For its first year recognition, the reasons cited included the car's dashboard, which was injection-molded in one piece "for safety purposes, an industry first."[1] The AMX's new 390 cu in (6.4 L) engine was developed to have a large displacement within its minimal external dimensions and moderate weight, while the use of common components and machining with AMC's 290 and 343 engines assured manufacturing economy.[25] The 1968 models also included an innovative fiberglass safety padding, a "plastic" on the inside of the windshield posts that was first used on the AMC Javelins.