Why is it called a glove compartment?

Origanally, cars were designed as open-topped carriages - a step up from the horse and carriage, so wouldn't have been very warm to ride in. Hence, the need for gloves. So, a little compartment began to be built in for this purpose, as even much later models did not possess very sophisticated heating systems.
Now they're much roomier and built to contain a lot more paraphernalia.

Because, a long time ago, it USE to actually be a small compartment in which to store your gloves!

Whaddya mean - do you not use gloves when driving...?? Are you mad!

;-)

heh heh.

Yeah, I agree with Captain H. Original cars were all open top outdoorsy affairs and one needed one's driving gloves!

Try to stick your boots in there, you shall then know.

*Nods sagely.*

That is where people stored there gloves..in the compartment.

because that's where you keep the condoms when you "run out of gass " .... no glove , no love . ;-)

I would assume it was because early motorists kept gloves in there. I think the name should change. Here's my suggestions:

1. Owners manual compartment
2. Insurance and registration compartment
3. Sunglasses compartment.
4. Spare headlightbulb compartment
5. Extra napkin and ketchup package compartment
6. Gun compartment (for the towntruck drivers)