How Many 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP Outboard Motors Were Produced?
Determining the precise number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors produced is unfortunately impossible. Outboard motor manufacturers didn't typically keep detailed production records at the granular level of specific models and years in the way that, say, car manufacturers might. Information on production numbers for older outboard motors is often scarce and unreliable.
While you won't find a definitive answer readily available, there are avenues to explore that might provide some clues:
Where to Look for Clues (But Not Exact Numbers):
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Evinrude/Johnson Collectors' Clubs: These clubs often have members with deep historical knowledge and potentially access to archived materials. Engaging with their communities could unearth anecdotal information or lead to resources offering broader production estimates for the 1962 Evinrude line. Some clubs might even possess old sales figures or dealer records, though these are likely to be incomplete.
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Online Forums and Communities: Dedicated boating and outboard motor forums can be treasure troves of information. Searching for discussions regarding 1962 Evinrude Lark IVs could yield insights from experienced owners and enthusiasts who might have encountered production information indirectly or have access to rare documentation.
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Antique Boat Shows and Auctions: Attending these events could provide opportunities to network with individuals who specialize in restoring or collecting vintage outboards. Discussions with experts and observations of the rarity of particular models might offer a subjective sense of their relative production numbers.
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Historical Archives (University Libraries, etc.): Some university libraries or historical societies may possess archives related to outboard motor manufacturing. While finding specific production data for a single model is a long shot, this could be a starting point for broader research into Evinrude's production history.
Why Precise Figures Are Difficult to Obtain:
Several factors contribute to the lack of precise production figures:
- Manufacturing Practices of the Era: Record-keeping practices in the 1960s were less stringent and less digitized than they are today. Data was often kept in physical form, making long-term preservation and retrieval challenging.
- Internal Organizational Structures: The way that manufacturing data was organized within Evinrude (and its parent company, Outboard Marine Corporation) may not have lent itself to easily extracting information at such a specific model-year level.
- Data Loss and Degradation: Decades of time have taken their toll on physical records. Many documents may have been lost, damaged, or simply discarded over the years.
In conclusion, while you may not find the exact number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboards ever produced, pursuing the avenues outlined above could provide valuable insights into the model's relative rarity and production history. Remember that any information discovered will likely be based on estimations and anecdotal evidence rather than official factory data.
