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 typically keep detailed production records broken down to such specific model and year combinations readily available to the public. Information is often fragmented, lost over time, or simply not compiled in a way that allows for this level of granular detail.
However, we can explore some factors that contribute to the difficulty of answering this question and provide some context around Evinrude's production practices at the time.
Why Pinpointing Exact Production Numbers is Difficult
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No Publicly Accessible Production Records: Evinrude (now part of BRP) does not maintain publicly accessible archives detailing precise production figures for individual models and years from the early 1960s. Such records, if they exist, would likely be considered proprietary information.
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Variations Within Models: The "1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP" might encompass slight variations in features or components that weren't always rigorously tracked in a way that provides a single, definitive production number. Serial numbers offer some clues but don't provide a complete picture.
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Data Loss and Degradation: Records from that era are susceptible to damage, loss, or degradation over the decades. Many companies didn't prioritize digital record-keeping to the extent they do today.
Understanding Evinrude's Production in the Early 1960s
While the exact number remains elusive, we can understand the context of Evinrude's production during this period:
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High Production Volumes: Evinrude was a major player in the outboard motor market, suggesting that substantial numbers of the Lark IV 40 HP were likely produced. They were a popular and successful model.
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Model Year Variations: It's important to note that minor design or engineering changes often occurred throughout a model year, possibly impacting reported numbers if a distinct "cutoff" point wasn't meticulously recorded.
Where to Potentially Find More Information (Though No Guarantees)
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Evinrude/BRP Archives: While unlikely to provide specific production numbers for this model and year, contacting BRP directly might lead to information about overall production volumes during that period. This is a long shot but worth a try.
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Historical Outboard Motor Enthusiast Groups and Forums: Online communities dedicated to vintage outboard motors might offer anecdotal evidence or insights from owners and collectors. However, even within these groups, a precise number is unlikely to be confirmed.
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Antique Outboard Motor Dealers and Appraisers: These specialists might have access to historical sales data or other information that indirectly provides clues to production quantities.
In conclusion, despite the lack of a definitive answer to the precise production number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP motors, understanding the historical context helps us appreciate the challenges in obtaining this specific data. The pursuit, however, reveals a fascinating glimpse into the history of outboard motor manufacturing.
