1953 Piper PA-18A Super Cub – A Well-Maintained Classic Built for Adventure

The 1953 Piper Super Cub is one of aviation’s most iconic and enduring aircraft. Known for its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, high-wing design, and rugged simplicity, the Super Cub has long been a favorite of bush pilots, backcountry adventurers, flight schools, and general aviation enthusiasts. The particular aircraft featured in this upcoming auction—N8858C—is a standout example of the breed. With a fresh Annual, complete logbooks, modern avionics, and a well-documented maintenance history, this aircraft represents reliability, value, and balanced performance in every respect.

A Brief History of the Piper Super Cub

Introduced in 1949, the Piper PA-18 Super Cub was developed as an evolution of the earlier J-3 Cub. While the J-3 gained popularity as a primary trainer during World War II, the PA-18 was designed to offer more power, greater utility, and improved performance. Fitted with engines ranging from 95 to 150 horsepower, the Super Cub became a go-to platform for utility work, bush flying, agricultural operations, and sport flying.

With its light weight, simple construction, and high-lift wing design, the Super Cub can operate from unimproved fields, gravel bars, snow, and water—depending on configuration. The aircraft’s stick-and-rudder flight characteristics and ability to fly low and slow have made it a favorite among pilots seeking adventure and backcountry access. It remained in production until 1994, with more than 10,000 aircraft built.

Piper Aircraft Company: A Legacy of Dependability

Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida, Piper Aircraft has been a pillar in general aviation for nearly a century. Known for designs that balance simplicity with performance, Piper has produced some of the most widely used GA aircraft in the world—from the J-3 Cub to the Cherokee, Archer, Saratoga, and Malibu lines.

Piper’s philosophy has always revolved around accessibility, durability, and safety. The company’s aircraft are built to last, and the Super Cub is perhaps the best representation of that ethos. Even decades after production ended, Piper Super Cubs continue to operate in some of the world’s most remote and rugged environments, testifying to the design’s enduring reliability.

The 1953 Piper Super Cub (PA-18A): N8858C

The Super Cub offered in this auction is a 1953 PA-18A with a tail number of N8858C and serial number 18-2922. This aircraft is based in San Diego, CA, and is being presented in well-maintained condition, with complete logbooks, no incident history, no corrosion, and no known flaws. A fresh Annual inspection completed in February 2025 ensures the aircraft is turn-key and ready to fly.

This PA-18A is configured for two seats and classified under the Normal category. It’s a single-engine landplane (SEL), with 5,742 total time on the airframe, and an overhauled engine with just 632 hours since major overhaul.

Airframe

The airframe of this 1953 Super Cub reflects careful ownership and consistent maintenance. With 5,742 total hours, this aircraft has been used regularly but not excessively, suggesting balanced utilization and responsible care. The aircraft features a fuel capacity of 36 gallons, a useful load of 820 pounds, and a maximum cruise speed of 110 mph.

Its stall speed of just 42 mph makes it ideal for short or unimproved runways, and its range of approximately 450 miles gives it enough endurance for cross-country flights or remote backcountry trips. The airframe condition is further validated by a Fresh Annual inspection completed on February 5, 2025—a critical sign of airworthiness.

Most notably, this aircraft comes with complete logbooks and no history of incidents, gaps, or corrosion—key indicators that it has been professionally and consistently cared for.

Engine

Power is supplied by a Lycoming O-320-A1A engine, a four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled engine known for its robust performance and simplicity. This engine delivers 150 horsepower, giving the Super Cub the thrust it needs for short takeoff and climb performance even when loaded.

This engine was last overhauled on June 10, 1984, and it currently has 632 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). While the overhaul date may seem older, the low SMOH time and consistent logbook entries point to limited post-overhaul hours and excellent engine health.

Lycoming engines are widely supported and renowned for their reliability, and the O-320 series remains a favorite for backcountry and utility applications. This particular example represents a great balance of power, dependability, and maintainability.

Propeller

The aircraft is fitted with a Sensenich M74DM56 fixed-pitch propeller, serial number 2957-27. Like the engine, the propeller has 632 hours since new (SNEW) and was installed on June 15, 1984.

The Sensenich propeller is a time-tested match for the Lycoming engine, offering dependable performance and minimal maintenance requirements. Its fixed-pitch design is well-suited for the STOL nature of the aircraft, delivering reliable thrust and efficient climb performance.

Avionics

This Super Cub has been upgraded with modern avionics enhancements that elevate its utility beyond the typical vintage configuration. Key components include:

• BendixKing KT-97A TSO transceiver
  
• Garmin GTX 335 Transponder with ADS-B Out – meeting FAA NextGen compliance standards
  
• JPI EDM 830 Engine Monitor – providing precise engine data
  
• Horizon Instruments P-1000 Electronic Engine Tachometer
  
• PS Engineering PM501 Intercom – clear communication for pilot and passenger
  
• Alpha Systems AOA (Angle of Attack) Display Indicator
  
• Standard six-pack gauges including airspeed indicator, turn coordinator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and heading indicator
  

While the aircraft is not IFR-capable, the current avionics package significantly enhances situational awareness and flight safety. The inclusion of ADS-B Out and real-time engine monitoring is particularly notable for a legacy aircraft of this era.

Exterior

The exterior of N8858C features a white base with red accent striping and registration number clearly marked. The paint appears clean and well maintained, with no reported corrosion or cosmetic damage.

This classic red-and-white scheme pays homage to the Super Cub’s heritage while retaining high visibility in various flight environments. The aircraft’s fabric covering appears in good condition, a strong indicator of thoughtful upkeep.

Interior

The interior complements the aircraft’s exterior with a red and black color scheme and wood flooring. Seating is arranged in tandem for two occupants—typical for the Super Cub—and offers both pilot and passenger a direct line of sight and excellent visibility.

While the Super Cub’s interior is utilitarian by design, this particular aircraft’s cabin reflects comfort enhancements, with well-kept seats, clean trim, and functional instrumentation. The aircraft’s overall cabin condition reflects a high level of care and cleanliness.

Additional Features

N8858C includes several noteworthy upgrades and reliability-enhancing features, including:

• Alternator instead of generator – more reliable electrical power generation
  
• Cleveland wheels and brakes – industry standard for stopping power and safety
  
• Steve’s vented booster brake system – enhancing brake modulation and control
  
• Landing gear long step – simplifying access to cockpit
  
• Skytech lightweight starter – modern convenience with less weight
  

There are no known flaws, no reported corrosion, and no history of incidents associated with this aircraft. Its complete logbooks and upgrade history speak to a responsible ownership legacy and high mechanical integrity.

Use Cases: A Super Cub Built for Adventure

The Piper Super Cub is one of the most versatile general aviation aircraft ever built. It is particularly well suited for:

• Backcountry flying
  
• Bush operations
  
• Flight training
  
• Recreational sightseeing
  
• Short-field operations
  
• Aerial observation
  

With its high-lift wing, rugged landing gear, and exceptional low-speed handling, the Super Cub can go places few aircraft can. For pilots seeking freedom, adventure, and the ability to land in remote areas, this aircraft is an ideal platform.

This 1953 example, N8858C, with its well-maintained airframe, modern avionics, and solid powerplant, offers the unique combination of classic performance with updated reliability.

Auction Information

This aircraft is being offered through Airspace Auctions with the following details:

• Auction Dates: April 23–30, 2025
  
• Starting Bid: $60,000
  
• Buyer Premium: 6%
  
• Deposit Required to Bid: $3,000
  

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, logbook-complete, modernized 1953 Piper Super Cub, ideal for backcountry use, recreational flying, or as a collectible classic with real-world utility.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Maintained Classic That Still Performs

In the world of vintage aviation, aircraft condition can vary widely. This 1953 Piper Super Cub stands out for its mechanical integrity, complete records, and practical upgrades. It offers buyers a rare opportunity to own a ready-to-fly backcountry aircraft that continues to embody Piper’s legacy of value, reliability, and performance.

For pilots seeking an aircraft that’s as much about the journey as the destination, N8858C checks all the boxes: simple, strong, safe, and superbly maintained.

Mark your calendars for April 23–30, 2025, and place your bid on this American classic. It’s not just a piece of history—it’s a well-maintained tool for real flying.