt corrosion and crankshaft counterweight wear. The 185 tailwheel spring and tailwheel housing wear from hard landings on rough strips. Fabric condition on fabric-covered ailerons (some models). Market. A Cessna 185 for sale is an appreciating asset — these aircraft are not being made anymore, and demand from bush operators and adventure pilots only grows.