[4] It took its basic design from the Model 35 Bonanza,[5] fitted with the vertical stabilizer from the T-34 Mentor, and two four-cylinder engines.

Its wing spar was borrowed from the large Model 50 Twin Bonanza, along with thicker gauge aluminum on the leading edge; landing gear systems had been taken from the United States Navy Mentor, which was a stronger structure built for training pilots for later aircraft carrier landings.

[7] During its ten-year model run, between 1958 and 1968, the Travel Air saw four distinct variants emerge.

It also included a fifth seat, wider chord flaps, and an increased gross weight of 100 pounds.

[11] In 1963 the Travel Air featured a larger rear window that is common with the Model A55/B55 Barons.