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 1946 Ercoupe 415-C.
Vintage aircraft fans looking for something simple, affordable, and undeniably charming should take a close look at this Ercoupe 415-C. Coming into its own in the golden era of postwar general aviation, the classic two-seater still offers easy, economical flying with a low operating cost and big curb appeal on any airport ramp.
Though more than 75 years have passed since it rolled off the assembly line, this Ercoupe embodies a timeless sense of fun. Its twin-tail design and bubble canopy have always turned heads, but pilots value the airplane just as much for its forgiving handling, light controls, and unique design philosophy that originally did away with rudder pedals altogether.
While some models have since been modified, the spirit of simplicity remains.
This 1946 example is based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and comes with a freshly updated avionics suite. It includes a Flightline FL-760 COM, Uavionix AV-30 digital attitude indicator, digital VSI, temperature backup instruments, Narco AT150 transponder, Uavionix tailBeacon with ADS-B Out, and new electrical panel with circuit breakers and a dedicated avionics master switch.
Power comes from a Continental C85-12F engine with 789 hours since a major overhaul, completed by Aviation Engines Inc. in 2007. Compression readings remain strong, and the engine features a spin-on oil filter adapter. The propeller is a McCauley 1A105/SCM7146, repitched in 2014 and showing 573 hours since.
With a total time of 3,147 hours on the airframe and a useful load of 429 pounds, this Ercoupe is ideal for solo flights or a scenic ride with a passenger. The fabric-covered wings are reported to be in good condition, and the airplane features LED wing tip nav lights and a dual Univair landing light kit. An extensive $10,000 annual was completed in 2023, and the next is not due until August 2025.
This classic Ercoupe, priced at just $29,000, also qualifies under FAA light sport aircraft (LSA) rules, making it flyable by sport pilots. It is a smart choice for affordable personal transportation, time building, or weekend $100 hamburger runs.
If you’re interested in financing, you can start the process with FLYING Finance. Take a look at our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments. Or, to connect with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.
- FLYING Magazine: Approachable Aircraft: Ercoupe
- FLYING Magazine: Hawaii Lessons in an Ercoupe
- FLYING Magazine: The Process of Obtaining a Medical Certificate
- Plane & Pilot: ERCO Ercoupe, 1937
- Plane & Pilot: Ercoupe
- Plane & Pilot: The Ugliest Light Planes (That Only Their Owners Find Beautiful)
- The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Ercoupe and Cadet
