In 1929, the Societe des Moteurs Gnome-Rhone in Paris, France, began design of the Series K engines. Built in 7-, 9- , and 14-cylinder versions, all were originally derived from comparable British Bristol engines. The engines in the 14M Mars series were similar to the 14-cylinder K series except for smaller dimensions. These small dimensions helped the engine acquire many airframe applications between 1936 and 1940 at ratings between 448 to 529 kW (600 to 710 shp). Later versions of the 14M developed up to 611 kW (820 shp).

This engine was manufactured during World War II when Germany occupied France. The Gnome-Rhone 14M-8 powered such aircraft such as the Gotha Go 244 B, Henschel Hs 129 B, Morane-Saulnier MS 225-2, Potez 670, Roussel 30, Breguet 696, Nieuport-Cao. 600, Morane-Saulnier MS 472/474, Hanriot 220, Breguet 690/693, Potez 631/633, Potez 220, Hanriot 510 M, and SE 400.