Luxury Parlor Class
The Most Exclusive Seat on the Train - Inside our Luxury Parlor Car is a
grand tradition of elegance and extraordinary comforts. 
Outside is a classic
open-air rear platform allowing for timeless snap shots. The car also features
a private bar serving fine spirits. The car also features a private bar serving
fine spirits. And service is evident for our special guests of Parlor Class.
Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice are provided throughout the morning.
Champagne and appetizers complement the afternoon journey. The car is air-conditioned
for the warmer months.
Children 12 and under not permitted.
The Chief
This stainless steel Observation Platform Lounge Car was built in 1947 for use on the Atlantic Coast Line. The car serviced the route between New York City and Miami. It was purchased in 1971 and used to service the same route until it was retired in the early 1980s. The car sat in storage until it was purchased by a private investor in 1985. The car was moved to San Antonio, Texas. There it was refurbished and put into service for the Texas Southern Dinner Train from 1989 to 1991. This restoration cost approximately $250,000. In 1991 the car served as the dinner car on a charter train in Mexico. In 1993 the car was seized by the Mexican government, and the owner entered a protracted legal battle to have the car returned. In 1994 the car was returned to the United States border, where it was picked up by the Union Pacific for delivery to San Antonio. The car was lost en route to San Antonio and was found later that year in New Orleans. The car was damaged by a rear-end collision en route from New Orleans to San Antonio and the owner put it into storage before selling it in 1999. The next owner, R.B. Flynn, added the observation platform on the rear of the car to hide the collision damage but decided to sell the car before completing the restoration. His restoration effort reportedly cost $95,000. Grand Canyon Railway acquired the car in 2002. Restoration was completed in less than a year and the new Chief was put into service in October 2002. Total cost of the railway's restoration effort, including purchase, was $527,000. Restoration involved gutting the interior of the car and installing new cherry paneling, carpet and window shades. The bar area was refurbished, but the original marble bartop was preserved. A unisex bathroom was added to the car. Also new air conditioning and heating systems, a storage locker and a 150-kilowat generator were added. The exterior of the car was also restored. The stainless steel required extensive polishing and the paint color scheme was changed to Grand Canyon Railway colors. New fuel and waste holding tanks were added as well as a modern water lift system. Grand Canyon Railway's newest chief car is the railway's most elegant car. It features luxurious décor, large windows and an open rear platform from which passengers can enjoy the passing scenery and fresh air. Luxury Parlor Class is air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. Complimentary continental breakfast is served in the mornings. Appetizers and champagne or sparkling cider in the afternoon are included in the fare. Attentive, professional service is provided by an exclusive coach attendant. Strolling musicians perform en route to the Canyon. Pepsi is complimentary. The car can be reserved for groups and special events.
Belly Up