I know that Piper was loosing out to Cessna in the low cost 4 seater market in the late 50’s so they commissioned Fred Weick (father of the Ercoupe) and Jim Thorp(home-built designer) to design a low cost, easy to build all metal replacement for the antiquated, fabric covered Tri_Pacer. It was built in a new plant in Florida to escape union labor cost. Actually easier to fly than a Cessna 172(especially in high winds) they are still built today as the Archer. Next year if the creek does not rise plan on buying a PA28-140 of the 60’s vintage which can be bought in the states for about $20,000.