Like most other used aircraft, resale values for well-kept and nicely restored J-3 Cubs are up. We’ve been watching prices of classic Cubs climb steadily over the past several years, and it’s easy to draw parallels to the classic car market. Meticulously restored models are often worth as much as someone is willing to pay for them.
The Summer 2021 Aircraft Bluebook suggests that a 1947 J-3 has an average retail value of $20,000, but that’s a rough starting point. Expert restorations can increase that value more than 50 percent. On the other hand, tired Cubs begging for love may be worth half of Bluebook value. Nostalgia aside, these are old flying machines that often need lots of maintenance. But the market may be changing.