How the catch works
The XK140 boot lid is held by two star-shaped wheels, one at each rear corner inside the lid, which engage U-shaped latches on the body. When the lid is locked the wheels are held fixed; pressing the button frees them to spin and the lid lifts. The button reaches the two wheels through a central assembly and two thin cables, one to each corner.
Because there are two separate cables, the common failure is one side releasing and the other not: the lid lifts at one corner and stays held at the other.
Source: Jaguar Forums, “Can't open trunk lid on 1956 XK 140 MC” (2024); Jag-lovers XK forum, “[xk] trunk/boot lock stuck on XK140” (2014).
Opening a stuck lid from inside
On the coupe and drophead, the method owners describe uses the fold-down panel behind the rear seats, which gives access into the luggage space:
- Fold down the panel behind the seats.
- Straighten a wire coat hanger, leaving the hook at one end.
- With a torch, find the central assembly under the lid and the two thin cables running to each corner.
- Hook the cable to the corner that is stuck and pull it gently towards you until that side releases.
The Roadster has no rear seats or fold-down panel, so this route is not available on it.
Source: Jag-lovers XK forum, “[xk] trunk/boot lock stuck on XK140”, reply by Otto (S-834292), 2014.
Why not drill the lid
Drilling the lid is sometimes suggested. The owner of a 1956 XK140 drophead, writing on Jaguar Forums, rejected it and noted that it would not work anyway, because the catch wheel sits below the mechanism and cannot be reached from outside.
Source: Jaguar Forums, “Cannot open boot (trunk) lid — fixed” (2015).
Before it happens
Once the lid is open, lubricating both star wheels and checking that each cable frees its wheel when the button is pressed is the prevention. Keeping a straightened hanger in the cabin costs nothing.