This 1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser Is a Rejuvenated ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Postwar classic meets modern muscle in a fully restored, 150 hp time machine.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:05 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser [Credit: Mike Lewis]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser as "Today's Top Pick," an aircraft originally designed for more speed, a wider cabin, and three seats compared to the J-3 Cub.
This specific PA-12 has undergone an extensive "better than new" restoration, including rejuvenated fabric and a powerful 150 hp Lycoming O-320 engine with only 20 hours since major overhaul.
It incorporates significant modern upgrades for safety, performance, and utility, such as STC flaps, four-point harnesses, ADS-B Out, and updated avionics, blending its historical soul with modern reliability for $128,500.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser.

While the legendary J-3 Cub captured the hearts of the postwar generation with its simplicity, the PA-12 Super Cruiser was designed for the pilot who wanted more speed, a wider cabin, and the ability to bring two friends along for the ride. This airframe represents the pinnacle of that evolution, bridging the gap between a simple trainer and a rugged, three-seat bush plane.

This aircraft is more than vintage—it is a masterclass in restoration. Having been completely disassembled and mechanically restored to a standard the seller describes as “better than new,” the airframe features rejuvenated fuselage fabric and a brand-new, AD-compliant Univair rudder. With 2,322 total hours on the airframe and a fresh annual inspection completed in August 2025, it stands as a turnkey solution for the pilot who values historical soul paired with modern reliability.

The true transformation of this Super Cruiser lies under the cowl. Replacing the original, modest powerplant is a newly overhauled Lycoming O-320-A1A producing 150 hp—a massive performance leap that turns this classic into a serious backcountry contender. With only 20 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), the engine is essentially in its break-in period. Modern upgrades like a Plane-Power 70-watt alternator and a Sky-Tech lightweight starter ensure that this 1940s legend starts and charges with 21st-century consistency.

1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser [Credit: Mike Lewis]

The PA-12 has always been famous for its seating arrangement, making it a unique family cruiser. This example enhances that mission with PA-18 style STC flaps for superior short-field performance and master brake cylinders for precise ground handling. Safety was a priority during the restoration, evidenced by the installation of four-point shoulder harnesses for all three occupants and a completely new electrical system with properly sized wiring and circuit breakers.

The cockpit is a thoughtful mix of heritage and utility. While it retains its classic charm, it is equipped for modern airspace with a uAvionics Tail Beacon for ADS-B Out and a Bendix King KX-125 Nav/Comm. A new Westach four-way instrument gauge provides the pilot with critical engine data (oil temp/PSI, EGT, and CHT) at a glance, while a new USB port with an integrated voltmeter keeps modern gadgets charged during cross-country treks.

Listed at $128,500, this Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of aviation history that has been mechanically reimagined for the modern era.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.