An open roof construction for a vehicle for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part to be fixed to the roof. The stationary part includes at least one stationary guide rail at the edge of the roof opening, which extends in the longitudinal direction of vehicle. A panel is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it has been moved rearwards to an upwardly sloping position at least partially above the fixed roof, in which position it opens the roof opening at least partially, An operating mechanism is provided for adjusting said panel. The operating mechanism includes a driven slide and a panel element, preferably a link plate, which is attached to the panel and which is adjustably connected to said slide. A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a locking element that is slidably connected to the panel element. The locking element can be locked to the guide rail in the closed position of the panel, preferably via a cam-slot connection, and which can be actuated by means of a connecting arm that is connected to the slide. The connecting arm is movably and pivotally connected to the panel element and it extends at least substantially vertically in the upwardly pivoted position of the panel.