Ferrari 488 GTE “AF Corse #51” Lego Car: the machine of Le Mans and the WEC
Few modern racing cars have achieved the legendary status of the Ferrari 488 GTE “AF Corse #51.” More than just a sports car tuned for endurance racing, it became a true icon, representing Ferrari in international championships and winning titles against powerful rivals such as Porsche, Aston Martin, and Ford. While Ferrari is a symbol of luxury and speed on the road, the #51 AF Corse proved that the brand also dominates the world of endurance racing on the track.
LEGO CARS
Driven Vault
9/7/20253 min read
History and Origin of the Model
The Ferrari 488 GTE was introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the Ferrari 458 Italia GTE, adapted to comply with FIA and ACO regulations.
The "GTE" version was developed by Ferrari Corse Clienti in partnership with the AF Corse team, the brand's official endurance arm. From the outset, the #51 car was designated as the primary racing machine, entrusted to official Ferrari drivers.
This decision proved to be a wise one: in a short time, the #51 488 GTE became a benchmark in the WEC, accumulating titles and victories in the most important races on the planet.
Palmarés and Achievements
The #51 Ferrari 488 GTE has an impressive endurance racing record:
2019 24 Hours of Le Mans: victory in the GTE Pro class.
2017 World Endurance Championship (WEC): drivers' and teams' titles with Pier Guidi and Calado.
2021 World Endurance Championship (WEC): two-time championship, consolidating its dominance.
Several victories at legendary tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, and Fuji.
The car has become a modern Ferrari legend in endurance racing, rivaling giants Porsche and Aston Martin.
Cultural Impact and Exclusivity
The #51 AF Corse car has transcended its status as a race car to become a cultural symbol among motorsport fans:
Endurance icon: recognized as the most successful Ferrari in the modern WEC.
Collectibles and miniatures: The #51 is one of the most sought-after models by collectors in 1:18 and 1:43 scale.
Video games: A constant presence in titles like Assetto Corsa Competizione and Gran Turismo, where it is one of the players' favorite cars.
Rare Curiosities
Symbolic number: The #51 was chosen by AF Corse out of tradition and is now considered the team's "lucky number."
Unbeatable duo: Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won two world titles together in the car.
Design and Engineering
The 488 GTE maintains the aesthetic foundation of the street-legal Ferrari 488 GTB, but almost every component has been modified to make it a race car.
Design highlights:
Carbon fiber bodywork, ensuring lightness and strength.
Refined aerodynamics, with an adjustable rear wing, aggressive diffuser, and optimized air intakes.
Racing cockpit, equipped with a roll cage, multifunction steering wheel, and communication system.
Iconic livery: The #51 traditionally races in Ferrari red with green and white accents and discreet sponsors.
This balance of visual heritage and cutting-edge technology makes the car recognizable on any track in the world.
Technical Specifications
The Ferrari 488 GTE was designed to extract maximum performance within the endurance regulations:
Engine: 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8
Power: ~600 hp (regulated by the Balance of Performance)
Transmission: 6-speed sequential transmission
Wheel Drive: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Minimum weight: ~1,245 kg (according to FIA/ACO regulations)
Top speed: ~330 km/h (depending on the circuit and aerodynamic setup)
0–100 km/h acceleration: around 3 seconds
Despite competing under power restrictions, the 488 GTE has always been known for its balance of reliability, speed, and efficiency over long races.
The Ferrari 488 GTE “AF Corse #51” is more than a race car—it's a modern endurance legend. Its combination of striking design, precise engineering, and historic achievements makes it one of Ferrari's most important models in recent decades.
With victories at Le Mans, WEC world titles, and a passionate fan base, the #51 has already secured its place in the brand's history alongside legendary cars like the Ferrari 330 P3 and the 250 GTO.