Mention the word "Transilvania" (Romanian spelling-Americans use "Transylvania"), and most folks will think of Count Dracula, the semi- fictional vampire immortalized by the Irish author Bram Stoker at the end of the 19th century. While this aristocratic figure might be loved by horror aficionados and unemployed dentists the world over, nowadays Transilvania is popular among 'wheelers from all parts of Europe because it is the home of the Transilvania Adventure Trophy, an off-road adventure rarely equalled in Europe.
 The town of Deva was the nerve...  The town of Deva was the nerve center of the Transilvania Trophy. Competitors' vehicles lined up on the main thoroughfare for public inspection on opening day. |  A half-mile-long river crossing...  A half-mile-long river crossing was another obstacle in Transilvania. Toyotas and Land Rovers were among the most popular rigs at this year's event. |  What happens when your ATV's...  What happens when your ATV's winch cable jams and you're stuck in the bog? Good ol' fashioned muscle power to the rescue. |
Transilvania, in northern Romania, is a unique, mountainous, and wooded area in which numberless bears and wolves are living and even the lynx still can be seen. Born out of the same series that produces the more-famous Croatia Trophy, the Transilvania Trophy is a less-hard-core, more casual competition than its more famous relative. It's open to both stock and modified 4x4s, and to ATVs and motorcycles as well. The host organization, Off-Road Adventure Romania, is also a social club which during the Christmas holidays provides humanitarian aid to poor people living in the most remote areas of the country.
As the pictures indicate, the atmosphere, while competitive, is more laid-back and family-friendly (it's open for spectators) than many other European 4x4 events, with some kind of 'wheeling discipline to interest just about any enthusiast. For more information, check out www.transilvania-trophy.com.
 One of the first tasks for...  One of the first tasks for the less-modified rigs was a Tire Pit. Slow and steady speeds were the key to success here-too much throttle, and tires flew into wheelwells and winch cables came unspooled. And yes, that's actually a fullsize Bronco in Romania. |  A great example of a European...  A great example of a European trail rig that you won't find here, the Daihatsu Taft runs a 2.8L fourcylinder diesel engine and five-speed tranny. Knobby Simex tires are near-ubiquitous on European off- road rigs, and most Transilvania Trophy competitors ran them too. |  A high-speed sluice run was...  A high-speed sluice run was a part of Trophy action, too, though to get this far, competitors needed to crawl through a dense and muddy forest, then winch around a Jeep-tall rockpile. Navigation and orienteering were also required skills for this stretch. |
 Who needs snorkels? Just slap...  Who needs snorkels? Just slap a tarp over the grille and she's good to go. Sometimes, necessity is the mother of whatever's laying around in the back of your rig. |  After the bikes and quads...  After the bikes and quads completed the obstacle course, it was time for the 4x4s. There wasn't much left of the Car Climb by the end of the day. |  At the end of each day, competitors...  At the end of each day, competitors retired to camp for the evening's maintenance and repairs. |
 This Jeep Wrangler sported...  This Jeep Wrangler sported portal axles, and the original engine was replaced by a 1.9L TDI Volkswagen engine. Even more ingenious were the brakes. The Wrangler was equipped with an automatic gearbox, so the team used the additional floorboard space for two pedals with which they could operate the rear brakes individually via two simple clutch cylinders. The result? A sort of homemade traction control, and hence no need for a locker. |  This LR Defender is a classic...  This LR Defender is a classic example of how to build a Euro off-road competition rig. The engine, drivetrain, and suspension are all stock, but with a winch, snorkel, and tow strap at the ready; rocksliders; full integrated exocage, grilleguard and lights; and side-mounted tire ladders; this Landy is well prepared for events like the Transilvania Trophy. |  Motorcycles and ATVs compete...  Motorcycles and ATVs compete at the Transilvania Trophy as well. If you don't like getting dirty, this event is not for you. |