How Many 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP Outboard Motors Were Built?
Determining the exact number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors produced is unfortunately impossible. Outboard motor manufacturers didn't typically keep precise production figures for individual models and years in a way that's readily accessible to the public today. Records, if they exist, are likely held within private archives or are simply lost to time.
This makes answering this question definitively a challenge. However, we can explore some factors that influence the rarity and potential production numbers:
Factors Affecting Production Numbers:
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Model Popularity: The Lark IV 40 HP was part of a popular line, but its specific popularity compared to other Evinrude models in 1962 is difficult to ascertain without access to internal sales data. Higher demand would suggest a higher production number.
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Production Capacity: Outboard motor production was subject to the manufacturing capacity of the time. Evinrude's factory output would have influenced the overall number of units they could produce for any given model, regardless of demand.
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Economic Conditions: Economic conditions in 1962 would have influenced demand and therefore production. A strong economy might lead to higher production, while a downturn could have reduced it.
Where to Find Potential Clues:
While precise figures are unlikely to be found, you might find some indirect clues through:
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Evinrude Collector Clubs: Joining or contacting collectors' clubs dedicated to Evinrude outboard motors might yield some insights. These communities often have members with extensive knowledge of specific models and years. They may possess anecdotal information or have access to limited production data.
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Online Forums and Communities: Forums and online groups dedicated to vintage outboards can be great sources of information. Experienced enthusiasts often discuss rare models and share their knowledge, and you might find someone who's researched production numbers for similar Evinrude models around the same year.
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Historical Documents and Archives: Archives of boating magazines, industry publications, or even Evinrude's company archives (if accessible) might contain hints about production or sales data. This would require significant research effort.
What's More Important Than Exact Numbers:
While knowing the precise number would be interesting, it's more practical to focus on:
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Assessing the rarity of your specific motor: Condition, originality, and documentation are more important for value and collectibility than the total number of motors ever made.
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Enjoying your outboard: Regardless of the total production, owning a 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP is a testament to a piece of boating history! Focus on maintaining and appreciating it.
In summary, a definitive answer to "how many 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboards were built" remains elusive. The pursuit of this answer, however, opens up the fascinating world of vintage outboard history and collecting.
