Cessna 177 Cardinal for Sale

The Cessna 177 Cardinal traces its roots back to the late 1950s, a period marked by the introduction of tricycle landing gear, a novelty for newly designed airplanes. First certified in 1959 and presented as a 1960 model, the original 177 and 177A were 2900-pound aircraft featuring a Continental IO-470-E engine, an injected iteration of the engine used in the 182. Distinct from its 182 origins were the strut-braced wing and seating for 4 occupants. Several noteworthy distinctions set it apart.

Enthusiasts often highlight the innovative "twist and tuck" gear retraction design pioneered for the 177 and later applied to all high-wing retractable Cessnas. Initial models depended on engine-driven hydraulic pump, eventually upgraded to an electrohydraulic system.

In 1961, Cessna introduced the 177A, retaining the IO-470-E engine with 1500-hour TBO. The 177B followed in 1964, featuring Continental's IO-520-A, a 1700-hour TBO, and an additional 100-pound gross weight. Notably, optional child seats in the baggage area catered to flying families.

The turbocharged T177F (powered by a TSIO-520-C with a 1400-hour TBO) emerged in 1965, accompanied by a fuel capacity increase to 90 gallons, maintained until the introduction of the -R models. In 1967, Cessna ushered in a major aesthetic change, transitioning from a strut-braced wing to a cantilevered design, imparting a faster, sleeker, and more modern appearance.

The 1970 177K model saw Cessna augment baggage space, add 2 seats, and raise gross weight to 3400 pounds. In 1971, a power boost to 300 HP came with the 177L, still employing the reliable IO-520-L. The 177M in 1977 featured 3800-pound gross weight, followed by the 177N in 1979, which dispensed with gear doors. Ninety gallons of fuel became the standard tankage for models from 177G-N.

The pinnacle was reached with the 177R, sharing the IO-520-L and a 3850-pound gross weight. Production concluded with the 1986 T177R, the last of its kind, featuring a 325-HP TSIO-520-CE, a 1600-hour TBO, and a 4100-pound gross. Turbocharged models outsold their naturally aspirated counterparts by nearly two to one by the end of production.