1945 Piper Cub – Don’s Dream Machine: A Classic Taildragger that Defines Simple Flying

The Piper Cub is more than just an airplane — it’s a symbol of American aviation heritage. Few aircraft capture the essence of flight as purely as the Cub, and this 1945 Piper Cub J3C-65, N42516, is an excellent example of that timeless design, enhanced by the Don’s Dream Machines STC. Restored in 2005 with Ceconite covering and lovingly maintained ever since, this Cub represents a perfect blend of classic craftsmanship and reliable performance. Always hangared, flown weekly, and meticulously cared for, this aircraft is a rare opportunity for pilots who appreciate history, simplicity, and hands-on flying.

This particular example will be offered for auction by Airspace Auctions, starting at $24,000, with a 6% buyer premium and a $2,000 deposit required. It’s a true collector’s aircraft that also remains ready to fly — a living piece of aviation history powered by one of the most trusted names in small aircraft engines: Don’s Dream Machines.

The Legacy of the Piper Cub

Few aircraft have influenced aviation like the Piper Cub. Introduced in the 1930s by Piper Aircraft, the Cub became a defining aircraft for general aviation and pilot training. Designed by Clarence Gilbert Taylor and first produced as the Taylor E-2 Cub, the design was acquired and improved by William T. Piper, who saw its potential as an affordable airplane for the masses.

During the 1930s and 1940s, the Cub became the go-to trainer for a generation of pilots. By World War II, the L-4 Grasshopper, a military variant of the Cub, played a crucial role in reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and liaison duties. After the war, the Cub transitioned back into civilian life, where it became the quintessential recreational aircraft for thousands of pilots who sought to experience the joy of simple flying.

The Cub’s reputation for rugged reliability, low operating costs, and forgiving handling made it a legend. It remains a popular aircraft among enthusiasts, restorers, and vintage aircraft collectors. Its docile flight characteristics, combined with outstanding visibility and tailwheel control, continue to attract those who prefer stick-and-rudder flying in its purest form.

Piper Aircraft – Building the Spirit of General Aviation

Piper Aircraft was founded in the late 1930s in Bradford, Pennsylvania, by William T. Piper, often called the “Henry Ford of Aviation.” Piper’s philosophy was to make flying affordable and accessible — a belief embodied perfectly in the Cub.

From its early days through the post-war boom, Piper continued developing aircraft that met the needs of private owners, flight schools, and utility operations. Models such as the PA-18 Super Cub, Cherokee, Comanche, and Saratoga built on the Cub’s legacy, solidifying Piper’s reputation as a manufacturer of dependable, pilot-friendly airplanes.

The company’s enduring commitment to simplicity, efficiency, and practicality made Piper a cornerstone of general aviation — a brand synonymous with reliability and performance for nearly a century.

The 1945 Piper Cub J3C-65 – A Classic Restored

This particular 1945 Piper Cub J3C-65, serial number 14789, is a standout example that has benefited from a careful restoration and continuous maintenance. Featuring the Don’s Dream Machines STC, it brings enhanced reliability and performance while preserving the aircraft’s vintage charm.

The restoration, completed in 2005, included a full Ceconite fabric covering, and since then, the aircraft has been kept hangared and flown weekly — a critical factor in maintaining both condition and airworthiness. It’s a Cub that “needs nothing,” as its current owner states, offering both the historical appeal and the practicality of a ready-to-fly aircraft.

Don’s Dream Machines – Powering the Heart of the Cub

The highlight of this 1945 Piper Cub is the Don’s Dream Machines STC — a name that carries significant respect in the world of classic aircraft engines. Don’s Dream Machines, based in Georgia, became legendary for its precise, performance-oriented overhauls of small Continental and Lycoming engines. The shop earned a reputation for excellence among vintage aircraft owners, particularly Piper Cub and Aeronca enthusiasts, who sought reliability without compromising originality.

This Cub’s Continental C85-12F engine was overhauled by Don’s Dream Machines in November 2007, and since then, has logged only 246 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). That means the powerplant remains in top mechanical shape, delivering smooth, dependable performance. Don’s Dream Machines engines are known for running cooler, starting easier, and lasting longer — attributes that give this Cub exceptional dependability in flight.

For pilots familiar with vintage aircraft, seeing a Don’s Dream Machines overhaul in the logs is a mark of quality — a testament to careful craftsmanship and precision engineering. It elevates this Cub beyond ordinary restorations, offering peace of mind and assurance of performance for years to come.

The Experience of Flying a Piper Cub

Flying a Cub is unlike flying any modern aircraft. There’s no pretense — just the raw, tactile connection between pilot, machine, and air. The Cub’s gentle stall characteristics, exceptional low-speed control, and outstanding visibility make it one of the most forgiving aircraft ever built.

This particular Cub, with its Don’s Dream Machines power, offers smooth takeoffs, confident climbs, and steady cruise performance. Its light control inputs and forgiving tailwheel manners are perfect for grass strips or short runways, while the 85-horsepower engine gives it the extra punch that many pilots wish for in a J3.

Whether you’re a vintage aircraft enthusiast, a tailwheel trainer, or someone seeking the pure joy of open-air flight, N42516 delivers an authentic, satisfying experience that connects you to the roots of aviation.

A Piece of Aviation History Ready to Fly

Owning a Cub is about more than transportation — it’s about preserving a chapter of aviation history. This 1945 model, restored and powered by Don’s Dream Machines, represents the perfect combination of authenticity and reliability. It’s a machine that bridges the past and present, offering the same simple joy of flight that pilots experienced over 80 years ago.

With its careful restoration, low-time engine, and attention to mechanical detail, this Piper Cub is a turn-key classic. It embodies the values that Piper built its name on: dependability, simplicity, and the freedom to fly.

Airframe

The airframe of N42516 represents classic Piper Cub design — lightweight, responsive, and aerodynamically efficient. Built in 1945, it features a steel tube fuselage and wooden wing structure, all covered with Ceconite fabric during its 2005 restoration.

With a total airframe time of 2,440 hours, this Cub has been gently used throughout its life. It has been kept in a hangar, shielded from the elements, and flown weekly, ensuring components remain lubricated and operational. The annual inspection, completed on December 8, 2024, confirms its continued airworthiness.

Performance figures are true to the classic Cub heritage:

• Cruise Speed: 73 knots
  
• Stall Speed: 33 knots
  
• Range: 146 nautical miles
  
• Useful Load: 389 pounds
  
• Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons
  

This makes it ideal for low-and-slow flying, sightseeing, or local hops from grass strips — a pilot’s airplane in every sense of the word.

Engine

At the heart of this Cub is the Continental C85-12F, a four-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 85 horsepower. This engine, serial number 29778-7-8, was overhauled by Don’s Dream Machines in 2007, with 246 hours SMOH to date.

Continental’s C85 is an evolution of the A65, offering improved power without compromising the Cub’s lightweight balance and docile handling. The combination of the C85 and the Don’s Dream Machines treatment ensures smooth operation, reliable starts, and efficient fuel consumption.

Pilots who have flown Don’s engines often remark on their refined balance, responsive throttle behavior, and minimal vibration — qualities that enhance both comfort and control during flight. With this setup, N42516 is ready to perform for years ahead, offering the rare combination of vintage authenticity and modern reliability.

Propeller

Power from the Continental engine is delivered through a McCauley 1B90/CM7343 aluminum, two-blade, fixed-pitch propeller. The propeller, serial number 2934, was recently overhauled on February 1, 2025, by Byam Propeller Service Inc., with only 11 hours since overhaul (SPOH).

This modern overhaul ensures balanced, vibration-free performance and efficiency, complementing the freshly maintained powerplant. The McCauley prop remains a trusted choice for the Cub, offering dependable performance with minimal maintenance.

Avionics

As with most classic taildraggers, this Piper Cub features a straightforward VFR panel, true to its vintage roots but equipped for reliable operation:

• ICOM Handheld Transmitter
  
• EBC-502 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
  
• RPM Gauge
  
• Airspeed Indicator
  
• Compass
  
• Altimeter
  
• Oil Temperature and Oil Pressure Gauges
  

While not IFR-capable, this minimalist setup keeps weight low and reliability high — ideal for pilots who prefer simple, hands-on flying without the distraction of unnecessary electronics.

Exterior

The exterior of this 1945 Piper Cub captures the timeless image that has become iconic in general aviation. Finished in classic Piper Cub yellow, it’s immediately recognizable on any ramp or grass strip. The aircraft was fully recovered in 2005 using Ceconite, a modern synthetic fabric known for durability and UV resistance.

The finish remains in excellent condition, with no signs of corrosion or wear, consistent with its hangared life. From the spinner to the tailwheel, this Cub radiates pride of ownership — a beautifully preserved example that turns heads wherever it goes.

Interior

The interior mirrors the same dedication to authenticity and cleanliness. Featuring black vinyl seats, yellow-and-black trim, and wood flooring, the cabin feels like a step back in time — yet with the comfort and quality of a professionally restored classic.

The two-seat tandem layout offers excellent visibility for both pilot and passenger, while the straightforward control setup reinforces what flying is all about: a stick, a throttle, and the open sky.

Every surface reflects care and attention to detail, from the polished control yoke to the neat panel layout. The rear seat shoulder harness adds a touch of safety and practicality, blending vintage charm with modern sensibility.

Additional Features

Beyond its airworthiness and aesthetics, this Cub includes several valuable upgrades and refinements that enhance handling and usability:

• Grove Brakes – Improved stopping power and reliability.
  
• Maule Tailwheel – Enhances ground handling and directional control.
  
• Rear Seat Shoulder Harness – Added safety for passengers.
  
• Complete Logbooks – No gaps, providing full historical traceability.
  
• Restoration after 1973 Incident – Professionally completed, with no remaining damage or flaws.
  
• No Known Corrosion or Flaws – The airframe and components remain clean and sound.
  

These features make it clear that this Cub was built and maintained with both safety and enjoyment in mind. It’s a pilot’s aircraft, ready to fly — not just to display.

Auction Information

This 1945 Piper Cub – Don’s Dream Machine Mod (N42516) will be offered by Airspace Auctions at Flying Oaks, providing an opportunity to own one of the most iconic aircraft in general aviation history.

• Year: 1945
  
• Make: Piper
  
• Model: Cub – Don’s Dream Machine Mod
  
• Serial Number: 14789
  
• Registration: N42516
  
• Category: Normal
  
• Seats: 2
  
• Total Time: 2,440
  
• Overhaul Time: 246 SMOH
  
• Starting Bid: $24,000
  
• Buyer Premium: 6%
  
• Deposit Required: $2,000
  

This aircraft is always hangared, flown weekly, and needs nothing. It’s a rare opportunity to own a classic Piper Cub that combines the best of vintage charm and mechanical excellence.

Conclusion

The 1945 Piper Cub J3C-65 (N42516) represents everything that makes vintage aviation so rewarding. With its Don’s Dream Machines STC, it delivers reliable power and confident performance, while maintaining the authenticity that has defined the Piper Cub for generations.

Restored with care, always protected, and flown regularly, this aircraft embodies value, reliability, and timeless performance — the hallmarks of both Piper and Don’s Dream Machines. For the pilot seeking the purity of flight, or the collector wanting a genuine piece of aviation history, this Cub stands ready to deliver decades more of dependable enjoyment.

Specifications and/or descriptions are provided as introductory information only and do not constitute representations or warranties. Verification of specifications remains the sole responsibility of the purchaser.