The serial number and decal color not matching what "should be" 1999 is strange, but the decal location and components list together are dead-ringers for a 1999 model year. I suppose it's possible that Trek used different color decals that they had available -- I think 1999 was either the last, or at least one of the last model years for the steel MultiTracks, so Trek may have been using some parts at the end inconsistent with materials put together at the beginning of the model year.

[MENTION=371756]MiRoLa[/MENTION], yes, that "A" derailleur is an older Alivio line. This should be it (a PDF from Shimano's service information website). Regarding the color, I presume "graphite pearl" is some sort of very dark grey, probably a gloss metallic. I don't know for sure, but it sounds consistent with how you describe the color on yours (not "black", but very dark).