Considered by many to be the ultimate Cub, the Cub Special was effectively an intermediate stage between the famous J-3 and the equally famous PA-18 Super Cub. Featuring greater horsepower than the J-3, the Cub Special was known for its high performance, without sacrificing the light-weight simplicity of the J-3 airframe. Principle changes from the J-3 were an enclosed cowling over the more powerful engine, with the engine thrust angle canted downwards 4 degrees; the fuel tank was increased in capacity to 17 gallons and relocated to the port wing; the wing struts were redesigned; the windscreen was also re-designed, to be more aerodynamic; the seats were re-designed, with square backs that provided more support; and the cross bracing between the instrument panel and the firewall removed the tubes from the instrument panel to between the rudder pedals which give a little more foot room in the front. The PA-11 is also flown most often from the front seat, unlike the J-3, although it can in fact be soloed from either seat.

The PA-11 was first flown in 1945, and a total of 1323 were built before the PA-18 Super Cub took over.