Armed with this information I researched my FTO.

The Chassis number is E-DE3A-0101871-HNFH2.
The exterior code is W83D and the interior code is 16J.
The build date of this vehicle is listed as 1/5/96.
According to the auction sheet, this car was first registered 11/6/96 and is of grade 4 quality.

Here's what Newera told me about the car...

It's a 1996 model (N Reg).
It has 30mm lower than standard suspension,
adjustable sports gas shock absorbers,
17" 5 Spoke white alloys
RalliArt sports exhaust (Sounds gorgeous!!)
Red Type R bucket seats
Momo Factory steering wheel
Manual 5 Speed, 200 bhp MIVEC engine
Air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, central locking, etc.
Rear Strut Brace
The car is in immaculate condition, with unmarked bodywork.
The car has evidently had lots of money spent on setting it up well. The suspension feels comfortable and firm.

Looking at the pics, it has a rear wash/wipe too! hurrah!

This particular pre-facelift GP version R was part of a limited run of 1000 built to celebrate the 100,000th FTO. When I got the pictures and chassis info I contacted AndyMac, who already has one of these rare beasts, in order to compare and contrast.
He's done a bit of legwork with regards the different models in the FTO range.

I'm quite pleased that Newera came across one of these cars shortly after I placed my order.