I've tried opening the trunk lid on my new to me 1956 XK 140 MC. It is stuck on the right side. I unlocked it and pressed the button and the left side releases but not the right side. I've tried pushing the lid to the side, pushing down on the lid while pressing the button and pulling hard enough that the fender is flexing. No luck. Does anyone know the secret?

At least one reason that I need to get in there is that the car is missing the battery tray cover that is behind the front right wheel. I hope it is in the trunk.

Thanks, Vern

 

Hi Vern, I faced the same problem after I bought my 56 XK140 OTS. The latch is secured by two "star wheels" inside the trunk lid. When locked the star wheels are fixed and engaged with a "U" shaped latch on each side at the rear of the trunk. The star wheels are supposed to spin freely when the button is pushed, releasing them from the latches. The button is connected to the star wheels via a cable. In my case, both sides of the cable were stretched and too loose to release the star wheels. This mechanism is under the trunk lid trim panel. Slip something thin with a hook on it under the trim panel, like a bent coat hanger . Then grab the cable with the hook and pull to release the stuck star wheel. That worked for me. Good luck Richard

 

Thank you Richard. Now I know what the locking mechanism looks like. I'll try your method. Vern

 

I got the trunk lid open without doing anything. I was demonstrating how it would not open to some friends and it opened. The push button felt completely different than before, so I believe the problem was just something sticking in the button. It has opened several times since so, for now, all is good. One thing I did notice thought is the lined trunk lid. I would not have been able to get to the pull wires with the liner in place. I'm so glad I got lucky with this.