I think the C185 Skywagon is one of the most practical aeroplanes ever built. I goes just fast enough and takes off and lands in about 700 FEET at max weight.
The IO-520 (300 hp fuel injected) is a lovely smooth power plant that will haul you out of almost any field, and climb away at well over 1000 fpm with 6 people What other STOL aircraft gives you about 1700lbs useful load.
I would love to fly one again so if there are any out there needing the dust blown off them give me a shout, I have just over 400 hours on type.
Here is a good pilot report about a 185.
This one was for sale at $12,000 a while back. It had been there for 16 years, would make an interesting project.
Tony