Piper J-3 Cub Aircraft 1950s
Pre-1980 piston singles are heritage airframes that have typically been rebuilt and refurbished multiple times — original avionics replaced with modern Garmin or Avidyne panels, engines on at least one mid-time overhaul cycle, interiors refreshed once or twice. Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion (especially wing carry-through, tail, gear), AD compliance history, log-book continuity, engine cylinder borescope. Heritage value can be meaningful for original aircraft in restored condition.
2 used Piper J-3 Cub aircraft for sale 1950s · 2-seat · $92K – $135K · updated 8 hours ago
About the Piper J-3 Cub
The Piper J-3 Cub is the iconic 1930s-40s yellow taildragger that taught more pilots than any other aircraft of its era. A simple, two-seat tube-and-fabric trainer (rear-pilot seat, in the back), it cruises around 75 knots on a small Continental A-65 engine and is one of the most beloved aircraft in aviation history. The J-3 is a flying classic: limited capability by modern standards, but the experience of flying a Cub from the back seat with the door open is unmatched.
Piper J-3 Cub Specifications
Model specThe Piper J-3 Cub is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 65 kt (120 km/h), a range of 191 nm (354 km).
2 Piper J-3 Cub For Sale
There are currently 2 used Piper J-3 Cub for sale, ranging from $92,311 to $135,000, with a median asking price of $113,655.
Compare Piper J-3 Cub
See how the Piper J-3 Cub stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Piper J-3 Cub Price & Cost
How much does a Piper J-3 Cub cost? Used J-3 Cub prices: $92K – $135K, average $113K (median $113K), across 2 priced of 2 active listings.
Based on 9 priced listings.
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Piper J-3 Cub
When buying a Piper J-3 Cub, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.
What to check before buying
- Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
- Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Piper J-3 Cub
How much does a Piper J-3 Cub cost?
What is the difference between the J-3 Cub and the Super Cub?
Is the J-3 Cub a good first taildragger?
Piper J-3 Cub Inventory by Country
| United States | 19 |
| Switzerland | 4 |
| Canada | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
Piper J-3 Cub Inventory by State
| Arizona | 2 |
| California | 2 |
| Florida | 2 |
| Texas | 2 |
Piper J-3 Cub by Price
| Under $100k | 16 |
| Under $200k | 21 |
| Under $300k | 22 |
| Under $500k | 22 |
Piper J-3 Cub Safety Record
Across all J-3 Cub variants, 3 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1984–1990. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 29, 1990 | CLAY BANKS, WI | Incident | PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING THE DESCENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE THE PILOT'S POOR WEA… |
| Jun 22, 1984 | HOMESTEAD, FL | Incident | — |
| Jan 14, 1984 | LOMPOC, CA | Incident | — |
NTSB records 1984–1990. Includes all Piper J-3 Cub variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.