Cessna 165 Aircraft under $300,000

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The Cessna 165 Airmaster is a late-1930s four-seat, high-wing classic — an early Cessna cabin single built in small numbers before the war. With around 145 hp and a ~110-kt cruise it is a collector and antique proposition rather than a practical modern traveler. Buyers are taking on a rare prewar airframe, so condition, documentation, restoration history and parts availability matter far more than performance numbers.

Cessna 165 aircraft for sale

1 used Cessna 165 aircraft for sale under $300,000 · 4-seat · Reference price ~$120,000 ($70,000–$220,000) · updated 2 days ago

Cessna 165 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 165 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 110–150 kt (204–278 km/h), a range of 500–600 nm (926–1,111 km), and a useful load of 850–1,200 lbs (386–544 kg).

Performance
Cruise110–150 kt (204–278 km/h)
Max Speed120–162 kt (222–300 km/h)
Range500–600 nm (926–1,111 km)
Service Ceiling15,000–18,000 ft (4,572–5,486 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineWARNER Super Scarab
Horsepower145–300 HP
Fuel Capacity46.0–53.0 gal (174–201 L)
Fuel Burn9.0–14.0 GPH (34–53 L/h)
TBO1,200–1,500 hrs
Weights & Seats
Seats4–5
Max Gross Weight2,200–3,350 lbs (998–1,520 kg)
Useful Load850–1,200 lbs (386–544 kg)
Production1939–1941

Cessna 165 for Sale

Cessna 165 asking prices range from $150,000 to $150,000, with a median of $150,000 (market reference $120,000).

1940 Cessna 165

1940 Cessna 165 for sale
$150,000
For Sale
Total Time 7
Reg# N25465 US
Location Redondo Beach, CA
Via Platinum Fighter Sales
Multiple sources

Cessna 165 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
190 1947–1951 5 140 kts (259 km/h) 600 nm (1,111 km) 1,100 lbs (499 kg) — A classic radial-engined taildragger — a roomy, characterful vintage Cessna for collectors and enthusiasts. 1
195 1947–1954 5 150 kts (278 km/h) 600 nm (1,111 km) 1,200 lbs (544 kg) $69K – $275K A classic radial-engined taildragger — a roomy, characterful vintage Cessna for collectors and enthusiasts. 6

Compare Cessna 165

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Cessna 165 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 165 cost? Used 165 prices: from $150K; market reference $120K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.

Cessna 165 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 165 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (9.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,580/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$20,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$180/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,200 hrs)$40,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Warner Super Scarab parts are rare and require specialist sourcing, and fabric inspection and vintage-construction annuals require an A&P with specific vintage expertise. The Cessna 165's annual inspection cost is largely determined by mechanic access, not parts price - finding the right inspector is the primary challenge. Fuel burn around 9 gph is moderate for the era.

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

Buying a Used Cessna 165

Buying a Cessna 165 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna C-165 Airmaster is a late-1930s four-seat taildragger powered by a Warner Super Scarab radial engine (around 165 hp, per the model designation), producing approximately 110 knots cruise and 500 nm range. It is a pre-war certificated aircraft in the true vintage category, distinguished by its clean cantilever-wing design and radial engine.

Airmaster heritage. The Cessna Airmaster series was Cessna's flagship before World War II and built the company's reputation for aerodynamically clean designs; the 165 was the highest-powered Airmaster. Flying a certificated Airmaster today is a full commitment to vintage aviation: pre-war materials, radial-engine maintenance, and fabric-covered construction.

Rarity and specialist maintenance. The Cessna 165 is rare. Warner Super Scarab parts, qualified radial mechanics, and fabric-inspection expertise are all required. This is not a utility aircraft for regular use - it is a show-quality or historically significant aircraft for collectors with access to the specialist resources its maintenance demands.

Buy it if you are an experienced vintage-aircraft owner with Warner Super Scarab expertise available, seek a pre-war Cessna for collection or display, and understand this is among the most specialist ownership commitments in the certificated piston fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 165

What is the Cessna 165 Airmaster?
The Cessna 165 (C-165 Airmaster) is a 1930s four-seat single-engine high-wing classic, produced 1939–1941, powered by a Warner Super Scarab radial engine and cruising approximately 110 kt. Part of the pre-war Airmaster family, it is a rare, collectible antique with a radial engine and period construction — fast and efficient for its era.
What makes the Cessna 165 significant?
As an Airmaster, the 165 represents Cessna's pre-war cabin-monoplane lineage — refined and efficient for the 1930s, with the character of a radial-engine antique. Very few were built and fewer survive airworthy, so it is primarily of interest to antique-aircraft collectors rather than practical buyers.
What should I inspect on a Cessna 165?
The Warner Super Scarab radial (a specialist engine — overhaul and parts require dedicated antique-engine shops), the airframe structure and any wood/fabric components, and the completeness of documentation and airworthiness history on an 80-plus-year-old antique. A pre-buy by an antique-aircraft specialist is essential.
Is the Cessna 165 a practical aircraft to own?
It is a collector's antique, not a practical transport aircraft. Ownership requires antique-radial-engine expertise, tolerance for limited parts availability, and the commitment vintage aircraft demand. For enthusiasts who want a flying piece of Cessna's pre-war history it is rewarding; for practical flying, a modern Cessna single is the appropriate choice.

Cessna 165 Inventory by Country

United States1

Cessna 165 Safety Record

Across all 165 variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1986–1986. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

1

Total Events

1

Incidents

0

Serious

0

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Oct 12, 1986 EMMETT, ID Incident —

NTSB records 1986–1986. Includes all Cessna 165 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 2 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data