Cessna 180 Aircraft 1950s

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 180 Skywagon is the original taildragger utility single — produced 1953-1981 with a Continental O-470 (225 hp) and a strong reputation as one of the best backcountry, float and ski aircraft ever built. Six-seat configurations were available later, and the 180 became a fixture of bush flying in Alaska, Canada and remote operations worldwide. Cruise around 145 knots; useful load comfortable for four adults plus gear.

Cessna 180 aircraft for sale

17 used Cessna 180 aircraft for sale 1950s · 4-seat · Used median asking $180,000 · updated 2 hours ago

Cessna 180 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 180 is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 140–142 kt (259–263 km/h), a range of 700 nm (1,296 km), and a useful load of 1,400 lbs (635 kg).

Performance
Cruise140–142 kt (259–263 km/h)
Max Speed155 kt (287 km/h)
Range700 nm (1,296 km)
Service Ceiling17,000–20,000 ft (5,182–6,096 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL O-470-K
Horsepower230 HP
Fuel Capacity60.0–65.0 gal (227–246 L)
Fuel Burn12.0 GPH (45 L/h)
TBO1,500–1,700 hrs
ICAO TypeC180
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,650–2,810 lbs (1,202–1,275 kg)
Useful Load1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Production1953–1981

Cessna 180 for Sale

Browse all listings →

Cessna 180 asking prices range from $115,000 to $314,900, with a median of $180,000.

1954 Cessna 180

1954 Cessna 180 for sale
$115,000
For Sale
Total Time 2,900
Reg# N9150C US
Via Alaska Aircraft Sales
Listed 7d ago

1956 Cessna 180

1956 Cessna 180 for sale
$129,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,290
Reg# N4979A US
Location Watsonville, CA
Via Bruce Roberts
Multiple sources

1955 Cessna 180

1955 Cessna 180 for sale below typical asking range
$149,500
For Sale
Total Time 5,622
Reg# N217M US
Location Lewiston, ID
Via Tyler Peters

1954 Cessna 180

1954 Cessna 180 for sale below typical asking range
$150,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,746
Reg# N5547V US
Location Elko, NV
Via Demar Dahl

1955 Cessna 180

1955 Cessna 180 for sale within typical asking range
$159,000
For Sale
Total Time 2,340
Reg# C-FICR Canada
Location Olds, AB, Canada
Via Aircraft Canada
Multiple sources

1956 Cessna 180A

1956 Cessna 180A for sale
$159,000
Auction
Total Time 5,097
Reg# N24BP US
Location Comanche
Listed 2mo ago

1954 Cessna 180

1954 Cessna 180 for sale within typical asking range
$171,467 ↓ -$4K
For Sale
Total Time 5,365
Reg# G-AXZO UK
Location Thirsk, United Kingdom
Listed 2mo ago

1955 Cessna 180

1955 Cessna 180 for sale within typical asking range
$175,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,275
Reg# N3139D US
Location Spokane, WA
Via Michael Scalera
Listed 2mo ago

1955 Cessna 180

1955 Cessna 180 for sale within typical asking range
$175,000
For Sale
Location Camp Verde, AZ
Via Tristen Mulcaire

1956 Cessna 180

1956 Cessna 180 for sale
$176,000
For Sale
Total Time 7,200
Reg# N4961A US
Location Caldwell, ID
Via Joe Dory Aviation
Multiple sources

Cessna 180 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
180F 1971–1986 4 140 kts (259 km/h) 700 nm (1,296 km) 1,400 lbs (635 kg) — A classic Skywagon taildragger — a rugged bush and float utility single that holds its value strongly. 1
180K 1980–1985 4 142 kts (263 km/h) 700 nm (1,296 km) 1,400 lbs (635 kg) $225K – $250K A late Skywagon taildragger — a classic bush and float utility single that holds its value strongly. 4

Compare Cessna 180

See how the Cessna 180 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 180 vs Cessna 182 Cessna 180 vs Cessna 185 Cessna 180 vs Cessna 177 Cessna 180 vs De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Cessna 180 vs Maule M-7

Cessna 180 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 180 cost? Used 180 prices: $115K – $314K, average $180K (median $180K), across 38 priced of 17 active listings.

Cessna 180 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 180 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (12.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$7,440/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$18,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$155/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,700 hrs)$30,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 180's cost reflects backcountry, float and ski use — gear, firewall, spar and corrosion checks matter on working airframes, and the Continental O-470 engine time dominates running cost. Float-equipped examples command a premium with extra inspection items.

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

Buying a Used Cessna 180

Buying a Cessna 180 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 180 Skywagon is a classic four-seat tailwheel utility single powered by the Continental O-470 (230 hp), cruising around 140 knots - the rugged conventional-gear aircraft that established Cessna's backcountry and bush reputation. Produced from the 1950s into the early 1980s, it is a sought-after utility and float platform with a devoted following.

Tailwheel utility. The 180 combines the O-470's power with conventional gear for genuine short-field, rough-strip, and float capability. It demands tailwheel proficiency and rewards it with load-hauling and backcountry access a tricycle-gear 172 or 182 cannot match. Configuration and mission history - floats, skis, backcountry mods - heavily shape each aircraft's value.

Ownership focus. Corrosion (especially on float aircraft), engine and propeller history, tailwheel and gearbox condition, and structural repairs from hard use are the primary pre-buy items. A clean, documented 180 is very different from a tired, hard-worked example at a lower price.

180 versus 185. The 185 Skywagon adds more power (300 hp) and useful load; the 180 is the lighter, lower-cost tailwheel Skywagon. Against a tricycle-gear 182 it is more capable off-airport but requires tailwheel skill.

Buy it if you want a rugged, classic tailwheel Cessna for backcountry, float, or utility flying, have tailwheel time, and are prepared to inspect hard-use history and corrosion thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 180

About the Cessna 180
The Cessna 180 is a four-seat, 230-hp tail-dragger utility aircraft produced 1953–1981 — nearly 30 years of continuous production. It uses the Continental O-470 series (230 hp). The 180 is the working-aircraft alternative for pilots who need off-airport capability, rough-field operations, or float-plane conversion without the six-seat payload of the 185. It remains widely used in Alaska bush operations and float fleets worldwide.
180 vs 185 — which tail-dragger Cessna should I buy?
The 185 Skywagon (300 hp) is the step up from the 180: more power, higher useful load (~1,400 lb vs ~1,100 lb), and the bigger engine handles float drag and bush operations more aggressively. The 180 is lighter on its feet, slightly less expensive to own, and delivers genuine four-seat utility — adequate for moderate bush, float, and off-airport use. If maximum useful load and power matter for the mission, the 185 is the right tool; if the 180's capability fits, it costs less to acquire and maintain.
What should I inspect on a used Cessna 180?
Continental O-470 health (compression, exhaust, TBO status), the tailwheel assembly and steering, fabric control surfaces if not re-covered (later 180s use metal), float fittings if it was a float aircraft, and corrosion inspection — many 180s have lived in wet, coastal, or bush environments that accelerate corrosion. A pre-buy by a shop familiar with tail-draggers and Continental O-470 aircraft is essential.
Is the Cessna 180 still practical for bush flying?
Yes — the 180 remains a respected bush and float aircraft. Its simplicity (fixed gear, Continental O-470, relatively clean airframe) and 30-year production run mean parts and expertise are available. For high-and-hot or heavy-load bush operations, the 185 with more power is preferred; the 180 handles moderate bush and float work reliably.
Is the Cessna 180 still in production?
No — production ended in 1981. Cessna does not currently offer the 180. The 180 community is supported by a dedicated maintenance and modification network, particularly in Alaska and bush-aviation circles.

Cessna 180 Inventory by Country

United States39
Canada4
Argentina1
Czechia1
United Kingdom1
Colombia1

Cessna 180 Inventory by State

Idaho6
California4
Arizona3
Florida2
Minnesota2

Cessna 180 by Price

Under $100k1
Under $200k25
Under $300k43
Under $500k46

Recently Sold Cessna 180

1968 180H$100,000
1977 180K$286,049
1962 180F$108,000
1959 180$178,500

Cessna 180 Safety Record

Across all 180 variants, 1114 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1981–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

1114

Total Events

865

Incidents

51

Serious

87

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Nov 08, 2025 Lakeview, AR Incident The pilot’s decision to continue an approach that resulted in a long landing and inability to stop prior to the end of t…
Oct 09, 2025 Imnaha, OR Minor The pilot’s continued application of brakes during an aborted takeoff in a tailwind on down-sloping terrain, which resul…
Sep 27, 2025 Morgan, UT Incident —
Sep 13, 2025 Omaha, NE Incident The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane.
Sep 03, 2025 Reno, NV Incident The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while transitioning from the landing roll to taxi, which resulted in…

NTSB records 1981–2025. Includes all Cessna 180 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 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data