I've never quite bought the distinction of 'model year'. For me when buying 2nd hand cars/bikes, if it was originaly sold in 2001, then in 2011 its 10 years old. But maybe thats me being pedantic. I'm guessing from this that my bike is perhaps one of the earliest ones then?.

cheers
simon

It may not be possible to polish a turd, but you could always roll it in glitter