Locking mechanism and open roof construction for a vehicle provided therewith

There is provided a locking mechanism, comprising a locking member (1) which is movable between a locking position and a release position; an operating handle (3) drivingly engaging the locking member and pivotable between a first position in which the locking member assumes its locking position and a second position in which the locking member assumes its release position; first resilient means (7) for engaging the operating handle when in its first position, such that a first force is required for starting to pivot the operating handle from its first position towards its second position, and second resilient means (8) for engaging the operating handle when approaching its second position, such that a second force is required for pivoting the operating handle completely towards its second position.