Abstract: An engine hood latch mechanism for locking an engine hood in a closed position includes a striker fixed to the lower surface of the engine hood and a base member having a vertical slit into which the striker is dropped in response to closure of the engine hood. A locking mechanism engages with the striker in response to drop of the striker into the vertical slit and locks the striker in a closing position where it holds the engine hood in the closed position. A hook lever has a hook at one end thereof and is mounted for rotation on the base member at the other end. The hook lever is urged by a spring toward a closing position where the hook closes the entrance of the vertical slit.