Determining the precise number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors produced is unfortunately impossible. Outboard motor manufacturers from that era didn't meticulously track production numbers in the same way modern companies do. Records, if they existed, are likely incomplete or inaccessible to the public.
However, we can explore avenues to understand the potential production volume and factors influencing it.
What Factors Influenced Production Numbers?
Several factors impacted the number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboards manufactured:
- Overall Market Demand: The popularity of boating and the specific demand for a 40 HP outboard in 1962 directly affected production runs. Economic conditions of the time also played a significant role. A booming economy would likely lead to higher production, while a recession might decrease it.
- Manufacturing Capacity: Outboard motor factories had limitations on production capacity based on their facilities, workforce, and available materials. These limitations naturally put a cap on the number of motors they could produce.
- Component Availability: The availability of parts, particularly specialized components, could have slowed or halted production at various points throughout the year.
- Model Year Changes: Manufacturers often introduced new models or made significant changes to existing ones, which could affect production runs. The shift to a new model year might have meant a limited production run for the 1962 version to make way for the next year's models.
Where to Find Potential Clues (But No Definitive Answer):
While a precise figure remains elusive, you might find clues by exploring these avenues:
- Evinrude/OMC Historical Societies: Enthusiast groups dedicated to OMC (Outboard Marine Corporation), Evinrude's parent company, might possess anecdotal information or archived documents providing some insight into production estimates.
- Antique Outboard Motor Dealers/Collectors: Dealers specializing in vintage outboards may have accumulated knowledge through years of experience. They might have a sense of the relative rarity of the 1962 Lark IV 40 HP based on the number they've encountered.
- Online Forums and Communities: Online forums dedicated to vintage Evinrude outboards could yield helpful discussions among enthusiasts who may have researched the topic.
Understanding "Production Numbers" in the Context of Vintage Outboards:
It's important to note that the concept of precise production figures for vintage outboard motors often differs from modern manufacturing. Tracking systems were less sophisticated, and records were not always prioritized for long-term preservation. Therefore, any information found is likely to be an informed estimate rather than an absolute count.
In summary, while we cannot provide a definitive answer to the question of exactly how many 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors were produced, exploring the avenues suggested above may offer some clues and context. The inherent limitations of accessing historical production data for vintage outboard motors must be acknowledged.
