I put it in simple terms. To be technically accurate, they are both in the recall category. First being a safety recall and second being the programs/campaigns. Still a recall. And no, I did not state it that way in my above post. The reason being most people hear recall and think it is forever, which it is not.
So, you saying it being on the books so they will repair it no charge made your statement misleading (As mine probably was) to the effect that anyone can still go and have it repaired if and whenever it happened.
Done with that.
Okay, first things first, call your local Ford shop and have them look up the VIN on OASIS. If for some reason your car was a bastard and didn't sell until sometime in the mid '97 model year, you have a chance. Odds are it sold in '96 and you have no coverage. But, it has happened for cars to sit on a lot for quite some time and not sell. I know someone who bought an '01 Buick in '03, brand new.