Beechcraft Baron B55 Aircraft 1970s
Pre-1980 piston twins are largely 1960s-70s vintage workhorses — Cessna 310, original Baron 55/58, Piper Apache/Aztec/Twin Comanche. Engines are typically on second or third overhaul; avionics typically replaced; pressurised variants (rare in this era) need pressure-vessel inspection. These are demanding aircraft to own well; budget for both engines on potentially divergent overhaul cycles, mandate-upgrade investment if not already complete, and corrosion-prone-area inspection.
The Beechcraft Baron 58 is the benchmark owner-flown piston twin — a six-seat, twin-engine aircraft powered by two Continental IO-550-C engines (300 HP each) that cruises at 200 KTAS on 28 GPH. In production from 1970 to present (as the G58 Baron with Garmin G1000), the Baron 58 has been the standard against which all piston twins are measured for over five decades. The Baron combines genuine six-seat utility, twin-engine safety, and performance that exceeds most single-engine retractables.
Key variants. The 58 Baron (1970-2005): the classic model with conventional avionics. The 58P/58TC (pressurized and turbocharged variants): added pressurization and high-altitude capability. The G58 Baron (2005-present): current production with Garmin G1000 NXi, Continental IO-550-C engines, and modern interior.
Why the Baron 58. The counter-rotating engines (left engine turns clockwise, right counterclockwise) eliminate critical engine considerations — both engines are equal, with no VMC roll tendency on either engine failure. This makes the Baron 58 safer and easier to fly on one engine than almost any other piston twin. The cabin is wide and comfortable with a center aisle and club seating option. Useful load exceeds 1,600 lbs.
Buying advice. Twin-engine pre-buy inspections are inherently more extensive. Two Continental IO-550-C engines mean double the overhaul liability — $45,000-$60,000 per engine at TBO (1,700 hours). Two constant-speed propellers require overhaul every 2,000 hours or 72 months ($6,000-$8,000 each). Check for fuel bladder condition, gear actuator and downlock mechanism, prop governor operation, and nacelle corrosion. AD 2019-16-12 (fuel system) applies to certain models.
Market. Baron 58 (1980s): $130,000-$220,000. Baron 58 (1990s-2000s): $180,000-$350,000. G58 Baron with G1000: $600,000-$900,000. Baron 58 operating costs run $300-$400/hr all-in. A Beechcraft Baron 58 for sale is the premier owner-flown piston twin — nothing else matches its combination of safety, payload, and prestige.
24 used Beechcraft Baron B55 aircraft for sale 1970s · 6-seat · Used median asking $189,000 · updated 3 hours ago
Beechcraft Baron B55 Specifications
Model specThe Beechcraft Baron B55 is a 6-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 190–200 kt (352–370 km/h), a range of 990–1,080 nm (1,833–2,000 km), and a useful load of 1,620–1,750 lbs (735–794 kg).
Beechcraft Baron B55 for Sale
Browse all listings →Beechcraft Baron B55 asking prices range from $99,900 to $395,000, with a median of $189,000 (market reference $200,000).
Beechcraft Baron B55 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baron 55 | 1961–1982 | 6 | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 1,080 nm (2,000 km) | 1,620 lbs (735 kg) | $29K – $265K | Entry-level cabin twin — 4-5 seats and the most affordable route into Baron ownership and multi-engine flying. | 14 |
| Baron E55 | 1969–1982 | 6 | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 1,080 nm (2,000 km) | 1,620 lbs (735 kg) | $123K – $385K | A capable late 55-series Baron — a fast, value-priced first twin with Bonanza-like handling. | 6 |
| Baron D55 | 1970–1976 | 6 | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 1,080 nm (2,000 km) | 1,620 lbs (735 kg) | $79K – $215K | A mid-1960s 55-series Baron — a value-priced first twin with Bonanza-like handling. | 5 |
Compare Beechcraft Baron B55
Detailed comparisons for the Beechcraft Baron B55 are being prepared.
Browse all Beechcraft models →Beechcraft Baron B55 Price & Cost
How much does a Beechcraft Baron B55 cost? Used Baron B55 prices: $99K – $395K, average $189K (median $189K); market reference $200K, across 37 priced of 24 active listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Beechcraft Baron B55
Every Beechcraft Baron B55 faces a mandatory 1,500-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $38,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 1,500-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Beechcraft Baron B55
What are the known issues with the Beechcraft B55 Baron?
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Beechcraft Baron B55 Inventory by Country
| United States | 40 |
| South Africa | 2 |
| Australia | 1 |
| Brazil | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
Beechcraft Baron B55 Inventory by State
| Florida | 7 |
| Texas | 6 |
| California | 6 |
| Arkansas | 5 |
| North Carolina | 5 |
| Georgia | 4 |
| Illinois | 3 |
| Missouri | 2 |
| Arizona | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 |
Beechcraft Baron B55 by Price
| Under $100k | 5 |
| Under $200k | 40 |
| Under $300k | 62 |
| Under $500k | 68 |
Recently Sold Beechcraft Baron B55
| 1964 Baron B55 | $154,900 |
| 1964 Baron B55 | $134,900 |
| 1965 Baron B55 | $159,000 |
| 1981 Baron B55 | $349,500 |
| 1970 Baron B55 | $159,000 |
| 1974 Baron B55 | $169,000 |
Other Beechcraft Aircraft
| Beechcraft Baron 58 | 61 |
| Beechcraft Bonanza 35 | 17 |
| Beechcraft 1900 | 16 |
| Beechcraft Baron 55 | 14 |
Beechcraft Baron B55 Safety Record
No NTSB events on record for the Beechcraft Baron B55. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database