The Minicab, which was designed by M Yves Gardan, a well-known French light aircraft designer, made its first flight in February 1949 and, with no major modifications, won three distinctions in its first year; the Coup de Deauville, the Grand Prix Aerien de Vichy, and the Concours d’Elegance de Biarritz.

Developed from the Minicab GY-201, which was designed by Yves Gardan in France, the Cavalier is a redesign of that aircraft, which was also aimed at the amateur construction market.