1946 Piper J-3 Cub
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedDescription
1946 Piper J-3 Cub - 993 Hours Since New - Beautifully Refurbished Step into a true piece of aviation history with this classic 1946 Piper J-3 Cub. With just 993 total hours since new, this aircraft is an exceptional example of one of the most iconic taildraggers ever built. This Cub underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2004, bringing it back to outstanding condition while preserving its vintage charm. It has been well cared for since, reflecting pride of ownership and proper maintenance throughout its life. Highlights: Total Time: 993 hours since new Airframe: 1946 Piper J-3 Cub Restoration: Complete refurbishment in 2004 Condition: Clean, well-maintained, and ready to fly Classic appeal: Original style with refreshed components The Piper Cub is renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and unmatched low-and-slow flying experience. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic weekend flyer, a trainer, or a standout addition to your collection, this aircraft delivers. Aircraft like this-with ultra-low time and documented refurbishment-are becoming increasingly rare. Don't miss the opportunity to own a beautifully preserved legend of general aviation. Serious inquiries only. Additional details, logs, and photos available upon request.
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Listing Source
trade-a-plane.com
|
$70,000
|
Brighton, CO | Apr 13, 2026 | 96 days | Active |
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Piper J-3 Cub loan calculator
AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Piper J-3 Cub
This 1946 Piper J-3 Cub is a 2-seat single engine piston with 993 hours on the airframe. There are currently 29 J-3 Cub aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $33,000 to $99,484. This aircraft is priced above the market average at $70,000.
The J-3 Cub cruises at 65 kts (120 km/h) with a range of 191 nm (354 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights. Service ceiling of 11,500 ft allows operation above most weather.
Operating costs: Fuel burn is 4 GPH (15 L/h), which at current 100LL avgas prices (~$6.20/gal) means approximately $25/hr in fuel alone.
NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Piper J-3 Cub — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimatePIPER J-3 Cub
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the PIPER J-3 Cub. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
Registration number not available.
Location & Ownership
Title Status
No FAA title records
Available for US-registered aircraft only
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.
Safety Record
NTSB safety data coming soon.
Price vs Typical Asking Range
This asking price is above the typical asking range for this model, roughly $43,125–$69,652.
Based on current asking prices for comparable listings — asking prices only, not an appraisal or sale price.