Federica

It is 1902 and Federica Beretta awaits the return of George Wheelwright from his service as a British officer in the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa. Federica has a strong interest in the new phenomenon, the motor car, and is looking for opportunities to build a business related to the motor car.


Together Federica and George research the fledgling industry and embark upon an enterprise to design and build cars. They form the Sirius Car Company and exhibit at the Crystal Palace Motor Car Show in 1904. They face opposition from the male establishment, particularly when Federica takes the lead in the design of a new car. The idea that a mere woman could do such a think is unthinkable in Edwardian England.

However, Federica, assisted by George’s sister Anastasia, manages the design and construction of their line of cars and leads the company to success, with George as the public face of the company.