Cessna 175 Aircraft 1960s

Pre-1980 piston singles are heritage airframes that have typically been rebuilt and refurbished multiple times — original avionics replaced with modern Garmin or Avidyne panels, engines on at least one mid-time overhaul cycle, interiors refreshed once or twice. Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion (especially wing carry-through, tail, gear), AD compliance history, log-book continuity, engine cylinder borescope. Heritage value can be meaningful for original aircraft in restored condition.

The Cessna 175 Skylark is the geared-engine four-seat single produced 1958-1962 — the in-between aircraft Cessna fitted with a 175 hp Continental GO-300 (geared for a smaller, faster- spinning propeller). The geared engine proved unreliable in service and the 175 was discontinued after a short run. Today most 175s have been converted to direct-drive O-300 or O-360 engines via STC, making them effectively faster 172s.

Cessna 175 aircraft for sale

6 used Cessna 175 aircraft for sale 1960s · 4-seat · Used median asking $84,000 · Project from $49,900 · updated 3 hours ago

Cessna 175 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 175 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 125 kt (232 km/h), a range of 500 nm (926 km), and a useful load of 900 lbs (408 kg).

Performance
Cruise125 kt (232 km/h)
Max Speed140 kt (259 km/h)
Range500 nm (926 km)
Service Ceiling15,000 ft (4,572 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL GO-300A;GO-300C
Horsepower175 HP
Fuel Capacity36.0 gal (136 L)
Fuel Burn9.0 GPH (34 L/h)
TBO1,500 hrs
ICAO TypeC175
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,350 lbs (1,066 kg)
Useful Load900 lbs (408 kg)
Production1958–1962

Cessna 175 for Sale

Cessna 175 asking prices range from $35,803 to $109,000, with a median of $84,000 (market reference $65,000).

$20,468 ↓ -$478
For Sale
Reg# I-PIMI Italy
Location Italy
Listed 2mo ago
$74,595
For Sale
Total Time 2,990
Reg# N7986T US
Location Watsonville, CA
Listed 1mo ago
$89,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,820
Reg# N8390T US
Location Caldwell, ID
Multiple sources
$105,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,711
Reg# N7916T US
Location Houston, TX
Multiple sources
$109,000
For Sale
Total Time 1,560
Reg# N6771E US
Location East Peoria, IL
Multiple sources
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 2,507
Listed 1mo ago
Contact for Price
Auction
Total Time 2,507
Reg# N8032T US
Location Gallia-Meigs (), OH
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago

Compare Cessna 175

See how the Cessna 175 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 175 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 175 cost? Used 175 prices: $35K – $109K, average $84K (median $84K); market reference $65K, across 8 priced of 6 active listings.

Cessna 175 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 175 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (9.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,580/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$15,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$110/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,500 hrs)$25,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The GO-300's geared design drives the 175's highest ownership variable: gearbox maintenance cost, above-average for a four-seat fixed-gear aircraft, and specialist labor cost when a GO-300-qualified mechanic is required. Fuel burn at approximately 10-11 gph is moderate; it is not the engine's operating cost but its maintenance complexity and parts sourcing that distinguish 175 ownership. Annual inspection must include gearbox inspection by a qualified mechanic. Budget for parts lead time and potential specialist involvement - these are the 175's true ownership costs, not fuel.

Buying a Used Cessna 175

Buying a Cessna 175 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 175 Skylark is a four-seat, fixed-gear single powered by the Continental GO-300 geared engine (175 hp) - approximately 125 knots cruise and 500 nm range. It occupies a narrow historical niche between the 172 and 182, produced from approximately 1958 to 1962 with a geared engine that proved problematic enough that Cessna discontinued both the 175 and the GO-300 powerplant.

The GO-300 geared engine: critical buyer context. The Continental GO-300 is a geared engine - it uses a reduction gearbox between the crankshaft and propeller, letting the engine run at higher RPM while the propeller turns more slowly. This produced adequate power (175 hp), but the gearing introduced reliability and maintenance complications that earned the GO-300 a problematic reputation, and Cessna discontinued the 175 after a short run. Buyers must verify that the GO-300 is in genuinely good condition, overhauled by a shop with specific GO-300 experience, and that a qualified mechanic is available - gearbox condition is the single most important inspection item.

Parts and mechanic availability. The GO-300 is an orphaned engine family - not widely used and discontinued decades ago. Parts sourcing requires specialist suppliers, and mechanics with genuine GO-300 gearbox experience are rare. Budget for longer parts lead times and potential specialist mechanic travel or aircraft ferry for maintenance.

Buy it if you find a 175 with a recently overhauled GO-300 from a documented reputable shop, a known-qualified mechanic to support ongoing maintenance, and a price that reflects the engine's unusual demands. The 175 is a niche aircraft for buyers who understand and accept the GO-300 commitment - not a first aircraft or a low-maintenance alternative to the 172 or 182.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 175

What is the Cessna 175?
The Cessna 175 Skylark is a four-seat high-wing single built from 1958 to 1962, essentially a 172 fitted with the geared Continental GO-300 engine for more power and cruise speed.
What is the difference between the Cessna 172 and 175?
The 175 is based on the 172 airframe but uses a geared Continental GO-300 engine instead of the 172's direct-drive engine, giving more power. The geared engine needed careful operation, and many 175s have since been converted to standard engines.
How much does a Cessna 175 cost?
As an affordable classic four-seater with a small fleet, 175 prices depend on condition, engine type (original geared or converted), engine time and avionics. See the live price range and median above.
What engine does the Cessna 175 use?
The 175 was built with a geared Continental GO-300. Because the geared engine required precise operation, many 175s have been re-engined with direct-drive Continental O-300 or Lycoming engines under STC, which is a key value factor.
How many seats does a Cessna 175 have?
Four — two front and two rear seats, the same as the 172 it is based on.
Is the Cessna 175 a good airplane?
It is a capable, affordable four-seater, and converted examples with a direct-drive engine are well regarded. Original geared-engine aircraft need an owner familiar with operating the GO-300. Condition and engine status drive value.
What is the difference between the Cessna 175 and 172?
They share the same basic airframe; the main difference is the engine. The 175's geared GO-300 gave more power and speed when new, while the 172's simpler direct-drive engine proved more durable and popular.
Is the Cessna 175 still in production?
No — production ended in 1962. The 175 is supported by the Cessna and Continental parts networks and a small owner community.

Cessna 175 Inventory by Country

United States10
Canada2
United Kingdom1
Italy1

Cessna 175 by Price

Under $100k8
Under $200k10
Under $300k10
Under $500k11

Recently Sold Cessna 175

1959 175$21,995
1960 175A$89,000
1958 175$110,000

Cessna 175 Safety Record

Across all 175 variants, 226 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

226

Total Events

120

Incidents

29

Serious

32

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Sep 23, 2025 Aquidauana, OF Fatal (4)
Mar 13, 2025 Lakeview, AR Incident The pilot landed short of the runway.
Nov 30, 2024 Middlegate, NV Minor The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on a rough surface during takeoff.
Aug 11, 2023 Wetumpka, AL Incident A total loss of engine power due to the separation of the No. 3 connecting rod from the crankshaft.
Jun 21, 2023 Mesquite, TX Incident The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to corroded brake caliper pins.

NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 175 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 3 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data