With 40,000 miles on the clock it could well be an engine out of another car. Unless it was someones daily drive for 4 years, if so surely that would make it one of the most high milage Nobles out there, would it not?
Looks like a standard 2.5L to me, with them quoting lower than standard power figures. Most likely the dealer just not knowing what they're talking about.
When I smashed my azure blue 2.5 it went to a recovery garage in Kent. Don't know if it's the same one as my plate was a private one that went with me rather than the car. Just the re-spray and smash comment rang some bells!