Ive bever seen a seal along the area youre talking about. Theres 3 or 4 bumpers for that area(top fender edge to lower hood edge),,or the hood/to cowl seal,which you say it isnt.
Or theres the fender welt,,where fender meets the body, just in front of the door.
As Ned mentioned,Perhaps someone added a rubber seal in that area?? To stop a rattle.
