Early 289's shared the same hood locking mechanism as the AC Ace and Aceca..
It was a recessed 90degree twist mechanism (same place as the later handle-type latch) with a square-drive...looked like the wrench end of a 1/2" drive socket.
The car came with a T-handle tool to open and close the latches.
The openings had a dust cover that pivoted out of the way to insert the tool...the dust cover is what Edley is referring to as the "toilet seat".
(..we need to give Edley an ink blot test) 