Interesting question. Similar to Chev/Pontiac or Dodge/Plymouth choices back then as those vehicles were pretty much the same except for cosmetics.
A buyer of a new outboard motor back then probably had previous experience with outboards and when the time came for a brand new one, a top of the line Evinrude or Johnson was the obvious choice. Dealer location may have played a part but the OMC motors were a step above what the department stores could offer and as long as you didn’t mind blue or white, it would be a new Evinrude or Johnson!
Here’s a ’59 Johnson and a ’60 Evinrude. That would be a tough choice.
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