...The thing that is annoying though is the ‘must hold drivers door handle open to lock’ even with power door locks! But it does have a purpose I guess…

Tim

That is a simple anti-lock out solution in the 80's.
Was a very common solution to everyone locking their keys in the car.

 

yeah but ya could still leave the keys in the car while holding the handle (if ya thought for sure the keys were in your pocket)…