Determining the exact production numbers for a specific model year and horsepower of a vintage outboard motor like the 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Unfortunately, OMC (Outboard Marine Corporation), the parent company of Evinrude, did not meticulously record and archive production figures at the granular level needed to answer this question directly. Their records, if they even exist in a complete form, are likely not publicly accessible.
This lack of readily available data is common for many vintage outboard motors. Manufacturing practices and record-keeping were different in the 1960s than they are today.
Why Finding Precise Numbers is So Challenging
Several factors contribute to the difficulty in pinpointing the exact number of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboards produced:
- Limited Record Keeping: As mentioned, detailed production records from that era often weren't maintained to the level of specificity required for this query. Companies prioritized overall production figures rather than individual model breakdowns.
- Data Loss: Decades of time have taken their toll. Records may have been lost, damaged, or destroyed due to various circumstances.
- Internal Company Processes: Production data often resided within internal company databases and wasn't shared publicly. Access to such databases is usually restricted even for researchers.
- Model Variations: The "40 HP" designation itself may encompass minor variations within the Lark IV line, further complicating any attempts to aggregate precise production numbers.
How to Find Clues: Approaching the Question Differently
While getting an exact number is highly unlikely, you can explore some avenues to get a general idea of production volume:
- Contacting Evinrude/OMC Collectors Clubs: Organizations dedicated to Evinrude outboard motors may have anecdotal information or aggregate data from their members' research. These clubs often possess a wealth of historical knowledge. Their members may have access to old sales brochures, dealer records, or other documentation that might offer hints.
- Searching Online Forums and Communities: Online forums and communities dedicated to vintage boating and outboard motors may have discussions or threads touching upon production numbers, albeit likely without definitive answers.
- Consulting Vintage Outboard Motor Books and Publications: Specialized books or magazines focusing on the history of outboard motors might contain some general information on production runs for similar models or years.
What We Can Say With Certainty
While we can't give you the precise number, it's safe to say that thousands of 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP outboards were manufactured. Evinrude was a significant player in the outboard motor market during that period, and the Lark IV was a popular model. However, expecting a concrete number is unrealistic due to the challenges described above.
In short, while the precise production count remains elusive, engaging with the vintage boating community and exploring available historical resources offers the best chance at gaining a more informed, albeit still approximate, understanding of the 1962 Evinrude Lark IV 40 HP's production numbers.
