The Glove Box

[GT0132]

Ok chaps.

So why is that handy storage compartment located under the dash in front of the passeneger seat known as a "glove box" ?....In my 28 years of car ownership not once have I stored a pair of gloves in it....Apart from owners manuals and log books all I have used it for is hoarding receipts, first aid kits and the occasional pack of condoms...( but only when I was single in my 20's and divorced in my 40's )

Where did the term originate from?

[RG]

I believe that it was coined in the early days of motoring when it was actually used to store ones driving gloves.

EDIT: And I was right, from wikipedia;

A glove compartment or glovebox is a compartment built into the dashboard, located over the front-seat passenger's footwell in an automobile, often used for miscellaneous storage. The name derives from the original purpose of the compartment: to store gloves.

[bathurst77]

In the early days when gentlemen went "motoring" an ladies wore gloves, i guess. And one aways owre driving gloves. Where better to store them.

Reminds me of an article i read about the XK falcon 2 doors of the early 60s.
Apparently they were an upmarket model at a premium price, so really only affordable by older businessmen. But back then, they all wore hats and the low slung roof styling of the two door meant they coudnt fit. Cost the car quite a few sales.

[asteele-xr6]

I think you needed gloves to protect your hands when starting the car (turning the handle at the front of the engine!) - as well as to keep warm...

[1970galaxie]

Well you couldn't really call it a franger box could you?

[Kryton]

as mentioned already.
from the earlier days of the 1900's when cars didnt have a roof, a heater, electric lights and the 'tail shaft' was called a chain.
when, if you could afford a car, you were a 'respected' member of society.

[Scareybear]

Its a bit like the "Parcel Tray" too, ahhh, those were the days...

[DJM83]

My mate used to have a turbo calibra and the glove box also acted as a fridge you got put food in it and it would keep it cold

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by 51RTE

My mate used to have a turbo calibra and the glove box also acted as a fridge you got put food in it and it would keep it cold

Mine has a chiller in the glove box too, also comes with a bottle opener. :P

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Rodp

Mine has a chiller in the glove box too, also comes with a bottle opener. :P

Drink drving at its best : . My mate was always the driver as he didnt drink much. Was good on the hot nights with the sunroof open and cold cans in the 'esky' : Pity the turbo didnt like the heat

[Yellow_Festiva]

And guess what new overpriced Malaysian car has not got a glovebox...

The last model that is, not to sure about the new one lol.

I think when it was reviewed on drive, the first 3 things wrong with it were Price, lack of glove box and price again... haaaa

[Peuty]

And what model is that?

[pertuan]

I'm guessing the Perodua Kancil?

[HLC]

i found a wife-beater (blue bonds singlet) in the glove box of an ED at the wreckers once. it smelt like chemicals and i kept it. it was awesome. and that was the worst story ever lol

i just keep useless crap in there.

[JACK250]

^^ I have to say that worries me slightly...

[vanman_75]

as a younger gent i kept spare single rail bushs and exhaust flanges and anything else i could fit in as in the bush when you stop you stop, 1 night on a trip to bundy my friends in the car with me were surprised when the gearbox fell through the floor , and even more surprised that i had crossmember bolts in the glovey , back on the go in 5 mins flat .