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Each week, we'll be bringing you the strangest motoring news from around the world.

Don't forget to come back every Friday for your new helping.

Got any stories, pictures or videos you think we should feature in the Weird World of Wheels? Send them to us at editorial@autotrader.co.uk.

This week:

Deadly force

Remember the 'anti-carjacking' flamethrowers fitted to BMWs in South Africa?

An increase in violent crime on motorists in Tennessee has got the authorities hot under the collar.

State officials are so worried they're calling for increased rights for motorists who come under attack, authorising them to use 'deadly force' against their foes.

Previously citizens only had the right to defend themselves in the home, but the Tennessee powers that be are the first to try to extend the rights to the motor car.

Ulysses Jones, the Memphis Fire Department paramedic who filed the bill, said: "I've heard a lot of support for this. It's time to give citizens the opportunity to protect themselves. Right now, we're at the mercy of what I call 'scum'."

Aston Martin Ford

What do you get if you cross a ford with an Aston Martin?

Wet and embarrassed.

A man and a woman became stuck this week when they tried to cross an Essex ford in their DB9.

The water was only one foot deep, but the current was so strong the couple couldn't get out of the car.

The unnamed pair had to be rescued by the fire services, who brought the mortified motorists back to shore in a fire boat.

Essex fire officer Bill McKenzie said: "They were checked over by an ambulance crew at the scene but appeared unharmed - more embarrassed by the ordeal. The car was still in the water when we left the scene."

Love island

Love is in the air at this time of year – but one place you might not expect to find it is on a roundabout in Birmingham.

Love-struck motorists have been leaving messages for their sweethearts on the traffic island in Harbourne area of the city.

Among the messages left are one from 'Caroline' reading 'Shaun will u marry me? Love always', and one in which 'Tonky' revealed he wouldn't be paying for a Valentine's meal.

Onlooker Sarah Jennings said: "Caroline's message is great, but I wouldn't be too happy if I was Tonky's girlfriend."

Weird pic of the week: ZZ Top's star's VW ball

This novel modded motor, called the 'Bus Ball' belongs to ZZ Top guitarist and all-round petrolhead Billy F Gibbons.

But what's it like to drive/roll? What you save on tyres, you spend on sick bags.

Video: Dude, where's my bumper?

If your car gets stuck in the snow, don’t ask these guys to pull it out.

Click the play button below to start the video.

(Warning: contains language and mild stupidity)

Missed a previous edition of Weird World of Wheels? Take a look through the archive now.

Got any stories, pictures or videos you think we should feature in the Weird World of Wheels? Send them to us at editorial@autotrader.co.uk.