Seems like folks who literally have no idea what it is are just “amazed” by it. After I completed my frame on Resto in 2017 and the urging of my neighbor, I put it in the Stoneridge Golf Club car show. One of the cars there was a new Shelby GT350 that was just gorgeous. His wife kept coming over to check out the 40 telling her husband over and over “this looks like way more fun “and how cool she thought it was. Was kind of embarrassing. Almost always stopped to chat about it at gas stations. Funny that way more expensive cars don’t always get the most attention
I think FJ40’s are just more...approachable. Anymore a shiny candy apple red muscle car or some ultra rare high end roadster just screams “old rich guy” or “midlife crisis” to a lot of people. Someone who will tell you “look but don’t touch.” Or freak out about the paint as he’s backing it onto the trailer with his car show trophy in hand so he can put it back in his climate controlled garage. (Sorry for anyone here who has said muscle car).
FJ40’s just look down to earth. Even in mint condition the spot welds are visible and they look utilitarian. They look like something that someone without a ton of money could own someday - “cheap fun.” I think people assume the owner of a rugged, old school off-roader will be more laid back as well. In general I’ve found this to be true - but in reality it’s a misrepresentation given the amount of money these trucks were pulling down at auctions in recent years - they’re worth more than a lot of those muscle cars!