observation car

a railroad passenger car having a lounge or platform from which the scenery can be viewed.

Origin of observation car

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Celia and I went out to sit on the rear platform of the observation-car.

Beatrice Leigh at College |Julia Augusta Schwartz
He was forced to remain partially inactive, though he paced from smoking to observation-car time and time again.

Garrison's Finish |W. B. M. Ferguson
The day was going out in a dusty twilight, and they were again standing on the rear platform of the second observation-car.

A Romance in Transit |Francis Lynde
The daddy had no easy time as he watched this tragedy of childhood from the observation-car.

Soldier Silhouettes on our Front |William L. Stidger

Conniston's eyes were alert, fixed upon the passageway from the observation-car rather than on the view from his window.

Under Handicap |Jackson Gregory

observation car

a railway carriage fitted with large expanses of glass to provide a good view of the scenery