RHapsody – The Forgotten Supercar That Once Touched 220mph

Fleeting Glory - Every so often, someone in the automotive world decides that having influence and success isn’t enough—they want a legacy on four wheels. Not just a machine, but a rolling sculpture that reflects their vision, ambition, and maybe even a bit of ego. That’s exactly what happened in the early 1990s, when Rüdiger Höffken, the man behind RH-Alurad—well known for his stylish alloy wheels—set out to build his dream car. What came of it wasn’t just another sports car. It was a bold, custom-built supercar called the RHapsody. And like the name suggests, it was a wild, passionate composition with only one verse.

The RHapsody, built on a Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1, emerged as a dramatic one-off fully approved for road use. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)

The RHapsody was never intended to be a quiet player in the background. Commissioned in 1994, it was created to leave a mark. Built by Scala Design—typically known for crafting car interiors rather than full-scale prototypes—the car emerged as a dramatic one-off with full road legality. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR1, the RHapsody received a complete visual and mechanical makeover. 

The RHapsody, commissioned in 1994 and built by Scala Design—best known for crafting car interiors rather than full-scale prototypes—stood as a true original. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)

The new body, made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic, was more fluid, with elegant curves and a stretched silhouette that looked like something plucked from a sci-fi film. The most distinctive feature? A double-bubble roof that nodded to classic Zagato designs, sculpted not just for flair but for aerodynamic efficiency. And that design wasn’t just for show—wind tunnel tests in Stuttgart confirmed it cut through the air impressively well.

The RHapsody featured a body made from glass-fiber reinforced plastic, shaped with fluid lines, elegant curves, and a stretched sci-fi-like silhouette. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

Underneath all that style, the original plan was brute force. The Corvette’s 5.7-liter V8 was upgraded with twin turbos, pushing power to a claimed 550 horsepower—more than enough to touch 355 km/h (220 mph) during tests on the high-speed Nardò circuit in Italy. Behind the wheel for that run was seasoned race driver Michael Bartels, adding even more credibility to the car’s speed story. Sadly, the engine couldn’t hold up for long. It was eventually replaced with a naturally aspirated unit producing 408 horsepower—still potent, but no longer the same fire-breather that originally stunned everyone.

The RHapsody’s cabin featured two carbon Recaro seats paired with a custom blue leather interior. (Picture from: Kues-Magazin)

While most concept cars are nothing more than showpieces, the RHapsody was truly drivable. A 6-speed manual transmission gave the driver direct control, while the carbon Recaro seats, custom blue leather interior, and a tachometer reading up to 400 km/h hinted at its ambitions. Weighing just 1,400 kg, it had a raw, visceral feel. The exhaust roared with the kind of presence you’d expect from a purpose-built track machine. It vibrated windows. It made pedestrians turn heads and ask questions. It smelled of high-octane dreams and ambition—because that’s exactly what it was. 

The RHapsody, powered by a Corvette 5.7-liter V8 upgraded with twin turbos, produced a claimed 550 horsepower—enough to reach 355 km/h (220 mph) at Nardò. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

But like many bold creations tied too closely to their makers, the RHapsody’s story didn’t end with thunderous applause. By 2008, Höffken’s business empire came crashing down under the weight of tax issues and bankruptcy. His time with the RHapsody ended just as abruptly. The car, once a million-euro creation, found itself in an auction, fetching a mere €49,000—less than a tenth of what it cost to build. From center stage to collector’s garage, its journey echoed the rise and fall of the man who dreamed it into existence. | UIEyK1QxNcA |

Today, the RHapsody remains a curious artifact of 1990s ambition. It wasn’t meant to be mass-produced or even copied. It was meant to be a signature—a full-throttle expression of personal taste and engineering daring. And while its maker’s legacy may have veered off course, the car he left behind still turns heads and sparks conversation. Because no matter how fleeting the spotlight may be, some creations are just too bold to be forgotten. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUES-MAGAZIN.DE | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]

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