Model cars "parked" at the Buena Park Library through the end of October

Old time cars and pump
Originally uploaded by bpld

Zeta (Jimmy) Dhanapanth's 1:18th scale model car collection would rival those full-size cars found in Jay Leno's garage. You can see part of Dhanapanth's collection on display at the Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues. The exhibit is located in the Library lobby and runs now through the end of October 2007.

Dhanapanth began collecting model cars and motorcycles six to seven years ago with a model car from the TV show "The Munsters." Many companies manufacture die cast cars, but most of his collection is from Maisto, Hotwheel, and Yat-Ming. He now “has more models than space to store them!” On display in the Library are early Model T Ford's, 1950's classics like the Thunderbird, muscle cars from the seventies, choppers and Vespas, and even the Batmobile. The models are very detailed, with doors and hoods opening to reveal the engines and interiors that have been meticulously crafted.

Dhanapanth runs a non-profit tutoring service in Stanton whose aim is to provide affordable tutoring, especially to low income students. Stop by the Buena Park Library, take a cruise down memory lane with the variety of vehicles on display - you may see a car you fell in love with “back in the day.”

The Buena Park Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, ext. 125.