That lead coach is an ex-Long Island RR MP54 "Ping-Pong" coach which supposedly were named both for the facts that they seemed to be constantly shuttling forth & back on short runs over the same rails and also for their riding "quality" (or lack thereof) when operating "at speed." Most were built as electric MUs, others were unpowered to operate behind steam and later diesel locomotives. Ref. Railpic photos # 24247, 64914 & 254288 to see these cars operating in all 3 modes. LIRR retired the MP54s out of daily service in the early-mid 1970s. It seems remarkable that this example has managed to continue in service for another 40 years and must be approaching at least 85 years of age or more.
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