Freddie Laker, the owner of a small aviation firm named Aviation Traders Ltd (ATL), wanted to convert surplus examples of the famous Douglas DC-4 and its military derivative, the C-54 Skymaster. This move would provide an inexpensive solution for vehicle transportation. Overall, the industry needed a successor to the increasingly aging Bristol 170 Freighter. //

The DC-4 had become outdated for deployment on passenger routes and was matched with a nose design inspired by the model of the Bristol Freighter. Notably, the cockpit was raised significantly higher compared with other aircraft. It was directly above the front of the cargo bay.

Generally, the Carvair could hold 22 passengers in a rear cabin. Meanwhile, up to five cars could be loaded at the front.