Cessna 140 Aircraft

The Cessna 120 and 140 are Cessna's classic post-war two-seat taildraggers — light, all-metal (with fabric-covered wings on early examples) high-wing singles built from 1946 to 1951 that introduced many pilots to Cessna ownership. The 140 was the better-equipped model with flaps and rear side windows; the 120 was the simpler, lower-cost version. Both are sought-after vintage classics with light handling and low operating cost. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 120 and 140 listings currently on the market.

Cessna 140 aircraft for sale

17 used Cessna 140 aircraft for sale · 2-seat · Used median asking $38,000 · Project from $28,000 · updated 20 hours ago

Cessna 140 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 140 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 TypeC140
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Max Gross Weight1,450 lbs (658 kg)
Useful Load500 lbs (227 kg)
Production1946–1951

Cessna 140 for Sale

Browse all listings →

Cessna 140 asking prices range from $20,156 to $69,500, with a median of $38,000 (market reference $45,000).

$18,500
Project
Reg# N81040 US
Location China
Listed 2mo ago
$28,000
Project
Total Time 3,010
Reg# N89620 US
Location Midlothian, TX
$28,000
For Sale
Total Time 1,614
Reg# N140DW US
Location Middle River, MD
Listed 1mo ago
$28,500
For Sale
Total Time 3,344
Reg# C-GDNJ Canada
Location Breslau, ON, Canada
Multiple sources
$30,000
For Sale
Reg# N2133 US
Location Ephrata, WA
Listed 1mo ago
$34,500
On Request
Total Time 2,403
Reg# N630SA US
Location Woodstock, GA
Listed 1mo ago
$34,500
For Sale
Total Time 2,580
Location Guthrie, OK
$37,500
For Sale
Total Time 7,270
Reg# N72562 US
Location Stuart (), FL
$38,000 ↓ -$6K
For Sale
Total Time 3,318
Location Sioux Falls, SD
Listed 2mo ago
$39,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,269
Reg# N76742 US
Location Waynesboro, VA

Cessna 140 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
120 1946–1951 2 90 kts (167 km/h) 400 nm (741 km) 500 lbs (227 kg) A simple, affordable post-war two-seat taildragger — a characterful vintage single and popular first taildragger or restoration project. 3

Compare Cessna 140

See how the Cessna 140 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 140 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 140 cost? Used 140 prices: $20K – $69K, average $38K (median $38K); market reference $45K, across 13 priced of 17 active listings.

Cessna 140 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 140 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 140's small Continental C-85/C-90 is about as economical as certificated flying gets - around 5 gph and a modest overhaul cost - but it is a vintage engine where time-since-overhaul leads the assessment. On fabric-winged 140s, re-cover condition and history are a specific and potentially significant cost item (the later 140A used metal wings). Corrosion and originality round out the budget. Overall the 140 is one of the cheapest ways into certificated aircraft ownership, provided the airframe and fabric are sound.

Buying a Used Cessna 140

Buying a Cessna 140 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 140 (1946-1951) is a classic two-seat tailwheel single from the post-war era - powered by an 85-hp Continental C-85 (some with the C-90), cruising around 90 knots. Along with the 120, it launched Cessna's post-war light-aircraft line and remains a popular vintage taildragger for sport flying, tailwheel training, and affordable classic ownership.

140 versus 120. The 140 was the deluxe version of the pair: it added flaps, a full electrical system, and rear side windows over the stripped-down 120. For buyers, a 140 generally offers more equipment and comfort than a 120 at a modest price premium.

Vintage engine and airframe. The small Continental C-85/C-90 is simple and economical (around 5 gph) but a vintage powerplant - overhaul cost and time-since-overhaul lead the engine assessment. Early 140s have fabric-covered wings (the later 140A used metal wings), so fabric condition and re-cover history are specific inspection items. Corrosion and originality round out the pre-buy.

Buy it if you want an affordable, economical classic taildragger for sport flying or tailwheel training - and you value vintage character and low operating cost over speed or payload.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 140

What is the Cessna 140?
The Cessna 140 is a two-seat taildragger piston aircraft produced from 1946 to 1951, one of the defining early postwar Cessna designs. It added wing flaps, rear side windows, and a higher equipment level over the related 120, using the same Continental C-85 powerplant (the later 140A used the C-90). The 140 has an unusually active vintage community and type association; well-maintained examples remain in active flying use decades after production ended.
How does the 140 differ from the Cessna 120?
The 140 is the more practical of the two. It has wing flaps, rear side windows, and additional standard equipment; the 120 is the stripped-down economy version. For buyers choosing between the two, the 140 is almost universally the better choice for practical flying — the flaps and higher equipment level make it a more capable aircraft.
What should I inspect when buying a Cessna 140?
Any example is at minimum 75 years old. Focus on: Continental C-85 or C-90 engine health (TBO status, cylinder condition), airframe structural condition (spar integrity, and fabric areas if any remain), fuel-system integrity, the tailwheel mechanism, and the brake system. Annual inspections should be performed by a mechanic with vintage-aircraft experience — preferably someone familiar with the type.
How does the 140 fly?
The 140 cruises approximately 90–105 kt on 85–90 hp — a gentle, forgiving taildragger well-suited for pilots learning conventional gear. Its light weight and modest power make it predictable in the pattern. The 140 is not fast and not designed for long-range travel, but it is an engaging aircraft to fly and a beloved vintage type. A tailwheel endorsement and currency are required; the 140 is not particularly challenging by tailwheel standards.
Is the Cessna 140 a good first tailwheel aircraft?
Yes, for buyers interested in the vintage-aircraft community — the 140 is among the most benign and widely recommended taildraggers for building tailwheel time. Its light weight, gentle handling, and the wide availability of knowledgeable instructors make it an accessible entry point. For buyers wanting a modern taildragger for backcountry use, larger and more capable types suit better; for the vintage flying experience, the 140 is an excellent starting point.
Who buys the Cessna 140 today?
Primarily vintage-aviation enthusiasts, pilots building tailwheel time who want an authentic classic-aircraft experience, and collectors who value postwar-era simplicity and craftsmanship. The 140 is rarely a practical daily transport aircraft — its mission is the joy of flying a beautifully maintained piece of aviation history. The active vintage community ensures that parts, expertise, and annual events keep these aircraft flying.

Cessna 140 Inventory by Country

United States15
United Kingdom2
Canada1
China1
France1

Cessna 140 Inventory by State

Maryland2
Texas2

Cessna 140 by Price

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

Cessna 140 by Decade

1960s1

Recently Sold Cessna 140

1947 120$49,000

Cessna 140 Safety Record

Across all 140 variants, 460 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.

460

Total Events

321

Incidents

32

Serious

35

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Feb 16, 2026 Antigo, WI Incident
Dec 27, 2025 Ceres, VA Serious
Nov 06, 2025 Suffolk, VA Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a nose over.
Oct 13, 2025 Canon, GA Incident The pilot’s inadvertent application of brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in a noseover.
Oct 11, 2025 Plymouth, CT Incident The plot’s failure to account sufficiently for the decrease in the airplane’s takeoff performance due to the wet turf ru…

NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 140 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 20 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data