A German motorway was closed in both directions after an envelope containing €23 000 flew out of an open-top car, causing a rainstorm of cash, police said on Thursday.

The driver of the Audi A3 convertible, a 23-year-old man, was test-driving the vehicle on Wednesday and unwisely placed the pile of crisp €500 notes to pay for the car on the back seat.

When he realised his costly error, he called the police, who closed down the motorway during the hunt for the notes.

A search for the cash recovered 40 out of the 46 high-denomination notes, meaning the test-drive still cost him a pricey €3000.

According to Die Welt daily, police are now deciding whether he will also be charged a fee for the operation, which caused tailbacks in both directions.

AFP

Week in Quotes Judge Hlophe bashes Latin; Malema hates Mickey Mouse; and Lekota hasn't punched anyone...

The iafrica.com debate Should our judicial system be 'Africanised'? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal...

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...