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=Autocoast Ti22=

The Autocoast Ti22 was a sports prototype designed and built by British mechanic and automotive designer Peter Bryant for the Can-Am Challenge Cup, initially with backing from the Autocoast marine and automotive company. It was the first racing car to use titanium alloy in its construction, using the metal in its chassis and suspension. The Ti22 name refers to titanium's chemical symbol (Ti) and its atomic weight (22). Two Ti22s were built by Bryant: the first completed in 1969 but destroyed in an accident during a 1970 Can-Am race, and the refined Ti22 Mk.II which debuted later that season and competed for several years.

Development
Development of the Ti22 began in April 1969 after Peter Bryant had met with racing driver Skip Scott and had come into contact with the Titanium Corporation of America. The Titanium Corporation of America agreed to supply Bryant with titanium alloys as well as to aid in fabrication with the titanium. As a construction material, titanium in alloy form offered a lighter weight than common steel construction, and was twice as strong as the aluminium which was now being used in other Can-Am cars; decreased weight and increased rigidity were both helpful in improving handling characteristics, while the titanium strength also offered improved driver safety.