The Brabham BT64B was Brabham’s answer to the Lotus Type 79, the dominating and innovative second generation ground effect Formula One car. Unable to replicate the chassis design of the Type 79 (which generated downforce via Venturi tunnels) due to Brabham’s engine, Gordon Murray devised a unique method of reducing pressure under the body. A large single fan was implemented at the rear of the car, powered by the engine, designed to suck air from the underside to create a pressure differential. It won the only grand prix it was raced in; when the track became oily, the BT64B was able to accelerate over low grip areas as the downforce from the fan increased with more revs.
Due to outrage from the other teams, fan cars were immediately banned following the BT64Bs debut. It remains one of the most creative innovations in Formula One’s history.