So, my car came with a removable towbar but no key - is the only solution to attack it with an angle grinder? 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

Got any pictures ?

The genuine tow bar will unbolt from a little further under the car. If it's after market, then I guess it's grinder time if you just want it off.

My genuine swan neck keys eventually refused to play. Ended up unbolting from the armature and keeping assembly in garage. Not as if many folk will do an off the cuff towing job. Looks a lot neater at the rear end too. Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984

Don't think this one is a genuine LR one, but could be. Just defo don't have a key so I'll look at unbolting it I guess! 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

Get it unbolted, down to a locksmith n see if they can make you a key

Wasn't aware that was a thing. Do you mean am actual locksmith or a place like Timpson? 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE - 'Black Betty'
2000 4.0 P38 HSE - 'Green Goblin' - Gone.
Audi..Mini..BMW..

Errrr an actual real locksmith. A member of the Master Locksmiths Association should be able to make a new key…. Or pick it open….. or use a code stamped on the lock to cut a new key.

Some may even be able to cut one if you tell them of a code on the lock and post it out to you.

You might need to send them a pic or have a natter over the phone….

A decent one near me…

https://wgpollard.co.uk/

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

1. Show picture, we can then maybe identify make
2. Is there a code on the lock itself, with 1. above you can get a key made .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

If its a westfalia one some dealers have a full set of keys and can identify which one you need, or, I believe westfalia will send you a master set with a deposit for you try yourself. BMW i3 Electric Car
2012 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8 (now gone)
2006 VW Touareg 3.0 TDi V6

I'm not sure this will work on yours, being none original, but here's the story: I drove off with the trailer hitch not properly engaged. First bump, the trailer came off and the security cable snap-lock disintegrated. On its way back, what was left of the hook smashed the plastic wheel you would turn and pull to undo the tow-bar, taking the lock out with it. This left a smaller 3-spoke metal wheel which can be grabbed with pliers, twisted and pulled and the bar comes off. No key needed anymore. So, if your aftermarket bar is the same design, taking a hammer to that wheel might do the trick. 😉

Perhaps not relevant if an aftermarket bar but I had a Westfalia with no key and stuck in the received. I removed the side plastic cover (opposite side to the handwheel) removed the circlip and drifted out the shaft 10mm. this allowed the handwheel to turn without a key. Took a bit of knocking back and forth to loosen the hook from holder as been there for a while but it came out.
I then bought a similar looking one with key off facebook (guy said it was off an Audi Q3 but I think anything Westfalia and similar looking will do) and had the guys in my workshop blast and paint the old one then change over the internals from the Q3 one to my original. Result, refurbished towbar with key for the £50 cost of the spare one.