90-Year-Old Car Collector Seeks Justice in Lawsuit Involving Samuel Polyak and David Gutwill
A legal dispute in New Jersey is drawing attention after Elder Help Network filed an amicus brief in support of 90-year-old stroke survivor Robert Kerekes. The case involves serious allegations tied to an electric vehicle conversion project for Kerekes’ 2003 Acura NSX.
According to court filings, the lawsuit centers on claims of elder abuse, financial exploitation, and missing vehicle components that were allegedly not returned after a court order. The filing names Samuel Polyak and references David Gutwill in connection with the dispute.
Elder Help Network says the case raises larger concerns about how vulnerable seniors can become targets in high-value business transactions. The organization filed its brief in the Superior Court of New Jersey in the matter of Kerekes v. Polyak.
The controversy has also brought attention to names connected to the project including Polykup and Ultimate Car Care. As the case moves forward, many are watching closely to see how the court responds to the allegations and requests for further investigation.
Elder Help Network Files Amicus Brief in New Jersey Court
Elder Help Network officially entered the case on May 11, 2026. The nonprofit organization filed a Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Morris County.
The filing was made in the case known as Kerekes v. Polyak. According to the organization, the purpose of the brief is to support Robert Kerekes and raise awareness about possible elder abuse and financial exploitation.
An amicus brief allows outside groups to provide information or legal arguments in cases that may affect the public interest. In this situation, Elder Help Network says the case involves important concerns about protecting older adults from financial harm.
The organization also pointed to New Jersey laws designed to protect seniors from the wrongful taking or misuse of property and assets.
Why the Organization Entered the Case
Elder Help Network says the allegations in the lawsuit go beyond a simple business disagreement. The nonprofit believes the case may involve actions that placed an elderly man at financial and physical risk.
The filing argues that older adults can become especially vulnerable during large transactions involving expensive property or specialty services. Because Robert Kerekes is a 90-year-old stroke survivor, the organization says the court should carefully examine the claims presented in the lawsuit.
The group also stated that protecting seniors from possible exploitation remains one of its core missions.
Who Is Robert Kerekes?
Robert Kerekes is known in New Jersey as a longtime car collector with decades of experience in the automotive world. According to the filing, he has spent more than 40 years building a respected reputation among collectors and enthusiasts.
His collection has reportedly been featured at the New York Auto Show. The filing also notes that ABC News once referred to him as an “American classic.”
Friends and supporters say Kerekes remained passionate about cars even after surviving a stroke. That passion reportedly led him to move forward with an electric vehicle conversion project involving his 2003 Acura NSX.
The 2003 Acura NSX EV Conversion Project
According to the lawsuit, the Acura NSX project involved converting the sports car into an electric vehicle. The agreement allegedly included the use of Tesla battery technology as part of the build.
Court filings claim the work was connected to Samuel Polyak and businesses tied to the project. The filings also reference Polykup and Ultimate Car Care during discussion of the conversion work and related disputes.
Kerekes reportedly expected the vehicle to be completed according to the written agreement. However, the lawsuit claims the final result became the center of a growing legal conflict.
Allegations Against Samuel Polyak
The amicus brief filed by Elder Help Network includes several allegations against Samuel Polyak. The filing claims the agreed vehicle conversion did not match the original contract terms.
According to the lawsuit, high-value Tesla batteries were allegedly replaced with Chevrolet Bolt batteries taken from junkyard vehicles. The filing claims this change was made without proper authorization and directly violated the written agreement.
It is important to note that these claims remain allegations presented in court filings. The matter is still being reviewed through the legal process.
Claims About Recalled Chevrolet Bolt Batteries
One major issue in the case involves concerns about battery safety. The filing claims the Chevrolet Bolt batteries allegedly used in the project were linked to recalls and fire risks.
The brief references widely reported battery issues involving Bolt EV models. According to the filing, this allegedly created serious concerns for the safety of Kerekes and his family members.
Elder Help Network argues that replacing the agreed battery system with different components may have exposed the elderly car owner to unnecessary risk.
Questions Raised About Polykup and Related Business Operations
As public attention around the case grows, the name Polykup has also become part of the conversation. Court filings and online discussions have linked the business name to the disputed project involving Samuel Polyak.
The filing does not present final legal conclusions about Polykup or related operations. However, the connection has led to broader public interest regarding how the project was managed.
Ultimate Car Care has also been mentioned in discussions surrounding the dispute. Because litigation is ongoing, many details are still subject to court review and investigation.
Missing Vehicle Parts Become Major Point of Dispute
Another major issue in the lawsuit involves claims that important parts from the Acura NSX were missing when the vehicle was returned.
According to court documents, a Writ of Replevin was issued on April 14, 2026. The order reportedly directed the return of the vehicle along with all keys, remotes, and removed components.
However, the filing claims the car was returned in severely damaged and incomplete condition.
Alleged Missing Engine and Transmission
The lawsuit states that the original engine, transmission, and related factory components were not returned with the vehicle. These original parts were reportedly valued at nearly $200,000.
For collectors, original equipment components can carry enormous financial and historical value. Because of this, the missing parts quickly became one of the biggest issues in the case.
The filing argues that the missing items deserve immediate accounting and recovery efforts.
Eyewitness Statement Mentioned in Court Filing
The amicus brief also references eyewitness testimony from Matt Pekham of Vintage Motor Management.
According to the filing, Pekham is prepared to testify that David Gutwill personally confirmed possession of the removed parts. The statement reportedly includes claims that Gutwill even made an early-morning trip to retrieve additional components.
The testimony could become important as the court examines the chain of custody involving the missing items.
David Gutwill’s Reported Role in the Dispute
David Gutwill is mentioned several times in the filing connected to the handling of the Acura NSX parts.
According to the brief, Gutwill allegedly discussed the location and possession of the removed components during conversations referenced by witnesses. The filing also claims there were changing explanations regarding what happened to the missing items.
At this stage, these statements remain allegations contained in court documents.
Contradictory Statements Alleged in the Filing
The filing claims that explanations provided by Samuel Polyak, David Gutwill, and others changed over time.
Elder Help Network argues that inconsistent explanations may raise important questions about accountability and transparency. In legal disputes involving valuable property, courts often examine whether records and statements remain consistent throughout the process.
The court has not yet issued final findings regarding these claims.
Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Concerns
A major focus of the amicus brief involves elder abuse protections under New Jersey law.
Elder Help Network argues that the case may fit broader patterns of financial exploitation involving older adults. The organization pointed to the Adult Protective Services Act which protects seniors from the wrongful taking or misuse of property and assets.
The filing argues that courts should take extra care when elderly individuals may have been placed at risk during complex financial or business transactions.
Why Advocacy Groups Are Watching the Case Closely
Advocates say elder abuse cases are often difficult because victims may face health challenges, financial stress, or unequal bargaining power.
Supporters of Robert Kerekes believe the case highlights the need for stronger accountability when elderly individuals enter agreements involving expensive assets.
The dispute has also sparked discussion in automotive and collector communities because of the reported value of the missing vehicle parts and the seriousness of the allegations.
Calls for Investigation and Further Legal Action
Elder Help Network is asking the court to take several additional steps as the case moves forward.
According to the filing, the organization wants full enforcement of the Writ of Replevin and immediate return of the missing Acura NSX components. If the parts cannot be returned, the brief requests a full accounting explaining their disposition.
The filing also requests subpoenas requiring sworn testimony and records from Samuel Polyak, David Gutwill, and others connected to the matter.
Potential Legal Questions Moving Forward
The case may eventually focus on several important legal questions including:
- Who had possession of the missing parts
- Whether the court order was fully followed
- What documentation exists regarding the removed components
- Whether any laws involving elder financial exploitation were violated
The amicus brief also asks for the matter to be referred to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office or other authorities for possible investigation.
Public Attention Around Ultimate Car Care and Related Entities
As news about the lawsuit spreads online, attention has expanded to businesses and entities connected to the dispute including Ultimate Car Care.
Many observers are closely following how the names connected to the project may be discussed during future proceedings. At the same time, legal experts often remind the public that allegations in lawsuits are not the same as final court findings.
Because the case remains active, additional evidence and testimony may still emerge.
Broader Conversation Around Elder Protection
Beyond the details of the Acura NSX project, the lawsuit has opened a wider conversation about elder protection and financial safety.
Advocates say seniors can sometimes become vulnerable during high-value business agreements especially when health issues are involved. Cases like this often raise questions about transparency, documentation, and ethical business practices.
Elder Help Network says it hopes the case encourages greater awareness about protecting older adults from possible exploitation.
Conclusion
The lawsuit involving Robert Kerekes, Samuel Polyak, and David Gutwill continues to attract attention in New Jersey and beyond.
At the center of the dispute are allegations involving an EV conversion project, missing Acura NSX components, and concerns about elder financial exploitation. The case has also brought attention to names such as Polykup and Ultimate Car Care as public interest continues to grow.
For now, the allegations remain subject to court review. As legal proceedings continue, many will be watching to see how the court addresses the claims raised by Elder Help Network and the parties involved in the lawsuit.
