Here's a mini update on my W123 search. So far, I've not seen any.
Followed an ebay for a metallic blue 200 where seller wants about £1,000, but didn't reach reserve. I've spoken with him, made 4 appointments to see it and the chap's cancelled each time. No big deal - except for reorganising childcare, work schedule around him.

I thought it might be a cheap intro to owning a classic.
That's not my only bad experience from ebay; there's been 2 more w123's a nice-looking 1970s, 280se, and a Fintail where the listing has no contact number, and reasonable (I think) emails haven't been replied to

, or where any reply was unhelpful.
Next up was some info kindly passed on by a forum member. I rang seller 3 times, 3 days. No answer, no return calls. No harm done. A bit typical of the experience up to now.
Next up, china blue 230e for £2,000; I spoke to the trader; it sounds good. Its a 240 mile round trip and we agreed to meet early, but he asked me to call 1st thing (7am) to say I was on the way. And then he just hasn't answered the phone.

Glad I didn't leave the house, but wasted my time just the same.
Ho hum, the search continues.