Marc Milhander’s love affair with cars began in Southern California, where he spent the first 28 years of his life.
The Niles clinical psychologist described growing up at a time when muscle cars were all the rage and a young man could get his driver’s license and get behind the wheel four-speed 500 horsepower car.
“I was influenced pretty heavily by the southern California scene in the 60s and the 70s,” said Milhander. “I didn’t appreciate at the time just what kind of car culture I was in. It was definitely a heavy car culture and the bug bit me very, very hard.”
Milhander has brought his passion for automobiles to Niles, where he runs The Kar Club Inc., a buyer and seller of premium pre-owned automobiles in Niles. It is located on the upper level of the Greater Michiana Healing Arts Center, 109 N. Third St.
The Kar Club is also the home of the Bring It Supercar Club, where members meet to share their love for automobiles.
Milhander has found there are lots of people out there just like him.
“Hot rods and muscle cars appeal to a wide range of people regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status,” Milhander said. “I’ve just been lucky enough to indulge in it a little more than most.”
The Kar Club will be hosting a Bring It! Cruise In and Car Show every Wednesday in downtown Niles throughout the summer. It is the third year for Bring It.
The free family-friendly events feature “hot” cars and live music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 28.
Vehicles usually begin grabbing parking spots on Main Street between 4 and 5 p.m. The street is closed off at 5 p.m. for each event.
Milhander said just about any car is welcome.
“We will pretty much display any car if it even registers a blip on the hotness scale,” Milhander said.
The events feature children’s activities and awards for the best vehicles.
Public parking is available off Main Street. Free ice-cold bottled water will be handed out.

Bring It! schedule
Downtown Niles
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Date/Entertainment                                                                Featuring
June 12 — Hey Annie/DJ Jeff Roberts                                 Truck and Van
June 19 — Everyday People/DJ Jeff Roberts                      Mopar/AMC
June 26 — Ground Control                                                     Club Night
July 10 — Red Hot Voodoo/WJOE                                       Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Cadillac
July 17 — Hillbenders                                                              Race Cars, Motorsports, Demolition
July 24 — Great White Caps                                                   German, British, Italian
July 31 — Van Dyke Revue/DJ Jeff Roberts                       Studebaker
Aug. 7 — Acme Box & Crate/DJ Jeff Roberts                     Bizzare Unusual Unique
Aug. 14 — Parkovash/WJOE                                                  Orphan Vehicles
Aug. 21 — Alligator Blackbird/DJ Jeff Roberts                  Bike Night
Aug. 28 — Elwood Splinters Blues Band/WJOE               Import Night