The Cessna 177 was designed to be a trendy looking C172 replacement....but it never happened.

One of the intial problems was the all flying tailplane, leading to stability problems. They eventually got it right.

The initial 150 hp version was underpowered, I was once a part-owner of one converted to 180-hp with a CS prop, even then it was only just adequate.

Used to plan on 125 kts, very comfortable seating for the rear passengers.