The MK2 Jetta is one of, if not, the most iconic generation of Jetta’s to date. Introduced in Europe in 1984 and in North America the year after, the 2nd generation Jetta is so far the longest running generation. The iconic sedan was larger and heavier than its predecessor, but with that came about 14% more interior room, enough for one additional passenger. 
A lot was changed during this generation including a new optional trip computer, commonly referred to as the MFA (German Multi-Funktions-Anzeige) as well as a fully electronic fuel system that became available in 1988. One thing that didn’t see much change from the MK1 to the MK2 was the suspension system. Rather it was refined by the inclusion of a separate sub-frame for mounting the front control arms to help with noise isolation as well as improved rubber mounting for all components.
Similar to the MK1, the MK2 was offered as a two door or four door sedan. Although there weren’t many, some external changes such as the front quarter windows were eliminated in 1988. The grille and door trim change in addition to the larger colored bumpers with lower side skirts were added from 1990. The MK2 has a few awards under its belt as well including the best selling European car in North America in 1991 out selling the equivalent generation of Golf’s.
For the month of July, we're bringing you a very special feature of John Sena and his Jetta that truly embodies an important part of our culture. A timeless build that utilized dedication, a lot time and great assistance from friends, family, and crew, along with their never ending support. John modified what was already a renowned vehicle into something much more than it was brand new. Something you could never get out of a factory.
John Sena is a military veteran who, at the time of August 2010, was serving on active duty overseas in Afghanistan (Many salutes to you from all of us). It was during this time that John learned of his fathers passing. Due to being on active duty overseas, John was not able to attend his fathers funeral. As you could imagine, this didn't sit well, but what was John supposed to do thousands of miles out?
Back at home scrolling through craigslist, John had seen an ad for a 1992 Volkswagen GLI all original paint with a heavily worn 12v swap. It was in bad shape to say the least. Recalling his first car, a white 1991 Volkswagen Jetta bought by his father back in 1995 as a birthday present. This GLI became the catalyst for what was to come as John knew this was meant to be. The Jetta would require lot of work, but in the end would be worth it. So he set out on making it his own and dedicate the build to his father "as my way of holding him close". 
1991 Volkswagen Jetta bought by his father back in 1995
John continued, “I know he’s in the car”. There have been quite a few coincidences that’s happened throughout the course of the build and ownership. For example, John refers to a point in time where a good friend, namely Paul, once set him up with a VWOA to shoot a commercial to introduce the MK7 Jetta. That commercial landed on the exact day of his fathers birthday.
With this build John wanted this car as perfect as he could afford with as many new parts as he could find. Unfortunately, the parts support for Jetta's was limited. John stripped the car down in search of hidden rust to remove. He then resprayed the Jetta and partially shaved the bay. An important note, any subtle details of the GLI remained untouched as John didn’t want to stray away too much from its original appearance.
This clean icy white Jetta is running with the infamous 3.2 R32 VR6 that we all love, you know you love it. The VR6 is tuned through UM paired with a scorpion Cat-back exhaust. Keeping in it the family, the GLI also shares the same sub-frame as well as the drive-line of the MK3, and Corrado 5 Speed transmission mating perfectly to the 3.2. John also has the Rallye front end with SWG Grille Lip, G60 arches for the front and rear, plus Hella tinted taillights.
Custom face OG 16v Cluster mounted with Johns fathers initials and picture.
The interior has its original Recaro seats, but John brought a little more modernization into the mix. The '92 GLI is equipped with an MK6 GLI steering wheel and MK4 R Line shift knob on an MK4 shifter assembly. Here and there you can find few accents in Military camo done by Statement Hydrographics. Fitting for John's former line of work.
Sitting on Schmidt Modernlines, the car receives its stance from E-Level Management with AccuAir Endo CVT and Airlift bags.
*Exact specs are censored from our site in respect of the owners build.
With any good build comes with help from friends and family and sometimes from friends that become family. For John, a good friend named Ramon was very influential in this build. Ramon managed Autohaas up in New Jersey. He assisted in making this build come to life and in Johns exact words “went to bat for me on acquiring a R32 engine”.
John is very thankful for all who aided in making this special build possible. Those people include his Jersey Hooligans brothers Angel (which actually was our May monthly feature we covered, check him out!) Ted, Tony, Lee, Rob, Dan, Donnell, Gabe, Mike, and John’s good friend and boss over at European Performance & Repair.
A special thank you to Josh at Autocouture and Eurodreams Motorsports, C&N Performance. Not having the help is one of the main reasons too many projects are left unfinished, sitting in garages, never to see the reality the owner once envisioned. So not only from John, but we at Euromocracy would like to thank everyone who helped see this meaningful build through to the end.'
This feature goes out to not only John’s father, but also to everyone that made this build possible. Of course we would also like to thank you John for your service and for allowing us to cover such a meaningful build. You are and will forever be a part of the Euromocracy family!
What’s next? The future for this build is still unknown as John states that right now he’s just enjoying it and sharing it with the community at shows. One thing for sure, this beauty isnt going anywhere. As usual, remember to check back here as we will definitely be updating this feature with any future changes to this build.
