Something Blue in Myloi
Interview by I.Panotoumidis, visuals by K.Doris & Triskelion
In our village of Myloi, where daily life carries the rhythm of the sea and the past is never far away, you might sometimes hear the gentle hum of an engine that takes you back to another time. It belongs to Kostantinos Doris and his cherished Triumph Herald – a sparkling 1960s classic that has become a familiar sight in our community. With its glossy paint, elegant lines, and shining chrome, the Herald turns heads wherever it goes, reflecting not only Kostantinos’ devotion to vintage cars but also the timeless charm of Myloi itself.
Over the years, this classic has lived many stories: from lively rallies and scenic drives along the coast to joyful village celebrations. Today, it is most often seen at weddings and special occasions, where it adds a touch of retro glamour and makes every journey unforgettable. For Kostantinos, sharing his Herald is a way of keeping history alive, while giving couples and families a unique experience on their most memorable days.
We spoke with him about his passion for classic cars, his connection to Myloi, and why this Triumph Herald holds such a special place in his life – and in the life of our village.
Kostantinos, how did you first come across this wonderful blue Triumph Herald – and what is the story behind the car itself?
It was May 22, 2015 (a day after my name day!) when I first laid eyes on the Triumph Herald in a warehouse in Argos, beneath a thick layer of dust. I was in Argos with the purpose of buying a space where I could store items from the house as well as farming tools, since my parents own quite a few hectares of farmland in the wider Nafplio area. The car had been stored there for years. It became my very first car!
The car belonged to Petros Marinos, squadron leader, aide-de-camp, and pilot of the heir to the throne and later king, Constantine Glücksburg. Petros Marinos entered the Air Force Academy in March 1949 and graduated in September 1951 with the rank of second lieutenant. He was distinguished for his character and diligence. He was the leader of his classmates in every year. Later, he went to America, where he specialized in the then-new supersonic F-104 jets. With one of these, he performed astonishing acrobatic demonstrations during their delivery in front of the king. In fact, he was said to be the only one who flew vertically with the aircraft right in front of the Greek Parliament (!). Petros Marinos ordered the car from England and received it in 1962. Since then, he used it for personal transport, especially to travel to airports across Greece, until mid-1964, when fate suddenly cut the thread of his life in an air accident (8-5-1964) in Tanagra.
What inspired you to share it with others as a wedding and celebration car?
First of all, I must point out that the Herald is my personal treasure – my pride. I never miss a chance to drive it and take a small road trip. My love for classic cars, combined with my passion for driving, led me in this direction. Every time I stop somewhere or when it is parked, people admire it, smile, greet, and almost always ask for information or take pictures. That’s when I realized that this car doesn’t just bring joy to me, but to everyone who sees it. That’s why I thought a wedding is the most beautiful occasion to share it – because it adds a touch of extra romantic and vintage magic to a day people will remember forever. In this way, I also keep the memory and history of the car alive, as a legacy
How do couples usually react when they see the Herald waiting for them on their big day?
Most who see it are surprised and admire its special blue color, which is called Wedgewood Blue, it has a hint of grey but at the same time makes it so radiant. The bride usually smiles immediately when she sees it, and once she steps into the comfortable leather interior, she feels like a queen. As for the grooms, they rush over and examine the metallic details. It is not just a means of transportation – it becomes a part of the celebration. For me, the most beautiful moment is seeing that sparkle in their eyes, because then I know the Herald has already added something unique to their day.
Can you share a funny or heartwarming moment from a wedding with the car?
I remember one time when I was on the road with the bride and her father as passenger. We were running quite late (at the bride’s suggestion, of course, so the groom would have to wait), and I was a bit hurried and rough with the Herald’s gears. I vividly remember him looking at me and saying: “You don’t need to mistreat this jewel, you must handle it with love.” At that moment, I was truly moved because he could see all the work behind bringing such a beautiful result to life.
The car looks as if it just rolled out of the showroom – how do you keep it so perfect?
With a lot of love and patience. All tasks – from washing to technical service – are carried out with a certain ritual. A classic car needs care but also passion to keep it in showroom condition. And of course, preparation is everything. The restoration, which for the most part was carried out with my own hands and passion, lasted 3 years, with plenty of patience and many spare parts that came together to form a perfect result.
We heard your Herald has taken part in several rallies – what was that like, and do you have a favorite memory?
A rally is always a celebration for those who love classic cars. That’s where you feel the Herald “breathing” again, just like back then. One of my favorite moments was when we set off by road from Athens to travel all the way to Rome. I will never forget the moment we drove at night around the Colosseum. That’s when I understood that, even though the Herald was born in England, its heart is Italian. There, under the lights of the Eternal City, it seemed to be exactly at home, as befitted the creation of an Italian designer.
What, in your eyes, makes a classic car like this more magical than a modern one?
A classic car carries soul and history. It is not just a machine – it has character, it has personality. It has imperfections or fewer comforts compared to a modern car, but that is exactly what makes it unique. With a classic car, you can truly feel that you are driving, that you sense and listen to every reaction of the car – something that does not happen with modern vehicles.
In which areas do you usually offer the Triumph Herald for weddings and events?
Mainly in Argolis, in Nafplio, but also in Athens and parts of Attica. Of course, we have also traveled to other parts of the Peloponnese. Wherever there is love for classics, the Herald can be there.
If someone wants to book the Herald for their special day, how can they reach you?
You can contact us either via social media on our Instagram page vintage_autorent & Facebook or via the email we created for bookings. And since we Greeks love communication, we also give out our mobile number so that interested parties can speak directly with us.
Finally, you are from Myloi – what does this village mean to you personally, and how does it feel to have your car featured here?
Myloi is inseparably tied to my childhood. I spent all my summers with my grandparents and parents there and created the most beautiful memories. The places where I played or rode my bike as a child, I now have the joy of driving through with the Herald. Seeing the Herald here by the sea, merging with the blue of the water, fills me with pride. It feels as though my personal story is connected with the history of the place.
About the Triumph Herald
The Triumph Herald was launched in 1959 by the British company Standard-Triumph. Its design came from the Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti, who later became one of the most influential car designers of his era. The Herald stood out with its clean, modern lines and innovative construction that made repairs and maintenance easy. Between 1959 and 1971, more than 500,000 Triumph Heralds were produced in various body styles, including saloon, coupé, convertible, and estate.
At the time, the Herald was praised for its excellent turning circle, easy handling, and stylish appearance – features that made it popular with families as well as young drivers. Today, the Herald has become a sought-after classic. Surviving models, especially those in pristine condition like the blue Herald of Kostantinos Doris, are cherished for their elegant Italian design, British engineering, and their ability to bring a touch of 1960s flair to any occasion.
Athens Motor Show 1967