According to the link, USA importer Max Hoffman encouraged BMW to produce a sports version of its 502 series V8 powered sedan. BMW liked the concept enough to commission Goertz (on Hoffman's wishes) to submit two designs. Interestingly, both were accepted for production. The not-507 car was the BMW 503 (built 1956-1959) that was and is comparatively little-known.
According to Wikipedia, only 252 507s were built and 503 production was 413. All 507s were cabriolets and the majority of 503s were coupés. Overall, the split between open and closed models was likely close to being even. Also, 507s could be provided with detachable hard tops. Once production was underway, both cars were similarly priced at around 30,000 DM, so price does not really explain the 503's better sales.
It turned out that the 507 and 503 were money-losers for BMW because it was hoped and planned that about 5,000 would be sold.
The lean, yet voluptuous, 507 featured a new, horizontal variation on BMW's traditional two-segment grille theme: previous grilles had a vertical format.
On the other hand, the 503's grille was similar to that on the 502 sedan. The fenderline is a single, subtle curve.
To reduce potential visual bulk, Goertz gave the 503 a strong character line on the fender. This car had the same front fender air vent as seen on 507s. Most 503s lacked that detail. The large auxiliary lights by the horizontal air intakes complicate the frontal design in part because they are too near the headlights. Otherwise, the front is attractive and understandable from a brand-identification standpoint. Though I'm ambivalent regarding the forward thrust of the central grill element.
This car lacks the fender air vent. Overall, an attractive design from this viewpoint, yet lacking the 507's "lean, yet voluptuous" emotional impact.
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