How Many 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP Outboard Motors Were Built?
Determining the precise number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors manufactured is unfortunately impossible. Outboard motor manufacturers like OMC (the parent company of Evinrude at the time) did not meticulously record production numbers for individual models in the same way modern manufacturers might. Records from that era are often incomplete or lost to time.
However, we can explore factors that influence the overall rarity and potential production numbers, giving us a clearer picture, even if not an exact figure.
What Factors Influence Production Numbers?
Several factors affect the number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP motors produced:
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Overall Market Demand: The popularity of boating and outboard motors in 1962 would directly impact the number of units produced across the entire Evinrude line, not just this specific model. Strong sales would lead to higher production.
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Manufacturing Capacity: OMC's manufacturing capabilities and available resources (materials, labor, etc.) would limit the number of motors they could produce in a given year.
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Model Popularity Within the Line: Even with high overall demand, the Lark IV 40 HP might have represented a smaller segment of Evinrude's overall market share compared to other models, leading to a lower production volume. More popular models would likely have seen higher production runs.
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Distribution and Sales Records: Lack of precise sales data makes it nearly impossible to determine exact production figures, as sales data from that era may be incomplete or difficult to access.
Where Might You Find More Information?
While pinpointing an exact number is unlikely, you could potentially find more clues through these avenues:
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OMC/Evinrude Archives: If OMC still maintains any historical production records (a possibility, though not guaranteed), contacting their archives department might yield some limited information. This is a long shot, however.
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Vintage Outboard Clubs and Forums: Online forums and clubs dedicated to vintage outboard motors often have members with extensive knowledge and collections of historical documents. Engaging with these communities might uncover anecdotal information or clues.
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Antique Outboard Dealers and Appraisers: Experts in the field of vintage outboard motors may have a general sense of rarity for certain models based on their experience.
Why the Imprecision?
It's important to understand that the absence of precise production numbers is common for many vintage products, especially from the mid-20th century. Record-keeping practices weren't as standardized or comprehensive as they are today.
In conclusion, while we can't provide a precise figure for the number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors produced, researching the context surrounding its production and market conditions can help paint a better picture of its relative rarity. The lack of precise records simply underscores the historical challenges in obtaining these types of data for older products.
