If It Moves, Lock It!

It wasn't long after the automobile began its ride to popularity that aftermarket locks became available to protect the driver's valuables, including the car itself.

Hundreds of Ideas

Hundreds of ideas for locking devices began showing up at the patent office: some were good ideas, others, not so. Locks became available for wheels, spare tires, lap robes, foot pedals, gas lines, and in the case of the Model T Ford, even locks on top of locks.

The Demise of Accessory Locks

Most accessory locks became obsolete with the popularization of closed cars with their lockable doors and trunks, although a few remained for exterior use, such as for gas caps, fender skirts and even license plate frames.