Those were a factory option (probably standard on some trims) on 97s, but could have been used on some 96s late in the year. Or maybe available as a dealer option?

They are definitely OEM, but not necessarily "original."

BTW, WTH is a 96 SE Sport? I thought they didn't use that terminology until 98? (Or was it 97?) Are you sure it's a 96?

Function before fashion. '96 Contour SE "Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998