Abstract: A sunroof, or like vehicle cover, is secured to a motor vehicle frame utilizing a latching mechanism which has a simple construction, low overall height, and reliable operation. An engagement element on the vehicle cover cooperates with a hook mounted to the vehicle frame by a guide pin received within a guide slot, and a pivot pin received within a reception slot. One of the slots is linear and the other is non-linear. The slots, pins, and hook are positioned with respect to each other and the engagement element so that as the hook moves from an unlatched position to a latched position, moving the engagement element toward the frame, it moves through an intermediate position in which the engagement element is closer to the volume defined by the frame than in the latched position. A resilient, compressible material is preferably provided between the cover and frame to accommodate movement through the intermediate position, and to bias the components to the latched position.