I think you're right (and hope you're right so that the 1958 trim is actually available to those of us that want them). I agree that $56K IS quite high for a poverty spec anything. In my case, I think I'm willing to pay the new car premium because for the first time I can remember, Toyota is offering a vehicle that I would have said is my ideal (before they even announced it last year): cloth seats, no sunroof, basic/brutalist design, but with the rear locking diff.The 1958 is oddly placed to me, I'll agree there. I don't think it really appeals to anyone except enthusiasts. Paying $57k to have manual seats and a blank space filler around your touch screen will turn most people off. Including myself. I don't expect it to be a popular trim.
I mean no one buys a new car because it's a great deal, right?