This discussion on handles reminds me of what happened to mine last spring in France. My wife and I went for lunch in the Pagoda to Club 55, a rather "exclusive" beach restaurant in St.Tropez.
Soft top was down and the original handles in their pouch, were in the glove compartment.
When we arrived at the restaurant's parking area, there were about 8 classic cars ranging from a couple of Porsche 356's, a couple of 190SL's and 1 Pagoda, all with German registrations.
By the time we finished lunch these guys had all left. I got back to my car and as I drove off the glove compartment door swung open. I then noticed that the pouch with the handles was missing!
I guess it's entirely my fault for not locking the glove compartment, however it's still infuriating. I would have never thought that fellow classic car enthusiasts can behave like low life petty thieves!
Lesson learnt.
Best,
Mike