member (UFM) that was a steel box-section backbone that doubled as an oil tank, and to which the front headlug and rear suspension were attached. Brakes were dual single-leading shoe (SLS), front and rear. The wheelbase was shorter than the Series A, and its dimensions were closer to contemporary 500 cc bikes. The Series B had a Feridax Dunlopillo Dualseat, and a tool tray under the front. The Series "B" incorporated an internal felt oil filter instead of the metal gauze of the Series "A". Vincent used quickly detachable wheels, making wheel and tyre changes easier. The rear wheel was reversible, and different size rear sprockets could be fitted for quick final-drive ratio changes. The brake & gear shift were adjustable for reach to suit individual feet. The rear mud guard was hinged to facilitate the removal of the rear wheel. From today's perspective, it seems incongruous that Vincent could see the need for, and design, a cantilever rear suspension, as well as incorporate so many other new ideas, yet use Brampton girder forks with friction dampers up front. The two Phils felt that the telescopic forks of the time were prone to lateral flex, so they persisted with girder forks, and did use hydraulic damping in the Series C "Girdraulic" forks. Starting in 1948, Indian Motorcycles distributed Vincents in the United States along with other British motorcycles including AJS, Royal Enfield, Matchless and Norton. That same year an Indian Chief was sent to Stevenage to be fitted with a Vincent Rapide engine. The resulting hybrid Vindian did not go into production. 1948 Series C Vincents Black Shadow and Black Lightning The 1948 Series C Rapide differed from the Series B in having "Girdraulic" front forks – which were girder forks with hydraulic damping. By 1950, the Series C had a 998 cc, 50° V-twin that put out , depending on the state of tune, either Rapide or Black Shadow. The Black Shadow, capable of , and easily recognised by the black coating on the engine and gearbox unit known as Pylumin, and large speedometer, was introduced. The engine produced @ 5700 rpm in Black Shadow trim. The Black Lightning was a racing version of the Black Shadow; every necessary steel part on it that could be was remade in aluminium, and anything not essential was removed altogether. These changes helped reduce the weight from to . Every bit the