During the course of our research into the background of Sir Elton John's car collection we interviewed various long-term employees including: John Newman, Elton John's fleet manager; Derek Baulcombe, Elton John's chauffer and Bob Stacey, Elton John's Estate manager. These discussions enabled us to build up a profile of Elton John as a good employer who inspires loyalty and is friendly and warm towards his staff, a number of whom have worked with him for close to thirty years. Elton has amusing nicknames for them, John Newman is known as Nanette, Derek Baulcombe is Diedre and Bob Stacey, simply Stacey. All of them have obvious respect for Elton John as a person and as an artist. Bob Stacey defined Elton John ultimately as "... a Collector. He's a talented musician, and the music's one side of him, but ultimately he's a collector. He can't buy one of anything... its whatever he gets a feeling for. His art collection is really extensive and magnificent [he has a world-famous collection of photographs also, jewellery and watches] and it's the same with the cars... He always has the best of things... you see real art... not copies or prints [it's the same with his cars]... these cars are the real cars, the special hand-built ones... the expensive side of the market..."

Not only does Elton John own beautiful things, he clearly appreciates them and ensures that they are well looked after. John Newman feels paternal towards his charges and told us that he felt sad when he first heard that Elton John was going to sell most of his cars "... you do become attached to them... [I call them] my babies... I've had complimets over the years on how clean they are kept, its not just [how they] look, you do have to listen and feel for problems, the fleet has to be ready at all times, because you never know which car Elton is going to choose..." Newman takes each car out on a regular basis and ensures that they are ready at a moment's notice and that everything (including the sound systems and air conditioning etc.) works perfectly at all times.

Derek Baulcombe told us "... It's a pleasure to drive them all..."