The Lost "III": Uncovering the Mystery of Avanti Part #1700340
For decades, rumors circulated through the Avanti community about a planned "Roman Numeral III" emblem designed to mark the transition to the 1970 model year. In this historical deep-dive, Dan Booth finally solves the mystery using original factory blueprints discovered in the Nostalgic Motor Cars archives.
Discover the story behind Part #1700340—finished on July 15, 1969—and learn why it was intended to coincide with the debut of the RQB serial prefix and the iconic "Command Center" high-back seating. Dan also provides an expert breakdown of the technical changes made during the Altman era, from shimmed chassis and fender fillers to the transition from Studebaker power to the Chevrolet 327. This article is the definitive resource for understanding the subtle engineering evolutions that define the rarity and value of the 1963–1985 Avanti.