The 414 is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a conventional tail unit and a retractable tricycle landing gear.

The prototype, registered N7170C, first flew on 1 November 1968, and production aircraft were available in a number of optional seating arrangements and avionics packages.

An improved variant the Cessna 414A Chancellor was introduced in 1978 with the major change being a redesigned and increased-span wing with integral fuel tanks and an extended nose to give more baggage space.

[1] In 1974, American Jet Industries built a turboprop-powered conversion of the Cessna 414, named the Turbo Star Pressurized 414, using Allison 250-B17B engines.

[4] This involves the installation of FADEC-controlled aviation diesel piston engines that run on commonly available jet fuel.