Cessna 120 Aircraft under $100,000

Under $100k for a piston single is the value-entry price band — typically older airframes (1960s-80s), mid-life or run-out engines, original or basic avionics with retrofit ADS-B Out compliance. These are entry-budget trainers and touring singles. Budget realistically for engine work, ADS-B Out compliance if not yet installed, panel upgrades and corrosion-area inspection.

← Cessna 140 family

The Cessna 120 is a classic post-war two-seat taildragger — a light, high-wing single built from 1946 to 1949 as the simpler, lower-cost companion to the Cessna 140. Without the 140's wing flaps and rear side windows, the 120 is a basic, economical and characterful vintage aircraft that introduced many pilots to flying. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 120 listings currently on the market.

Cessna 120 aircraft for sale

4 used Cessna 120 aircraft for sale under $100,000 · 2-seat · Reference price ~$35,000 ($22,000–$65,000) · updated yesterday

Cessna 120 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 120 is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 90 kt (167 km/h), a range of 400–420 nm (741–778 km), and a useful load of 500 lbs (227 kg).

Performance
Cruise90 kt (167 km/h)
Max Speed104 kt (193 km/h)
Range400–420 nm (741–778 km)
Service Ceiling15,000–15,500 ft (4,572–4,724 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL C-85-12;C-85-12F;C-90-12F;C-90-14F;O-235-C1
Horsepower85 HP
Fuel Capacity25.0 gal (95 L)
Fuel Burn5.0 GPH (19 L/h)
TBO1,800 hrs
ICAO TypeC120
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight1,450 lbs (658 kg)
Useful Load500 lbs (227 kg)
Production1946–1951

Cessna 120 for Sale

Cessna 120 asking prices range from $39,000 to $45,000, with a median of $43,671 (market reference $35,000).

1946 Cessna 120

1946 Cessna 120 for sale
$18,500
Project
Reg# N81040 US
Location China
Via Ourflying Tech. Ltd.
Listed 2mo ago

1946 Cessna 120

1946 Cessna 120 for sale
$34,500
On Request
Total Time 2,403
Reg# N630SA US
Location Woodstock, GA
Via Eric Broadwell
Listed 1mo ago

1946 Cessna 120

1946 Cessna 120 for sale
$39,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,269
Reg# N76742 US
Location Waynesboro, VA
Via Michael Melton

1948 Cessna 120

1948 Cessna 120 for sale
$43,671
For Sale
Total Time 5,162
Reg# N2106V US
Location United Kingdom
Via Wilco Aviation Limited
Multiple sources
Listed 2mo ago

1946 Cessna 120

1946 Cessna 120 for sale
$45,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,552
Reg# N90113 US
Location Seguin, TX
Via Caleb Seibert

Cessna 120 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
140 1946–1951 2 90 kts (167 km/h) 420 nm (778 km) 500 lbs (227 kg) $20K – $69K A classic post-war two-seat taildragger — an affordable, light-handling vintage single and popular first taildragger. 13

Compare Cessna 120

See how the Cessna 120 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 120 vs Cessna 140

Cessna 120 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 120 cost? Used 120 prices: $39K – $45K, average $42K (median $43K); market reference $35K, across 3 priced of 4 active listings.

Cessna 120 Price Guide

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.

Cessna 120 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (5.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$3,100/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$10,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$80/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,800 hrs)$18,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The Cessna 120's C-85 burns approximately 5 gph or less - among the lowest fuel burns of any certificated aircraft. Annual inspection cost depends significantly on finding an inspector familiar with vintage construction; a general A&P unfamiliar with fabric work is a liability. Parts sourcing through vintage aircraft networks adds effort but not excessive cost for a well-maintained example. The 120 is the lowest-cost Cessna to fuel; its maintenance cost depends on mechanic access more than parts price.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna 120

Buying a Cessna 120 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 120 is a two-seat, conventional-gear (taildragger) aircraft from the late 1940s - powered by a Continental C-85 (85 hp) producing approximately 90 knots cruise and 400 nm range. Among the earliest certificated Cessna singles still flying, the 120 has a metal fuselage with fabric-covered wings on many examples, and requires tailwheel currency and an appreciation for 1940s-era maintenance.

Taildragger requirement. The Cessna 120 uses conventional landing gear (tailwheel, not nosewheel). A tailwheel endorsement is required to act as pilot-in-command. Ground handling differs significantly from tricycle-gear aircraft and demands active rudder input during takeoff roll and landing. Pilots without recent tailwheel currency should plan for dual instruction before solo flight.

Continental C-85 and vintage maintenance. The C-85 is a small, simple engine that predates many modern aircraft engine families. Parts are available through vintage aircraft suppliers but require more sourcing effort than mainstream O-200 or O-320 parts. Fabric-covered surfaces (where fitted) require mechanics familiar with vintage fabric work, and annual inspection typically includes fabric-condition assessment in addition to standard engine and airframe items.

Buy it if you hold a tailwheel endorsement, have access to a mechanic familiar with vintage construction, and want the lowest-cost entry into a classic taildragger - for tailwheel currency building, vintage aviation, or the appeal of 1940s-era flying.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 120

What is the Cessna 120?
The Cessna 120 is a two-seat taildragger piston aircraft produced from 1946 to 1949, one of the first Cessna designs to emerge after World War II. It is the simpler sibling of the Cessna 140, sharing the same basic airframe but without flaps and with a more basic equipment level — a back-to-basics aircraft built for economy. Powered by a Continental C-85 engine producing approximately 85 horsepower, the 120 is a low-cost, low-complexity vintage taildragger with a loyal collector following.
What distinguishes the 120 from the Cessna 140?
The 140 added wing flaps, rear side windows, and a more complete equipment level over the baseline 120. The 120 is the stripped version — it represents the minimum Cessna aircraft of the post-war era. For buyers interested in vintage Cessna ownership, the 140 is typically the more practical choice with better equipment; the 120 appeals to purists and those who want the most original, low-tech experience.
What should I look for on a pre-owned Cessna 120?
Any 120 is at least 75 years old — age-appropriate inspection is the primary concern. Key areas: wing and airframe structural condition, Continental C-85 engine health and TBO status, fuel-system integrity, and tailwheel mechanism condition. The type has active community support; a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the type is strongly recommended.
How does the Cessna 120 fly?
The 120 is a light, docile taildragger — approximately 85 hp delivering a cruise speed around 90 kt and a range suited to local and short cross-country flying. Its taildragger configuration requires conventional-gear currency and familiarity, but the aircraft is not particularly demanding by tailwheel standards. It is not a cross-country touring aircraft; it is a vintage flying experience and a classic aircraft to own and maintain.
Is the Cessna 120 practical as a daily-use aircraft?
For most pilots, no — the 120 is a vintage aircraft best suited for fair-weather local flying rather than routine transportation. Its Continental C-85 and simple systems are serviceable but require vintage-aircraft maintenance expertise. Most owners of 120s are collectors and vintage-aviation enthusiasts, not buyers seeking primary transportation.
Is the Cessna 120 a good investment?
Like most vintage aircraft, the 120 is an enthusiasm purchase, not a financial investment. Well-maintained examples retain value within the vintage market, and the active vintage community supports ownership. Buyers should buy the aircraft because they want to own and fly this specific piece of aviation history — not because they expect it to appreciate. See live prices above for current market context.

Cessna 120 Inventory by Country

United States3
China1
United Kingdom1

Cessna 120 Inventory by State

Maryland2
Texas2

Cessna 120 by Price

Under $100k20
Under $200k20
Under $300k20
Under $500k20

Recently Sold Cessna 120

1947 120$49,000

Cessna 120 Safety Record

Across all 120 variants, 163 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2026. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

163

Total Events

111

Incidents

15

Serious

12

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Feb 20, 2026 Eureka, CA Incident —
Aug 24, 2025 Taylor, AZ Incident —
Feb 28, 2025 Arcadia, FL Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Apr 21, 2024 Talkeetna, AK Incident A degraded ignition system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was maintenance…
Jan 25, 2023 Eagle River, WI Incident The pilot’s decision to takeoff from an unsuitable surface which resulted in collision with an object.

NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 120 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed yesterday · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data