It's not the first time that it's happened, indeed, that doesn't make any less weird, when a predecessor model is renamed after the follow-up is there. Because the car shown here is the further development of the fifth prototype, it's called the Mark V (five) and its predecessor, from now on, was timidly given the name, Mark IV (four).

Thereby, the Mark V was a difficult case anyhow, because only drop for drop was it given the blessings of the new solutions worked out during the war. There was in fact, a new engine with two overhead cams. However, because they only had limited capacities, it was reserved for the conversion of the Roadster XK 120.

This one had, compared with it's predecessor, the SS 100, a revolutionary new body, our Mark V could only dream about getting something like this. Compared with its predecessor, perhaps one could fashionably describe it as being a facelift. Indeed, what is then to be done with such a 'Cinderella'? At least it was given one really new feature and that was hidden under the surface. It was the new, independent suspension up front.

So, at the official introduction of the Mark V, at first only the chassis was shown, to highlight the new feature. Otherwise, there remained a slightly changed bodywork and two tried and tested straight six-cylinders engines, which were however, somewhat modest as far as technology and performance were concerned. The new hydraulic brakes were at least one consolation. Otherwise, all one could do, was wait for the Mark VII, (seven) since the number 6 was not used. 05/14