In 1910, former Cadillac salesman Vincent Bendix was awarded a patent for turn-key ignition. As years went by, the keys themselves have become works of art; more than just the start to a wonderful drive.
The original concept of the key was to remove the process of a starting handle and having to turn an oily crank to get the car running – just as we’ve all seen in old movies. Cadillac introduced this ignition technology to the general public 2 years later in 1912 with the release of their 1912 touring edition. One hundred years later, we have the ability to unlock doors, start cars, and set off alarms – all from our keys. Sometimes they don’t even need to be put in the ignition to get going (Keyless Go or Pushbutton Start). Even the look of keys themselves have changed – partly the result of the technology that goes along with them, but also to go along with the beauty of the machines themselves. Let's take a look at some beautiful examples of ignition artwork, starting with The Holy Grail for most automotive enthusiasts – the keys to a Ferrari. The Ferrari Testarossa Folding Key – this key belonged to the 308 series through the 348 series. Legend has it that it was designed to fold due to the low positioning of the ignition, and the possibility that it could be broken off by your knee. The ability to fold prevented the likelihood of this happening. With the introduction of the arrow or “teardrop” shape, the Ferrari 360 Modena key was designed with an indent for turning the ignition over with your thumb and the side of your index finger knuckle, with your thumb over the embossed Prancing Horse. Painted in Ferrari Signature Red – the latest Ferrari Keys, like the Ferrari F430 key above, include a single push button for locking and unlocking on the opposite side of the logo. These new keys also introduced additional security with an included chip for ignition start. Different in that not only is it the flagship vehicle key for Ferrari, but notice that the Ferrari Enzo key has the iconic Ferrari Scuderia Shield vs. the F430 key with the traditional emblem. Also of interest, there is no push button for the alarm or to unlock doors – but then again, the Enzo has manual roll-down windows as well, so maybe it all makes sense. The Porsche Cayenne Key has a very clever design; look closely. Yes, that’s a Mini-Cayenne with headlights you’re looking at. The “headlights” light up as an indicator that a button has been pressed, and the actual key flips open from the side. The new Panamera key is also designed as a Mini-Panamera. The key to the flagship Porsche Carrera GT paved the way for the 997 keys and beyond. The “GT” lights up as an indicator when buttons are pressed, with the classic Porsche crest on the reverse side. Shared amongst the VW, Lamborghini, and Audi contingency, the key pictured here is the same key used for the Lamborghini LP640, Gallardo, Audi R8 and A4. With no metal blade in sight, the BMW E90 M3 has a true “keyless” key. BMW’s use of the “Push to Start” button allows for true keyless-go while having this guy in your pocket. The BMW emblem locks the car with a push, while the others respectively unlock the doors or trunk. The Lamborghini Murcielago has a rather basic key considering the magnitude of the beast it starts up. There is an actual process of inserting the key, pressing the remote button, and then turning the ignition that is required to awaken the Lamborghini V12. There are also 2 color keys; 1 black signifying the primary key, and 1 grey as a secondary key. Similar in size and shape to a credit card, the 1999 Mercedes Benz W220 card key was designed to be placed in your wallet or purse and allowed for keyless opening of doors with a touch of your hand and push button start on top of the gearshift. The single button also allowed for remote opening of doors without the need to physically touch the vehicle. From the simple idea of not having to “crank” your car to start, keys and their design have evolved into works of art. Purpose built designs that match the technology, spirit and style of the matching vehicle. They’re something we often take for granted, throwing them to a friend, left on the kitchen counter and sometimes even lost. But as time has shown, keys have become a work of art in themselves. - Albert Roxas
