Determining the precise number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors produced is unfortunately impossible. Outboard motor manufacturers, like many companies of that era, didn't meticulously record production numbers for individual models with the same granularity we see today. Records, if they existed, are likely incomplete or lost to time.
This lack of readily available data makes answering the question a challenge. However, we can explore factors that would impact the potential production numbers and offer some educated speculation.
Factors Affecting Production Numbers:
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Market Demand: The popularity of the Lark IV 40 HP in 1962 would have been a major factor. If it was a highly sought-after model, production would likely have been higher to meet the demand. Conversely, low demand would result in lower production runs. Unfortunately, precise sales figures for this specific model are unavailable.
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Production Capacity: Evinrude's manufacturing capacity at the time would have limited how many units they could produce within a given year. This includes considerations like available workforce, factory space, and raw material availability.
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Parts Availability: Shortages in any specific component (carbs, electrical parts, etc.) could hinder production throughout the year.
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Model Year Changes: Manufacturers often introduce model year changes in the middle of the calendar year. Thus, any production figures would need to account for the transition period between model years.
Where to Look for Clues (But Likely No Definitive Answer):
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Evinrude Historical Societies/Collectors Clubs: Enthusiasts and collectors may have compiled information over the years. Reaching out to clubs or forums dedicated to vintage Evinrudes could be worthwhile, though it's unlikely a precise number is known.
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Archives (If Accessible): Outboard motor manufacturers sometimes have archives. Accessing these (if they exist and are open to the public) might yield some partial data, but it's a long shot.
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Old Sales Brochures & Catalogs: While unlikely to give a production figure, these can offer clues on the model's popularity and market positioning relative to other models in the Evinrude lineup.
In Conclusion:
While we cannot provide a definitive answer to "How many 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboard motors were built?", it's clear that finding the precise figure is a highly improbable task. The historical records simply don't appear to exist in a readily accessible form. The best approach for enthusiasts is to delve into the historical records and communities to piece together a more complete picture of the model's production history.
