The Bugatti Veyron Legend Meo Costantini is the third model in the company’s six-part “Les Légendes de Bugatti” series of specially modified Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse cars, dedicated to and inspired by the drivers that helped to establish the company as a top sportscar builder.

A close friend of founder Ettore Bugatti and double Targa Florio champion, Meo Costantini’s legendary status was achieved in the 1920s behind the wheel of a Type 35 Bugatti.

As such, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse that bears his name features several exterior styling cues designed to evoke memories of the Type 35.

Its wings, doors and the corners of the front bumpers are rendered in hand-polished aluminum, and the remaining body panels sport a specially developed shade of “Bugatti dark Blue Sport” created to reference the classic blue sported not just by Bugatti, but by all French racing cars of the period.

Other unique touches include a silhouette of the Targa Florio race track — where Costantini made his name — on the underside of the car’s airbrake, which is only visible when the car rapidly decelerates. Costantini’s signature has also been laser-etched into the petrol and oil cap covers.

Inside, the entire cabin is finished in a cognac-tone brown leather with blue leather accents on the instrument panel, steering wheel and arm rests. Costantini’s signature also adorns the seat headrests while the door panels feature vintage racing scenes and car motifs, laser engraved into the leather trim.

Propelling the Meo Costantini is the W16, 8-liter twin-turbocharged engine, capable of delivering an incredible 1200hp, a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed, with the roof down of 253mph (408.84km/h) making it the fastest production roadster ever built.

Bugatti launched the Legends series in August with the Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, and swiftly followed it with the “Jean Bugatti,” which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Bugatti says pricing is set at just north of $2.8 million, and as is the case with each iteration of Veyron Bugatti Legends, only three examples of the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Meo Costantini will be built.