Leeds based company providing classic car parts and spares - T & G Auto Spares Ltd - Yorkshire

Original Yale Key Cutting

Early car manufacturers only built the chassis and engine, leaving coachbuilders to create a body, but Rolls Royce and Bentley had some exacting standards.

They insisted that owners of their cars required and deserved better security for their vehicles, so instead of using typical tumbler barrel locks the coachbuilders installed Yale keys which had more fins on their locks. This also enabled the fitting of a combination of master and limited locks on the cars; master keys with a square head for the doors and ignition, limited keys with a rounded head for the glove box, boot and trunk.

The idea behind all this was not just a tougher lock to pick or car to steal, it also meant that if you left your car at a hotel or restaurant the valet could be given the master key whilst the owner retained the limited key so their valuables could stay securely locked away in the glove box or boot.

The earliest keys issued bore the name H&T Vaughn on the keys, then the best in the country, but Yale and Towne bought the company in 1929 on moving to England and began producing keys with the distinctive “Yale” brand name until the mid 1960s.

Eaton Corporation bought Yale in the mid 60s giving the Rolls Royce Silver Shadows and Clouds a “Yale Eaton Corporation” key, which evolved to “Yale Eaton Towne” keys in the 1970’s for the later Silver Shadows. Throughout that time the quality has remained constant; a high end lock for high end cars that was administrated in detail so that even today you can order keys through T&G Autos by their number alone.

Whether you’ve lost your set or just want a spare set cut in case, we can provide full key cutting by number on original Yale square and rounded keys. Simply call in your order with the chassis number or if you have any questions feel free to contact us and ask.