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 from that era didn't meticulously track production numbers in the same way modern companies do. There's no central database or readily available record containing this specific information.
However, let's explore why finding this data is so challenging and what information we can gather to understand the context surrounding production numbers of vintage outboard motors.
Why Exact Production Figures Are Unavailable
Several factors contribute to the lack of precise production figures for classic outboard motors like the 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP:
- Record-Keeping Practices: Manufacturing practices in the 1960s differed significantly from today's. Detailed production tracking for individual models wasn't a standard practice. Companies focused more on overall production targets rather than granular model-specific counts.
- Archival Challenges: Even if detailed records existed, their preservation over six decades is questionable. Company archives may be incomplete, damaged, or lost over time. Physical records may not have been digitized, adding another hurdle to access.
- Data Security and Privacy: Access to any potentially existing historical production data would likely be restricted for various reasons, including business confidentiality and data protection.
Understanding the Context of 1962 Evinrude Production
While we can't pinpoint the exact number, we can gain insight into the broader context:
- Evinrude's Popularity: Evinrude was (and still is) a major player in the outboard motor market. Their 1962 models, including the Lark IV 40 HP, were likely produced in significant quantities, reflecting the popularity of boating at the time.
- Model Variations: Keep in mind that even within the "1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP" designation, there might have been slight variations (e.g., different serial number ranges indicating minor design or component changes throughout the production year). This further complicates efforts to track precise unit counts.
- Market Demand and Sales Figures: Researching historical sales data for Evinrude outboards in 1962 might offer a rough estimate. However, this data likely wouldn't be broken down to the level of specific model numbers. It would probably reflect overall sales of Evinrude motors of that horsepower range for that year.
Where to Look for Related Information
While finding the exact production number is improbable, you could try these approaches for related information:
- Evinrude/Brunswick Archives: Contacting Brunswick Corporation (the parent company of Evinrude) directly is a long shot, but it's possible they might have some historical information—though access may be limited.
- Outboard Motor Collectors' Clubs: Joining or contacting vintage outboard motor collectors' clubs could be helpful. These communities often have deep knowledge and may possess anecdotal evidence or historical documents relating to production numbers or sales data.
- Online Forums: Online forums dedicated to Evinrude and vintage outboard motors might have discussions about this topic or lead you to resources with relevant information.
In conclusion, while a precise figure for the 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP production remains elusive, researching the context surrounding its production and utilizing the resources mentioned above might provide a better understanding of the motor's historical context.
