I remember when Cessna Bird Dogs were quite common and you could see them flying in CAP units, towing banners and gliders. I paid $18,00 for my first L-19 (have owned three) back in the 80s. No one gave them much attention as a War Bird, they were all just cheap working airplanes. The T-41 currently "enjoys" that status and does not get a lot of respect since it was just a trainer.
Fast forward a few years when they are no longer in Flying clubs and the few survivors of the 255 B models that were built will become not quite as common and will start edging up in cost.
If you can find a Army T-41B that still has it's original IO-360 210 hp engine I would snap it up because they are fast becoming the next Bird Dog as far as appreciation in value is concerned and will be priced out of reach for most of us in the not to distant future just like the $100,000 L-19s are now. Every Dog has it's day in the Sun.
The advantages of a T-41B are it is a decent "Squadron Hack" with respectable cross country ability, easy to fly and maintain. Parts are plentiful and insurance and operating costs are low.
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