Cessna 140 Series for Sale — The Postwar Personal Plane That Started a Generation
The Cessna 140 is where modern Cessna began. Introduced in 1946 to serve the enormous market of returning veterans with GI Bill money and a desire to fly, the Model 140 established the design philosophy — all-metal construction, high wing, side-by-side seating, tricycle or tailwheel gear — that would define Cessna's product line for generations. More than 7,600 Cessna 120s and 140s were built between 1946 and 1950, flooding the market with affordable, capable two-seat personal aircraft and introducing hundreds of thousands of Americans to aircraft ownership for the first time.
Model 120 vs Model 140
The Cessna 120 and 140 were produced simultaneously as companion models: the 120 was the economy version with fabric-covered wings and no flaps, while the 140 featured all-metal wings, flaps, and additional equipment. Both were powered by the Continental C85-12F engine producing 85 horsepower — modest by later standards but entirely adequate for the two-seat personal flying mission. The 140A, introduced in 1949, added a single-piece blown windshield that dramatically improved cabin appearance and forward visibility. Finding an airworthy Cessna 140 today means acquiring an aircraft whose basic design has proven its worth across nearly eight decades of operation.
Find Your Cessna 140 on Airplane Trade
Browse Cessna 120, 140, and 140A aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Airworthy classic personal planes, restoration projects, and collector examples available. Connect with sellers who appreciate the Cessna 140's foundational role in postwar American personal aviation.