Cessna 170 Aircraft 1980s
1980s piston singles are pre-FADEC, pre-glass-cockpit airframes — Cessna 172/182, Piper PA-28 series, Bonanza V35/F33, Mooney M20J 201 from this period. Most have undergone at least one engine overhaul and avionics refresh (ADS-B Out retrofit, GPS upgrade). Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion, AD compliance (especially recent wing-spar ADs on 210/PA-28), Lycoming or Continental engine condition, panel revision currency.
1 used Cessna 170 aircraft for sale 1980s · 4-seat · from $195K · updated 10 hours ago
About the Cessna 170
The Cessna 170 is the classic four-seat taildragger that preceded the 172 — a high-wing, conventional-gear single built from 1948 to 1956, powered by a Continental engine. Loved for its vintage character, light handling and backcountry capability, the 170 is the tailwheel forerunner of the tricycle-gear 172 Skyhawk and remains a sought-after classic and bush aircraft. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 170 listings currently on the market.
Cessna 170 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 170 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 105 kt (194 km/h), a range of 500 nm (926 km), and a useful load of 900 lbs (408 kg).
1 Cessna 170 For Sale
There are currently 1 used Cessna 170 for sale, ranging from $195,000 to $195,000, with a median asking price of $195,000.
Cessna 170 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170B | 1952–1956 | 4 | 105 kts (194 km/h) | 500 nm (926 km) | 900 lbs (408 kg) | $84K – $359K | A classic four-seat taildragger — the tailwheel forerunner of the 172, for a buyer wanting vintage character and backcountry capability. | 9 |
Compare Cessna 170
Detailed comparisons for the Cessna 170 are being prepared.
Browse all Cessna models →Cessna 170 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 170 cost? Used 170 prices: from $195K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.
Based on 4 priced 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 Cessna 170
Every Cessna 170 faces a mandatory 2,000-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 $30,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 2,000-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 — Cessna 170
What is the Cessna 170?
What is the difference between the Cessna 170 and 172?
How much does a Cessna 170 cost?
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Is the Cessna 170 a taildragger?
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Is the Cessna 170 still in production?
Cessna 170 Inventory by Country
| United States | 12 |
| Canada | 2 |
| Australia | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| South Africa | 1 |
Cessna 170 Inventory by State
| California | 2 |
| Oregon | 2 |
Cessna 170 by Price
| Under $100k | 4 |
| Under $200k | 14 |
| Under $300k | 15 |
| Under $500k | 16 |
Cessna 170 Safety Record
Across all 170 variants, 728 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.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2026 | Summerdale, AL | Minor | — |
| Dec 27, 2025 | Rio de Janeiro, OF | Fatal (1) | — |
| Sep 01, 2025 | Eustis, ME | Minor | The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent descent, contac… |
| Aug 27, 2025 | Everett, WA | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Knoxville, TN | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll in a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excur… |
NTSB records 1982–2026. Includes all Cessna 170 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.