1978 Brabham BT46B

The Brabham BT46B 1978 is a historic racing car that was designed by Gordon Murray for the Brabham racing team. The car was built and raced in the 1978 Formula One season, and it remains an iconic example of engineering excellence to this day.

The BT46B was introduced as a response to the new ground effects regulations that were implemented by FIA in 1978. The car featured a rear-mounted fan system, also known as the "Fan Car". This system was designed to enhance the car's ground effects by sucking the air from underneath the car and creating a vacuum, which dramatically increased the car's grip and traction.

The car's chassis was made of aluminium honeycomb and carbon fibre composite materials, which made it both durable and lightweight. The car's suspension system was also carefully designed to ensure maximum stability and handling.

Powering the BT46B was a Cosworth DFV V8 engine, which was widely regarded as one of the best engines of its time. The engine produced 530 horsepower and was coupled with a Hewland FGA 400 6-speed gearbox. The car's top speed was estimated to be in excess of 300 km/h (186 mph) and it could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.8 seconds.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the BT46B was its cooling system. The car's rear-mounted fan not only enhanced its ground effects, but it also acted as a giant vacuum cleaner, sucking away the air that had been heated up by the engine, circulating it through a radiator system and expelling it out of the back of the car. This innovative system allowed the car to run at cooler temperatures, which improved the car's overall performance and reliability.

The Brabham BT46B 1978 was a highly successful racing car. It won the Swedish Grand Prix in 1978, and it also set the fastest lap time in several other races that season. However, the car's success was short-lived. The FIA banned the car's "Fan Car" system after just one race, citing concerns about the performance gap it created between the Brabham team and their rivals.

Despite its eventual ban, the BT46B remains an innovative and groundbreaking racing car. Its unique design and technical features make it a highly sought-after collector's item for racing enthusiasts and historians alike.