Aircraft for Sale: 1965 PIPER comanche pa-24-260 (N8663P)

Own a legendary cross-country machine that balances vintage style with modern reliability. This PA-24-260 is a rare find, boasting exceptionally low total time, a fresh engine, and a robust avionics suite designed for serious IFR travel.

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Details

  • Aircraft For*Sale
  • State: Vermont
  • Maximum Seats4

Manufacturer year

1965

Serial Number

24-4110

Registration Number

N8663P

Make/Model

PIPER comanche pa-24-260

Airframe

Total Time: 1,842 Hours (Low Time)

Engine Details (e.g. Total Engine Time; Suggested TBO; Hours Remaining)

Engine: ~100 SMOH (Superior Maintenance) Propeller: 3-Blade High-Performance Hartzell, 503.8hrs since NEW

Performance Specs

This Comanche is optimized for speed and endurance: Speed Mods: LoPresti Speed Mods and Gap Seals. Fuel Capacity: 110 Gallons total (90g in 4 wing tanks + 20g rear auxiliary). Endurance: 6.5 7+ hours with reserves. Efficiency: ~12.5 gal​/​hr cruise at 160 KTAS. Payload: ~1,200 lbs useful load.

Avionics

Updated IFR Avionics Panel Equipped with a modern, redundant panel featuring a coupled 3-axis autopilot: Primary​/​Backup: Garmin G5 Electronic Flight Instrument & Aera 660 (Panel Mounted). GPS​/​Transponder: Garmin 375 (ADSB-In​/​Out) coupled to G5 and Autopilot. Autopilot: Century 2000 3-Axis with Altitude Hold. Radios: KX 155 Bendix​/​King Nav​/​Com (with Glide Slope) & Narco Com with separate VOR. Connectivity: Stratus ADSB receiver with Bluetooth for iPad integration. Engine Monitoring: Insight Graphic Engine Monitor & Fuel Scan 450 Fuel Flow indicator. Intercom: 4-place system.

Interior/Exterior; Additional Equipment

Interior & Extras New carpet recently installed. Dual VORs and dual GPS for maximum mission redundancy.

Maintenance Details

Maintenance: Full and complete logbooks; No damage history; Always hangared. Key Fix: Aussie Horn Stabilizer replacement installed (Permanent, fully compliant fix for the stabilizer AD).

Aircraft Model Overview (Reference only)

The Piper PA-24-260 Comanche is a sleek and highly regarded high-performance piston single that became one of the standout cross-country aircraft of the 1960s. Developed as an evolution of the earlier Comanche line, the PA-24-260 introduced greater power and improved overall capability while preserving the aerodynamic efficiency that made the series famous. At the heart of the 1965 Comanche 260 is the dependable Lycoming IO-540 engine, producing 260 horsepower. This engine gives the aircraft strong climb performance and cruise speeds in the ~155–160 knot range, placing it among the faster piston singles of its era. Combined with retractable landing gear and a streamlined low-wing airframe, the Comanche delivers excellent speed and fuel efficiency for long-distance flying. One of the defining features of the PA-24 series is its laminar-flow wing and aerodynamic fuselage, which contribute to its reputation for efficient cross-country performance. The aircraft’s relatively low drag profile allows it to achieve ranges approaching 900–1,000 nautical miles, depending on fuel configuration and operating conditions. The cabin typically accommodates four occupants and provides a practical layout for personal and business travel. While not as spacious as larger six-seat aircraft, the Comanche’s focus was always performance and efficiency. Many surviving aircraft have since been modernized with upgraded avionics, autopilots, and IFR equipment, significantly extending their usefulness in modern operations. Within the aviation community, the Comanche 260 is often regarded as a “pilot’s airplane”—rewarding proper technique with excellent handling, efficient operation, and impressive cruise performance. It remains especially popular among owner-pilots who value speed and aerodynamic refinement. The 1965 Piper Comanche PA-24-260 continues to be one of the most respected classic high-performance singles in general aviation. Its blend of speed, efficiency, and timeless design ensures its continued appeal decades after production ended.

Additional Notes

Summary: This is a "no-excuses" Comanche. With its low airframe time, recent overhaul, and permanent AD compliance, it is ready to be put to work as a high-speed family traveler or a reliable IFR platform.

Location

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$159,900.00