In a sustained consumer advocacy campaign that has captured widespread attention, members of the New Jersey Auto Owners Association (NJAOA) have been protesting as an almost daily occurrence since early April against Samuel Polyak of Polykup Inc. and David Gutwill of Ultimate Car Care in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. The demonstrations, which have continued into late May, initially focused on demanding the return of a prized classic car belonging to 90-year-old stroke survivor Robert Kerekes. They have since morphed into protests over the fact that the vehicle was eventually returned—allegedly gutted of all its valuable original parts.
Protesters have gathered regularly outside Ultimate Car Care and a residence linked to the parties, brandishing large signs and banners that pull no punches. One prominent banner reads: “Ultimate Car Care is Holding a 90 Year Old’s Car for Ransom,” featuring a cartoon illustration of an elderly man with a cane. Other signs declare “CHEATING a 90 Year Old? DOWNRIGHT EVIL!!!!”, “Junkyard Flammable Chevy Bolt Batteries in a $300K Car? THAT’S FRAUD”, “Lethal Batteries; Fraudulent Work”, and “Sam Polyak and Polykup Used Lethal Batteries; Put Lives at Risk.” Demonstrators have chanted phrases like “Scammed an old man, shame on Sam,” while demanding accountability. Additional signage has referenced missing components with pointed questions such as “Where are the stolen parts Sam and Dave?” highlighting claims of unscrupulous actions and unreturned valuable parts.
The case, formally known as Kerekes v. Polyak (Docket No. MRS L 000015-26) in Morris County Superior Court before Civil Presiding Judge Frank DeAngelis, centers on an electric vehicle (EV) conversion project gone wrong. According to court filings and advocacy statements, Kerekes—a well-known New Jersey car collector whose vehicles have appeared at events like the New York International Auto Show—contracted with Polyak’s Polykup to perform a premium Tesla battery EV conversion on his 2003 Acura NSX. Allegations include the use of salvaged or “junkyard” Chevrolet Bolt batteries with known fire risks, significant cost overruns, missing high-value original parts, and the subsequent transfer of the vehicle to Ultimate Car Care.
A writ of replevin was issued in mid-April directing the return of the vehicle along with all keys, remotes, and removed components. However, per the Elder Help Network’s amicus curiae brief and related court filings, the car was returned in severely damaged and incomplete condition—allegedly stripped of its original engine, transmission, and other factory components worth substantial value. This development has intensified the protests, shifting the focus from simply retrieving the vehicle to holding the defendants accountable for what advocates describe as outright stripping and exploitation.
Advocates argue this constitutes not just a contractual dispute but potential elder financial exploitation under New Jersey law. The Elder Help Network’s amicus filing urges stronger court intervention, enforcement of the writ, subpoenas, and a full accounting of parts, emphasizing risks to vulnerable seniors.
Explosive Media Coverage and Growing Momentum
The controversy has generated significant media interest, with coverage appearing across local news outlets, auto enthusiast forums, Reddit discussions, YouTube channels, and national aggregators. Reports detail Polyak’s Polykup and Gutwill’s Ultimate Car Care facing scrutiny over the project’s safety, transparency, and handling of the elderly client’s property. Background details on the parties, including prior legal issues for one of the individuals, have further fueled public outrage.
Public interest continues to swell by the day. More advocacy groups and concerned citizens are joining the conversation, framing the case as emblematic of broader issues around elder abuse, consumer protection in specialty auto work, and the risks of unregulated EV conversions on classic vehicles. The persistence of the daily protests since early April has kept the story alive, with calls for the immediate return of all missing components, full restitution, and accountability.
NJAOA and supporting organizations maintain that the actions placed Kerekes and potentially others at risk while depriving a stroke survivor of his cherished collectible. They demand transparency and stricter oversight to prevent similar exploitation.
As the Kerekes v. Polyak matter proceeds in court, the ongoing protests serve as a visible reminder of community vigilance. For Robert Kerekes and countless other seniors navigating complex transactions, the message from demonstrators is clear: vulnerability should not invite predation. The case underscores ongoing debates about trust in automotive services, the promises and pitfalls of EV technology in the classic car world, and the critical need for robust protections for elder consumers.
Media Info
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