In the heart of New Jersey’s Morris County, a 90-year-old stroke survivor whose meticulously curated classic cars have dazzled crowds at the New York International Auto Show for years is now at the center of a high-stakes legal battle that’s shining an uncomfortable spotlight on elder financial exploitation — and the growing risks facing tri-state collectors chasing the EV-conversion dream.
Robert “Bob” Kerekes, a longtime New Jersey resident whose vehicles have been featured in special exhibits at the Javits Center’s New York Auto Show (including Depression-era gems and Golden Era standouts in 2024 and 2025), contracted with Samuel Polyak of Polykup to transform his 2003 Acura NSX into a premium Tesla-battery electric vehicle. What was supposed to be a forward-looking upgrade for one of the metro area’s most recognizable automotive treasures has instead spiraled into allegations of stripped parts, recalled junkyard batteries, and potential theft targeting a vulnerable elder.
According to court filings in Kerekes v. Polyak (Docket MRS-L-000015-26) in Morris County Superior Court, the vehicle was returned in April 2026 after Civil Presiding Judge Frank DeAngelis issued a Writ of Replevin — but missing its original engine, transmission, and other high-value components worth approximately $200,000. Eyewitness accounts cited in the case allege the NSX had been shuttled to associate David Gutwill’s Ultimate Car Care in Fair Lawn, where explanations about the missing parts allegedly shifted. Instead of the promised premium Tesla batteries, reports claim salvaged Chevrolet Bolt units — subject to major fire-risk recalls — were installed.
Now, a New Jersey elder advocacy organization is intervening in a way that’s resonating across the Hudson. Elder Help Network has filed a motion to appear as amicus curiae (“friend of the court”), urging Judge DeAngelis to enforce the writ, issue subpoenas to Polyak, Gutwill, and defense counsel, and refer the matter to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for investigation into theft, conversion, and elder financial exploitation under New Jersey’s Adult Protective Services Act.
“This case isn’t just about one car — it’s about protecting seniors in our community who’ve spent lifetimes building legacies in industries like classic autos, which thrive right here in the NY-NJ metro area,” said a representative from Elder Help Network in their filing. The group emphasizes that stroke survivors and other vulnerable adults are particularly at risk when entering complex, high-dollar contracts involving specialized services like EV conversions.
The story hits close to home for New Yorkers. Kerekes’ collection has been a staple at the New York International Auto Show, drawing thousands to exhibits celebrating American automotive heritage — from Stutz Blackhawks to 1930s classics. Many local enthusiasts cross state lines for restorations, shows, and upgrades, making this NJ dispute a cautionary tale for the entire region’s vibrant car culture. With New York pushing aggressive EV adoption goals and New Jersey home to a booming classic car restoration scene, the case raises questions about oversight in the “green” retrofit market.
A Growing Regional Concern
Elder financial exploitation is surging across New York and New Jersey. Nationally, it costs seniors billions annually, but locally the numbers are stark: New Jersey’s Adult Protective Services handles thousands of reports yearly, while New York has expanded mandatory reporting and training requirements through recent legislation to combat abuse in community and institutional settings. Both states classify financial exploitation — including unauthorized taking of property or assets — as a serious offense, often triggering referrals to prosecutors or Adult Protective Services.
Classic car owners, many of them older collectors with deep emotional and financial ties to their vehicles, are increasingly targeted in an era of expensive modernizations. EV conversions promise sustainability and modern performance but involve specialized (and costly) work that can be opaque to non-experts. Industry watchers note that the tri-state area — with its dense network of shops, shows like the NY Auto Show, and affluent collectors — is particularly fertile ground for such disputes.
Polykup Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2026, though the case was dismissed shortly after. Neither Polyak nor Gutwill has issued a public statement on the allegations, and the court has not yet ruled on Elder Help Network’s motion.
Why This Matters for NY-NJ Collectors
For many in the NY-NJ corridor, classic cars aren’t just investments — they’re passion projects tied to family history and community events. Kerekes’ vehicles have been exhibited alongside icons once owned by figures like Elvis Presley or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, underscoring the cultural cachet. Yet as EV tech booms (fueled by state incentives in both NY and NJ), experts warn that seniors could face heightened risks without stronger safeguards, such as mandatory disclosures for conversion projects or third-party inspections.
Elder Help Network’s intervention marks a proactive step, bringing specialized elder-rights expertise into civil proceedings where financial exploitation might otherwise be treated as a simple contract dispute. It’s a model that advocates hope could influence similar cases in New York, where new 2025-2026 bills emphasize prevention training and reporting for senior maltreatment.
Kerekes, who has devoted decades to preserving automotive history, now finds himself fighting to reclaim not just parts, but peace of mind. As the case unfolds in Morris County, it serves as a wake-up call for collectors on both sides of the Hudson: in the rush to electrify the past, vigilance and robust protections are essential to safeguard the legends of the road — and the people who cherish them.
Goodmenproject will continue to follow developments in Kerekes v. Polyak. If you or a loved one suspect elder exploitation, contact your county’s Adult Protective Services or New Jersey’s hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD. In New York, reach the Office for the Aging or local APS offices.
