Classic Piper blends vintage charm with modern IFR capability. Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale highlights an airplane that stands out for being unique, a good value, or possessing other notable qualities. Readers can find Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1958 Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer.
While many vintage aircraft require a compromise between classic aesthetics and modern utility, this 1958 Tri-Pacer offers both. It represents a well-preserved piece of general aviation history thoughtfully updated for today’s pilot. The Piper Tri-Pacer, introduced in the early 1950s, was pivotal in transitioning from taildraggers to tricycle-gear aircraft. Developed from the tailwheel PA-20 Pacer, the PA-22 features a nosewheel that simplifies ground handling for the average pilot, and it competed directly with the emerging Cessna 172. Its distinctive high-stance landing gear earned it the affectionate nickname “Flying Milk Stool.” Despite that quirky name, the design achieved massive sales success, outselling its taildragger predecessor by about six to one.
This airframe stands out as a high-performance PA-22-160 variant. It is powered by a 160 hp Lycoming O-320-B2B engine, offering a useful load of 814 pounds and cruise speeds that rival many modern trainers.
“The Tri-Pacer’s nosewheel and handling improvements made it a practical stepping stone from taildraggers to more user-friendly, modern general aviation aircraft.”
Author’s note: This restored Tri-Pacer showcases a balanced fusion of classic styling and contemporary practicality, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking historical significance without sacrificing modern flight characteristics.
Summary: A meticulously preserved 1958 Piper PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer that blends vintage aesthetics with modern performance, powered by a Lycoming O-320-B2B and offering a substantial useful load, making it a standout restoration with practical flight capability.