New Jersey Auto Owners Association Strongly Condemns Two Local Auto Shops for Alleged Exploitation of 90-Year-Old Stroke Survivor, Demands Immediate State Government Intervention
By Independent Auto Desk
April 20, 2026
A high-profile dispute in New Jersey’s auto repair industry has escalated, with the New Jersey Auto Owners Association (NJAOA) issuing a forceful condemnation of two shops—Polykup and Ultimate Car Care—and their owners for what the advocacy group describes as a pattern of shoddy, potentially dangerous work followed by the wrongful detention of a customer’s vehicle.
The case centers on a prized Acura NSX belonging to a 90-year-old stroke survivor. The classic sports car, a cherished symbol of the owner’s independence and passion for driving, was originally delivered to Polykup, operated by Samuel “Sam” Polyak, for a premium Tesla-based battery electric vehicle (EV) conversion. According to the NJAOA, the work deviated dramatically from the agreed-upon contract. Instead of the high-quality components specified, the shop allegedly installed salvaged Chevy Bolt batteries sourced from a junkyard—parts tied to a massive General Motors recall affecting approximately 177,000 vehicles due to serious fire-risk defects.
When complications arose with the conversion, the NSX was transferred to Ultimate Car Care in Fair Lawn, owned by David C. Gutwill. The shop, located at 6-06 Plaza Rd, offers standard maintenance, tire services, and general repairs. However, the NJAOA alleges that despite repeated requests from the elderly owner, Gutwill has refused to release the vehicle, effectively holding it hostage amid unresolved disputes.
In a strongly worded statement released today, the New Jersey Auto Owners Association explicitly condemned both businesses and their owners. “The NJAOA unequivocally condemns Ultimate Car Care and its owner, David C. Gutwill—who has a documented criminal record involving fraud, witness tampering, and money laundering—as well as Polykup and its owner, Sam Polyak,” the group declared. “This is not merely a contractual disagreement; it represents a clear and troubling pattern of taking advantage of vulnerable consumers, particularly our elderly residents who place their trust—and their safety—in these shops.”
The NJAOA has reiterated its earlier calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the Acura NSX to its rightful owner, full transparency regarding all parts and materials used, and strict adherence to the original contract terms. The group is also urging anyone with similar experiences involving Polykup or Ultimate Car Care to come forward via its official website (www.NewJerseyAutoOwnersAssociation.org) to share information or file reports.
Neither Polykup nor Ultimate Car Care has issued public comments addressing the specific allegations. Ultimate Car Care’s website promotes routine auto care services but notes no accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. The New Jersey Center for Investigative Reporting has indicated it will continue examining the practices at both facilities and broader issues in high-value vehicle modifications.
Consumer advocates emphasize that cases like this underscore the risks in specialized automotive work, particularly EV conversions of classic cars like the Acura NSX. While such upgrades promise modern performance and efficiency, the use of substandard or recalled components can create serious safety hazards, including fire risks, while leaving owners financially and emotionally burdened.
Vehicle owners across the state are being advised to exercise extreme caution: always secure detailed written contracts, verify the source and quality of parts, and understand policies regarding unfinished work or vehicle retrieval. Legal counsel should be consulted promptly if disputes arise.
As this story develops, the NJAOA remains committed to advocating for greater industry accountability and stronger safeguards for New Jersey drivers. The group’s latest demands signal a growing push for legislative or regulatory reforms to address what it calls systemic vulnerabilities in the auto service sector—especially those affecting the most vulnerable residents.