Family Car of the Air

[n2582d]

( The 170 was always an entry-level, economy airplane despite it sometimes being called a "businessliner" ...it was also called the "family car of the air", etc.) It still is.

Click to Enlarge

Interestingly, this was was not Cessna’s first try at a “Family Car of the Air”. It was the the P-370 - “P” for project. This is from Edward H. Phillips’ Cessna A Master’s Expression p. 131:

Cessna P-370 Click to Enlarge

I think by 1949 Cessna realized that the “Family Car of the Air” idea wasn’t going to fly. In these 1949 ads from Skyways magazine you can see the transition Cessna is making from marketing the 170 from a personal use aircraft to a business tool- a businessliner.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

[GAHorn]

Here’s a 1953 Cessna Businessliner Advert:

And THIS one should not be Missed.... I’m read to ORDER ONE!:

[n2582d]

Top picture looks more like a '52 model to me. Gotta love the steering wheel control yokes in the bottom advertisement. I've never seen that advertisement before. Where'd you find it? The text doesn't specify any particular model Cessna but it appears to be something on the drawing board during the war years. 600 miles before lunch ... 150 mph ... P-370 or C-190/195?

[GAHorn]

It’s a ‘52 paint scheme which was published in early ‘53.

[170C]

I finally checked the two Cessna 170 advertisements in my hangar this morning. (Had snow in Middle TN today!) One ad was for the Family Car of the Air and the plane was a '48 model. The other one is for the '54 model and makes no mention of either moniker. Later one just points out vrs pluses the Cessna has over competition and both ads were black & white.

[cessna170bdriver]

Flying Magazine February 1955

Flying Magazine March 1955

[n2582d]

It’s interesting that Cessna marketing, during the war years, focused selling their aircraft to women. They were way ahead of their time! Huge “steering wheel” control yoke and windows look like it is the P-370 they were anticipating selling. Notice the women often in the left seat. Click on picture to enlarge.

[rnealon1]

I want to install these control wheels.

[mmcmillan2]

Those are great!

[GAHorn]

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I want to install these control wheels.

Would you be willing to give up your last pair of nylons for them…??

[johneeb]

What are nylons?

[GAHorn]

What are nylons?

They’re what you carry in the pocket of your A-2 jacket along with chocolate-bars, the 1911 and prophylactics.