After some research I have found that the fiat punto mk2b was made in august 2003 (the Haynes manual says it was). Also on parkers it says that the start date for this model is 9th August 2003, so as mine was registered on the 7th August 2003 I reckon I have one of the first ever made. I have checked and my car is totally HPI clear and has the date in the service book etc from fiat dealership. All I can think is that it may have been an early demo from the dealers... but I reckon it will remain a mystery!