Topic: What's special about this car #6 - Solved! Back-up guard

[Ray B.]

A new kind of puzzle to keep you busy.

Name the car if you like, but it won't get you any point. Telling us what is special about it, and what it is used for will get  you one.

If you're new around here, remember that you have to register before you can post your answer.

[Ray B.]

Up one.

[DynaMike]

Is it a device to keep the rear 'door'  in horizontal position, so the license plate and taillights are still visible even when the transported goods are too big to find in place in the restricted area of the pick-up?

[Ray B.]

No, and it's more interesting than this (however clever) would be.

[gilescooperuk]

Early form of parking sensor?

[Ray B.]

You might say that. Now if you can explain us how it works. This it locked for you 72 hours.

[gilescooperuk]

Well going off what is pictured (I haven't got much time as I am off out in a while).

It is either

Linked to the parking brake so that when the arm is pushed down it will automatically apply said brake.

or

Linked to a warning lamp / alarm bell of some description in the cab of the pickup.

Any good....

[Ray B.]

Well going off what is pictured (I haven't got much time as I am off out in a while).
It is either

Linked to the parking brake so that when the arm is pushed down it will automatically apply said brake.

You're right: not only a mechanical parking sensor (much cheaper than what we have since a few years) but it also SETS THE BRAKES. Not the parking brake it seems, but your answers satisfies me anyhow.