Integrated into the dashboard, the glove box was invented for a specific reason, which requires going back to the era of the first automobiles.
The majority of today’s cars have a glove box, located just in front of the front passenger, integrated into the dashboard. Very often, we store our car papers or certain accessories that we can use on the road (a road map, a pack of tissues, a pair of sunglasses, wipes, a breathalyzer, etc.). For some motorists, this box even resembles Mary Poppins’ bag, as everything and anything can be found inside. But have you ever wondered why this storage space in the car is called the “glove box”?
For those who doubt, the expression was not created from scratch by one person. It was invented for a specific reason, which may surprise you. To do this, you have to go back several years. At the time, early automobiles did not offer the comfort and amenities we are accustomed to today. They were open, exposing the passengers to the vagaries of the weather.
To protect themselves from the cold and dirt, since the roads were not tarmaced or paved like now, drivers and passengers had no choice but to wear gloves. In the 19th century, these accessories were indeed essential for getting behind the wheel. But where could they store them once inside the vehicle? This is how the “glove box” was born. Initially, it was literally a small box designed to hold these gloves. Over time, this box became a compartment integrated into the dashboard, its function evolving well beyond simple glove storage. Since then, and over the years, the expression “glove box” has entered our everyday vocabulary, even if its original use has disappeared.