The original AMX's "Ramble" seat idea was considered for possible production.[67] A working prototype was built in 1968 from a regular AMX by James Jeffords, a designer-customizer, and was named the AMX-R.[68] Jeffords was also head of the Javelin Trans Am Racing Team for AMC.[69] Together with industrial designer Brooks Stevens, they decided to also "plush up" the interior, add custom paint treatment and hood with Jeffords's name in badge form, as well as a modified suspension as part of their plan to offer an optional Ramble seat for 500 production cars.[70] The first prototype was prepared by Dave Puhl's House of Kustoms in Palatine, Illinois.[68] However, numerous problems prevented serial production, including safety and product liability concerns, AMC's refusal to sell him the cars to modify, as well as the negative reaction from Ralph Nader to the exposed exterior seating idea.[68] The AMX-R's special blacked-out hood treatment would later be offered as "shadow mask" option on 1970 AMX models.