[Rachelsdad]

Like bbnotop described, my '63 requires a regular downward push to release the latch. If the car is parked at an angle, sometimes this us not necessary. (In my case, I attribute the need to the lack of my rear body mounts, which - like Elvis - left the building many years ago. I"m hoping that when my new trunk pans go in and we do the body mounts, I won't have to do that anymore.)

Anyway, the gradual "stiffening" could have been the latch moving out of alignment. Turning the key in this case does nothing and feels like the lock is broken, when in fact it's just the latch not moving. Lube will help, but alignment of the latch is probably more important.

Good luck!