American Motors unveiled six concept cars for the 1978 show season that illustrated the company's vision for more fuel-efficient cars for the 1980s.
Under the banner of "Concept 80" were the Concept I, Concept II, Concept Grand Touring, Concept AM VAN, Concept Electron, and Concept Jeep II.

Concept I and II were similar in size wilh a 96-inch wheelbase, overall lenglh of just over 153 inches, and width of 68 inches. They were not production-based. Slim roof pillars, minimal front and rear overhang, and thin door panels helped AMC claim they could sit three people across, front and back. Large glass area gave the interior an open feel.

The Concept I had a quasi-continental rear tire mount and spoke wheels. The Concept II featured a built-in rollbar/B-pillar which divided the roof in segments.
It also had aluminum wheels. Rectangular headlights were used on the Concept I, while headlamps in the Concept II were hidden. Both had no driveline and therefore were rollers.