This 1965 Piper PA-24-400 Comanche Is a High-Octane ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

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

Today’s Top Pick is a 1965 Piper PA-24-400 Comanche.

In the mid-1960s, the general aviation industry was locked in a fierce horsepower war. While most manufacturers were content with 250 or 300 hp, Piper decided to end the conversation entirely. It took its aerodynamically slippery Comanche airframe and stuffed it with a massive, 8-cylinder Lycoming engine.

The result was the PA-24-400, a mechanical force that remains one of the most powerful naturally aspirated single-engine production aircraft ever built.

With only 148 units produced, the 400 is a legendary figure in hangars across the country, often whispered about for its blistering speed and industrial-strength climb rates. Finding one that hasn’t been worked to death is a challenge, which makes this example particularly compelling.

Located in Fallbrook, California—a region known for its aircraft-friendly climate—this airframe shows just 2,973 hours since it left Piper’s former Lock Haven, Pennsylvania factory. It represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of the manufacturer’s high-performance peak, maintained with the kind of reverence usually reserved for vintage Ferraris.

The defining feature of this Comanche is the Lycoming IO-720-A1A. While most piston pilots are used to the rhythmic thrum of four or six cylinders, the 400 hp 8-cylinder engine provides a smooth, locomotive-like surge of power. This engine allows the Comanche to cruise at 185 knots, effectively turning long-range, cross-country missions into high-speed sprints. To feed this behemoth, the aircraft is equipped with a long-range, 130-gallon fuel system, giving it the legs to match its pace.

While the exterior retains its classic muscle car silhouette, the interior has been completely reimagined. The owner describes the cabin as a 10/10, featuring a brand-new interior that bridges the gap between 1960s grand touring and modern luxury. It’s a space designed for four adults to travel in comfort, supported by a 1,423-pound useful load that makes packing light a thing of the past.

The panel is a functional mix of heritage and modern requirements. It features reliable Collins digital nav/comm and a Century 3 autopilot for stable cross-country tracking, while a Garmin GTX 335 transponder ensures full ADS-B Out compliance for navigating today’s complex airspace.

Listed at $149,000, this PA-24-400 is for the pilot who wants to stand out on the ramp and lead the pack in the air. It is a high-octane alternative to the modern composite fleet, offering a visceral flying experience that you can feel in the seat of your pants.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.