This 1953 Cessna 170B Is a Classic, Utilitarian ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

A smooth, forgiving flier, the 170B might be the ideal taildragger for many pilots.

1953 Cessna 170B [Courtesy: Toribio LLC]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

A quick look at the Cessna 170B will identify the four-seat taildragger as a close relative of the later tricycle-gear 172. Indeed, the 172 began life as a 170 modified for a nosewheel, and its immediate success spelled the end for the 170.

Some pilots still consider the 170 a prettier, more graceful-looking airplane and seek them out. Fortunately, there are still quite a few of the original 5,000-plus that Cessna built during the late 1940s and early ’50s.

The 170B can be an ideal choice for pilots who generally like the way the 172 flies but would rather have something less common and more interesting. The 170’s beautifully curved tail surfaces and relaxed tailwheel stance on the ramp mark it as a vintage machine, but its four seats and decent useful load make it a practical traveling companion.  

This 1953 170B has 3,300 hours on the airframe and 285 hours on its 145 hp Continental O-300 engine. The aircraft was repainted in 2022, and its interior was reupholstered in 1999. 

The panel includes a Narco digital nav/com with ILS and a Garmin GNC 300XL GPS/com in addition to original engine and flight instruments.

Pilots who want a utilitarian vintage taildragger with good looks, forgiving flight characteristics, and reliable performance should consider this 1953 Cessna 170B, which is available for $89,500 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use its airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

Flying Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox