1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
   [X]         ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
               EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)

                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999

                                              OR

   [ ]         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
               SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

             For the transition period from __________ to __________

                           COMMISSION FILE NO. 33-2462

                       DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
                       (A California limited partnership)
               (Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)

                       CALIFORNIA                               33-0139247
    (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or         (I.R.S. Employer
                     organization)                        Identification Number)

             23041 AVENIDA DE LA CARLOTA
              LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA                             92653
      (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (949) 462-9300

        Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None

        Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the registrant's Form S-11 Registration Statement filed
December 30, 1985 are incorporated by reference into Part IV of this report.


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                                     PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The partnership is a publicly-held limited partnership organized under the
California Uniform Limited Partnership Act. The partnership's General Partner is
Del Taco, Inc., a California corporation ("General Partner"). The partnership
sold 48,000 units totaling $12 million through an offering of limited
partnership units from February 1986 through June 1987. The term of the
partnership agreement is until December 31, 2025 unless terminated earlier by
means provided in the partnership agreement.

The business of the partnership is ownership and leasing of restaurants in
California to Del Taco, Inc. The partnership acquired land and constructed ten
Mexican-American restaurants for long-term lease to Del Taco, Inc. Each property
is leased for 35 years on a triple net basis. Rent is equal to twelve percent of
gross sales of the restaurants. The restaurant originally built in Twentynine
Palms was sold in November 1997 and net proceeds from the sale were distributed
to the partners. As of December 31, 1999, the partnership had a total of nine
properties leased to Del Taco.

The partnership has no full time employees. The partnership agreement assigns
full authority for general management and supervision of the business affairs of
the partnership to the General Partner. The General Partner has a one percent
interest in the profits or losses and distributions of the partnership. Limited
partners have no right to participate in the management or conduct of the
partnership's business affairs.



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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The partnership acquired ten properties with proceeds obtained from the sale of
limited partnership units:



                                                                                       Date of
                                                                 Restaurant            Commencement of
Address               City, State          Date of Acquisition   Constructed           Operation (1)

                                                                          
Rancho California     Rancho California,   December 23, 1986     60 seat with drive    July 14, 1987
Plaza                 CA                                         through service
                                                                 window

East Vista Way        Vista, CA            February 24, 1987     60 seat with drive    September 10, 1987
                                                                 through service
                                                                 window

4th Street            Perris, CA           June 24, 1987         60 seat with drive    December 16, 1987
                                                                 through service
                                                                 window

Foothill Boulevard    Upland, CA           August 3, 1987        60 seat with drive    January 12, 1988
                                                                 through service
                                                                 window

Plaza at Puente       Industry, CA         May 12, 1987          60 seat with drive    February 24, 1988
Hills                                                            through service
                                                                 window

Twentynine Palms      Twentynine Palms,    December 14, 1987     60 seat with drive    May 17, 1988   (2)
Highway               CA                                         through service
                                                                 window

East                  Walnut, CA           April 29, 1988        60 seat with drive    August 31, 1988
Valley                                                           through service
Boulevard                                                        window

West                  Los Angeles, CA      July 8, 1988          60 seat with drive    January 12, 1989  (3)
Sepulveda                                                        through service
Boulevard                                                        window

Lassen                Chatsworth, CA       January 27, 1989      60 seat with drive    August 21, 1989
Street                                                           through service
                                                                 window

Hesperia Road         Victorville, CA      December 29, 1989     100 seat with drive   July 5, 1990
                                                                 through service
                                                                 window



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(1)     Commencement of operation is the first date Del Taco, Inc., as lessee,
        operated the facility on the site as a Del Taco restaurant.

(2)     In November 1997, the Twentynine Palms property was sold yielding net
        proceeds to the partnership of $278,612.

(3)     The restaurant was subleased to a franchisee of Del Taco, Inc. and the
        restaurant operated as a Del Taco restaurant. On December 29, 1998 the
        franchise agreement for this restaurant expired. Del Taco began
        operation of this restaurant as a company-managed facility on December
        29, 1998.


PART II


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The partnership is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSIONS OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE PARTNERSHIP'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER
MATTERS

The partnership sold 48,000 ($12,000,000) limited partnership units during the
public offering period ended June 1, 1987 and currently has 1,501 limited
partners of record. There is no public market for the trading of the units.
Distributions made by the partnership to the limited partners during the past
three fiscal years are described in Note 8 to the Notes to the Financial
Statements contained under Item 8.


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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



                                              FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              1999            1998            1997            1996            1995
                           ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
                                                                            
Rental revenue             $  726,135      $  728,690      $  725,397      $  722,856      $  724,382

Interest and
  other income                 10,758          12,450          13,152           9,464           9,087

Net income                    566,766         442,863         422,201         292,257         394,502

Net income
  per limited
  partnership
  unit (1)                      11.85            9.26            8.82            6.10            8.22

Cash distributions
  per limited
  partnership
  unit
      From operations           14.47           14.10           14.38           14.09           14.18
      Return of
        capital (2)                 -               -            5.88               -               -

Total assets                6,460,098       6,589,673       6,803,782       7,345,412       7,741,938

Long-term
  obligations                 577,510         577,510         577,510         577,510         577,510



(1)     The net income per limited partnership unit was calculated based upon
        47,331, 47,370, 47,398, 47,461 and 47,513 weighted average units
        outstanding for years 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

(2)     In 1997, a special distribution was approved to disburse the proceeds
        from the sale of the Twentynine Palms property.


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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The partnership offered limited partnership units for sale between February 1986
and June 1987. 14.7% of the $12 million raised through sale of limited
partnership units was used to pay commissions to brokers and to reimburse the
General Partner for offering costs incurred. Approximately $9.5 million of the
remaining funds were used to acquire sites and build ten restaurants. In
February of 1992, approximately $281,000 raised during the offering but not
required to acquire sites and build restaurants was distributed to the limited
partners.

The nine restaurants leased to Del Taco make up almost all of the income
producing assets of the partnership. Therefore, the business of the partnership
is almost entirely dependent on the success of the Del Taco trade name
restaurants that lease the properties. The success of the restaurants is
dependent on a large variety of factors, including, but not limited to, consumer
demand and preference for fast food, in general, and for Mexican-American food
in particular.

As described in note 6 to the Notes to the Financial Statements contained under
Item 8, the partnership has a death and disability redemption fund totaling
$97,291 at December 31, 1999. Investors should contact the General Partner with
all questions regarding the eligibility of a limited partner or the estate of a
deceased limited partner to participate in the redemption fund.


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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS - (Continued)

Results of Operations

The partnership owns nine properties that are under long-term lease to Del Taco
for restaurant operations. In November 1997, the Twentynine Palms property was
sold yielding net proceeds of $278,612.

The following table sets forth rental revenue earned by restaurant for the year:



                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                                                   1999          1998          1997
                                                 --------      --------      --------
                                                                    
Rancho California Plaza, Rancho Calif., CA       $117,466      $113,412      $112,285

East Vista Way, Vista, CA                          65,224        61,460        58,517

4th Street, Perris, CA                             97,733       117,303       105,274

Foothill Blvd., Upland, CA                         90,086        85,121        76,897

Plaza at Puente Hills, Industry, CA                51,404        55,176        55,947

Twentynine Palms Hwy., Twentynine Palms, CA             -             -        33,663

East Valley Blvd., Walnut, CA                      45,059        45,705        42,274

W. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA                61,666        51,768        49,061

Lassen Street, Chatsworth, CA                     106,462       112,348       108,711

Hesperia Road, Victorville, CA                     91,035        86,397        82,768
                                                 --------      --------      --------

          Total                                  $726,135      $728,690      $725,397
                                                 ========      ========      ========


The partnership receives rental revenues equal to 12 percent of gross sales from
the restaurants. The partnership earned rental revenue of $726,135 during the
year ended December 31, 1999, which represents a decrease of $2,555 from 1998.
The decrease in rental revenue was caused by a decrease in sales at the
restaurants under lease.


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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS - (Continued)

Results of Operations - Continued

The following table breaks down general and administrative expenses by type of
expense:


                  PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL GENERAL & ADMIN. EXPENSE



                                       Year Ended December 31,

                               1999              1998              1997
                              -----             -----             -----
                                                         
Accounting fees               54.19%            52.29%            52.08%
Distribution of
  information to
  limited partners            44.40             46.30             46.46
Other                          1.41              1.41              1.46
                            -------           -------           -------
                             100.00%           100.00%           100.00%
                            =======           =======           =======



Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1998 and 1997 amounts in the
table above to conform to the current year presentation.

General and administrative costs increased from 1998 to 1999 due to increased
costs for accounting and income tax return preparation. Depreciation decreased
in 1999 because certain equipment became fully depreciated in both 1998 and
1999.

Net income increased by $123,903 from 1998 to 1999 due mostly to the decrease in
depreciation expense of $128,457 which was partially offset by the $307 increase
in general and administrative expenses and the $4,247 decrease in revenues.

On May 19, 1998, the special limited partner resigned. Consistent with the
partnership agreement, the General Partner assumed the duties and
responsibilities of the special limited partner.


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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


PART I. INFORMATION




                    INDEX                         PAGE NUMBER

                                                   
Report of Independent Public Accountants              10

Balance Sheets at December 31, 1999 and 1998          11

Statements of Income for the years ended
  December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997                    12

Statement of Changes in Partners' Equity for
  the three years ended December 31, 1999             13

Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
  December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997                    14

Notes to Financial Statements                         15-20



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                                                          [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LOGO]

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Partners of
Del Taco Restaurant Properties, III:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Del Taco Restaurant
Properties III (a California Limited Partnership) as of December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the related statements of income, partners' equity and cash flows for
the years then ended. These financial statements and the schedule referred to
below are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Del Taco Restaurant Properties
III as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule in the index of the
financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities
and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in our audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly
states in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth
therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
- -------------------------
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Orange County, California
March 1, 2000


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                       DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III

                                 BALANCE SHEETS



                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                   1999                  1998
                                               -----------           -----------

                                     ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
                                                               
     Cash                                      $   208,334           $   219,876
     Receivable from Del Taco, Inc.                 62,122                63,803
     Deposits                                        1,000                 1,506
                                               -----------           -----------
        Total current assets                       271,456               285,185
                                               -----------           -----------

RESTRICTED CASH                                     97,291                99,896
                                               -----------           -----------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:
     Land and improvements                       4,405,966             4,405,966
     Buildings and improvements                  2,954,959             2,954,959
     Machinery and equipment                     1,522,922             1,522,922
                                               -----------           -----------
                                                 8,883,847             8,883,847
     Less--accumulated depreciation              2,792,496             2,679,255
                                               -----------           -----------
                                                 6,091,351             6,204,592
                                               -----------           -----------

                                               $ 6,460,098           $ 6,589,673
                                               ===========           ===========

                        LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Payable to limited partners               $    25,130           $    31,604
     Accounts payable                               11,801                 7,628
                                               -----------           -----------
        Total current liabilities                   36,931                39,232
                                               -----------           -----------

OBLIGATION TO GENERAL PARTNER                      577,510               577,510
                                               -----------           -----------

PARTNERS' EQUITY:
     Limited partners                            5,882,765             6,008,797
     General Partner-Del Taco, Inc.                (37,108)              (35,866)
                                               -----------           -----------
                                                 5,845,657             5,972,931
                                               -----------           -----------

                                               $ 6,460,098           $ 6,589,673
                                               ===========           ===========


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



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                       DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III

                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME



                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       1999          1998          1997
                                     --------      --------      --------
                                                        
REVENUES:
     Rent                            $726,135      $728,690      $725,397
     Interest                           8,639         9,007        10,227
     Other                              2,119         3,443         2,925
     Gain on sale of property               -             -         4,112
                                     --------      --------      --------
                                      736,893       741,140       742,661
                                     --------      --------      --------

EXPENSES:
     General and administrative        56,886        56,579        54,928
     Depreciation                     113,241       241,698       265,532
                                     --------      --------      --------
                                      170,127       298,277       320,460
                                     --------      --------      --------

        Net income                   $566,766      $442,863      $422,201
                                     ========      ========      ========

     Net income per limited
        partnership unit             $  11.85      $   9.26      $   8.82
                                     ========      ========      ========



   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


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                       DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III

                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY

                       THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999




                                        Limited Partners
                                ----------------------------         General
                                   Units            Amount            Partner             Total
                                -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------
                                                                         
Balance, December 31, 1996           47,410       $ 6,791,606       $   (30,885)      $ 6,760,721

   Net income                             -           417,979             4,222           422,201

   Redemption of units                  (16)           (2,808)                -            (2,808)

   Cash distributions                     -          (960,897)           (6,889)         (967,786)
                                -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------

Balance, December 31, 1997           47,394         6,245,880           (33,552)        6,212,328

   Net income                             -           438,434             4,429           442,863

   Redemption of units                  (48)           (7,913)                -            (7,913)

   Cash distributions                     -          (667,604)           (6,743)         (674,347)
                                -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------

Balance, December 31, 1998           47,346         6,008,797           (35,866)        5,972,931

   Net income                             -           561,098             5,668           566,766

   Redemption of units                  (15)           (2,605)                -            (2,605)

   Cash distributions                     -          (684,525)           (6,910)         (691,435)
                                -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------

Balance, December 31, 1999           47,331       $ 5,882,765       $   (37,108)      $ 5,845,657
                                ===========       ===========       ===========       ===========


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



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                       DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1999            1998            1997
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                                        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                                       $ 566,766       $ 442,863       $ 422,201
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation                                                  113,241         241,698         265,532
     Gain on sale of property                                            -               -          (4,112)
     (Decrease) increase in payable to limited partners             (6,474)         27,598            (175)
     Decrease (increase) in receivable from General Partner          1,681          (4,435)         (2,080)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                         4,173          (2,310)          6,938
     Decrease (increase) in deposits                                   506            (506)              -
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

           Net cash provided by operating activities               679,893         704,908         688,304
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Net proceeds from sale of property                                       -               -         278,612
Decrease in restricted cash                                          2,605           7,913           2,808
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

           Net cash provided by investing activities                 2,605           7,913         281,420
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Redemption of limited partnership units                             (2,605)         (7,913)         (2,808)
Cash distributions to partners                                    (691,435)       (674,347)       (967,786)
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

           Net cash used by financing activities                  (694,040)       (682,260)       (970,594)
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                                        (11,542)         30,561            (870)

BEGINNING CASH BALANCE                                             219,876         189,315         190,185
                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------

ENDING CASH BALANCE                                              $ 208,334       $ 219,876       $ 189,315
                                                                 =========       =========       =========


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


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                       DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                DECEMBER 31, 1999


NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE PARTNERSHIP: Del Taco Restaurant Properties III (a California limited
partnership) was formed on December 19, 1985, for the purpose of acquiring real
property in California for construction of ten Mexican-American restaurants to
be leased under long-term agreements to Del Taco, Inc. (General Partner for
operation under the Del Taco trade name). As of July 5, 1990, all ten
restaurants had commenced operation on acquired properties. In November 1997,
the Twentynine Palms property was sold yielding net proceeds of $278,612. As of
December 31, 1999, Del Taco Restaurant Properties III had nine properties in
operation.

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING: The partnership utilizes the accrual method of accounting
for transactions relating to the business of the partnership. Distributions are
made to the General and limited partners in accordance with the provisions of
the partnership agreement (see Note 2).

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation
is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives which are
20 years for land improvements, 35 years for buildings and improvements, and 10
years for machinery and equipment.

The partnership accounts for property and equipment in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long Lived Assets and for Long Lived Assets to be Disposed of." SFAS 121
requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not
be recoverable. In evaluating long-lived assets held for use, an impairment loss
is recognized if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and
without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the asset. Once a
determination has been made that an impairment loss should be recognized for
long-lived assets, various assumptions and estimates are used to determine fair
value including, among others, estimated costs of construction and development,
recent sales of comparable properties and the opinions of fair value prepared by
independent real estate appraisers. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are
reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

INCOME TAXES: No provision has been made for federal or state income taxes on
partnership net income, since the partnership is not subject to income tax.
Partnership income is includable in the taxable income of the individual
partners as required under applicable income tax laws. Certain items, primarily
related to depreciation methods, are accounted for differently for income tax
reporting purposes (see Note 7).


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DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1999


NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT: The net income per limited partnership
unit was calculated based upon 47,331, 47,370 and 47,398 weighted average units
outstanding in 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively.

USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 2 - PARTNERS' EQUITY

Pursuant to the partnership agreement, annual partnership net income or loss is
allocated one percent to the General Partner and 99 percent to the limited
partners. Partnership gains from any sale or refinancing will be allocated one
percent to the General Partner and 99 percent to the limited partners until
allocated gains and profits equal losses, distributions and syndication costs,
and until each class of limited partners receive their priority return as
defined in the partnership agreement. Additional gains will be allocated 15
percent to the General Partner and 85 percent to the limited partners.

NOTE 3 - SITE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT FEE

Under terms of the partnership agreement, the General Partner is entitled to
receive a fee in an amount equal to five percent of aggregate capital
contributions. The fee shall be for services rendered in connection with site
selection and the design and supervision of construction of improvements to
acquired properties. This fee shall be earned at the time the services are
rendered, but shall not be paid and shall be subordinated to the limited
partners' interests until all restaurants have opened and the limited partners
have received certain minimum returns on their investment, as required by the
partnership agreement. It is the policy of the partnership to accrue the site
acquisition and development fee as an obligation to the General Partner. No fees
were earned for such services during 1999, 1998 and 1997.


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DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1999


NOTE 4 - LEASING ACTIVITIES

The partnership leases certain properties for operation of restaurants to Del
Taco, Inc. on a triple net basis. The leases are for terms of 35 years
commencing with the completion of the restaurant facility located on each
property and require monthly rentals equal to 12 percent of the gross sales of
the restaurants. There is no minimum rental under any of the leases, except for
the restaurant which was located in Twentynine Palms, California. Prior to the
sale of this property in November 1997, the subleasee paid a base rent of
$3,333.33 per month.

The partnership had a total of nine properties leased to Del Taco as of December
31, 1999. On December 29, 1998, the franchise agreement for the West Sepulveda
Boulevard restaurant in Los Angeles expired. Del Taco began operation of this
restaurant as a company-managed facility on December 29, 1998.

For the year ended December 31, 1999, the nine restaurants operated by Del Taco,
for which the partnership is the lessor, had combined, unaudited sales of
$6,051,128 and unaudited net income of $206,060, as compared to unaudited sales
of $5,641,018 and $5,355,612 and net income of $273,544 and $206,143
respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, which included
eight restaurants operated by Del Taco. Net income by restaurant includes
charges for general and administrative expenses incurred in connection with
supervision of restaurant operations and interest expense. The one restaurant
operated by a Del Taco franchisee from January 1, 1997 to December 29, 1998, for
which the partnership was the lessor, had unaudited sales of $431,400 and
$408,841 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The East Valley Blvd. Restaurant in Walnut, California had unaudited net losses
of $5,616, $5,076 and $18,594 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The Vista Way Restaurant in Vista, California had unaudited
net income of $11,366 for the year ended December 31, 1999, an unaudited net
loss of $1,899 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and unaudited net income of
$1,546 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The Plaza at Puente Hills
Restaurant in Industry, California had an unaudited net loss of $8,644 for the
year ended December 31, 1999 and unaudited net income of $5,028 and $5,638 for
the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997. The West Sepulveda Boulevard
restaurant in Los Angeles, California had an unaudited net loss of $15,279 for
the year ended December 31, 1999. As noted above, the West Sepulveda Boulevard
restaurant was operated by a franchisee during 1998 and 1997.

NOTE 5 - RELATED PARTIES

The receivable from Del Taco consists of rent accrued for the month of December
1999. The rent receivable was collected on January 17, 2000.

The General Partner received $6,910 in distributions relating to its one percent
interest in the partnership for the year ended December 31, 1999.


                                       17
   18

DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1999


NOTE 5 - RELATED PARTIES - CONTINUED

Del Taco, Inc. serves in the capacity of General Partner in other partnerships
which are engaged in the business of operating restaurants, and three other
partnerships which were formed for the purpose of acquiring real property in
California for construction of Mexican-American restaurants for lease under
long-term agreements to Del Taco, Inc. for operation under the Del Taco trade
name.

NOTE 6 - RESTRICTED CASH

At December 31, 1999 and 1998 the partnership had restricted cash balances of
$97,291 and $99,896, respectively. The restricted cash is a death and disability
redemption fund. Such fund is maintained in an interest bearing account at a
major commercial bank. A limited partner has the right, under certain
circumstances involving such limited partner's death or disability, to tender to
the partnership for redemption all of the units owned of record by such limited
partner. The redemption price will be equal to the partners capital account
balance as of the redemption date. The death and disability fund was established
in 1987. The fund was limited to two percent of the gross proceeds from sale of
the limited partnership units. Requests for redemption made after the funds in
the death and disability fund are depleted will not be accepted.

NOTE 7  - INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of financial statement net income to taxable income for each of
the periods is as follows:



                                                1999               1998               1997
                                             ---------          ---------          ---------
                                                                          
Net income per financial statements          $ 566,766          $ 442,863          $ 422,201
Tax loss on sale of asset                            -                  -           (107,920)
Excess book depreciation                        18,257            145,232            164,586
                                             ---------          ---------          ---------

Taxable income                               $ 585,023          $ 588,095          $ 478,867
                                             =========          =========          =========



                                       18
   19

DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1999


NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES - CONTINUED

A reconciliation of partnership equity per the financial statements to net worth
for tax purposes as of December 31, 1999, is as follows:




                                           
Partners' equity per financial
  statements                                  $ 5,845,657

Issue costs of limited partnership
  units capitalized for tax purposes            1,741,676

Excess book depreciation                          414,915

Tax loss on sale of assets                       (107,920)

Other                                                  83
                                              -----------

Net worth for tax purposes                    $ 7,894,411
                                              ===========



NOTE 8 - CASH DISTRIBUTIONS TO LIMITED PARTNERS

Cash distributions paid to limited partners for the three years ended December
31, 1999 were as follows:



                                            Cash              Weighted       Number of Units
                                      Distributions per     Average Number   Outstanding at
                                     Limited Partnership       of Units        the End of
Quarter Ended                               Unit             Outstanding         Quarter
                                     -------------------    --------------   ---------------
                                                                    
December 31, 1996                            $ 3.63            47,410            47,410
March 31, 1997                                 3.39            47,410            47,410
June 30, 1997                                  3.47            47,394            47,394
September 30, 1997                             3.89            47,394            47,394
                                            ------
   Amount from operations                     14.38
Return of capital (December 1997)              5.88            47,398
                                            ------
   Total paid in 1997                        $20.26
                                            ======

December 31, 1997                            $ 3.71            47,394            47,394
March 31, 1998                                 2.97            47,394            47,394
June 30, 1998                                  3.47            47,378            47,346
September 30, 1998                             3.95            47,370            47,346
                                            ------
   Total paid in 1998                        $14.10
                                            ======

December 31, 1998                            $ 3.82            47,346            47,346
March 31, 1999                                 3.22            47,331            47,331
June 30, 1999                                  3.58            47,331            47,331
September 30, 1999                             3.85            47,331            47,331
                                            ------
   Total paid in 1999                        $14.47
                                            ======



                                       19
   20

DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1999


NOTE 8 - CASH DISTRIBUTIONS TO LIMITED PARTNERS - CONTINUED

Cash distributions per limited partnership unit were calculated based upon the
weighted average number of units outstanding for each quarter and were paid from
operations. Cash distributions for the quarter ended December 31, 1999 amounted
to $3.73 per limited partnership unit and were paid January 28, 2000.

NOTE 9 - REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE

In November 1997, the Twentynine Palms property was sold yielding net proceeds
of $278,612, resulting in a gain of $4,112.


                                       20
   21

                                    PART III


ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE PARTNERSHIP'S GENERAL PARTNER

(a) & (b) The executive officers and directors of the General Partner and their
ages are set forth below:




Name                         Title                                                                 Age

                                                                                            
Kevin K. Moriarty            Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer                        53

C. Ronald Petty              President                                                             55

Paul W. Hitzelberger         Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy and
                               Franchise Relations/Development                                     55

Robert J. Terrano            Executive Vice President and
                               Chief Financial Officer                                             44

James D. Stoops              Executive Vice President, Operations                                  47

Janet D. Simmons             Senior Vice President, Purchasing                                     43

Michael L. Annis             Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel                         53

C. Douglas Mitchell          Vice President and Corporate Controller                               49

Timothy A. Hackbardt         Vice President, Marketing                                             36

Shirlene Lopez               Vice President, Corporate Development                                 35



The above referenced executive officers and directors of the General Partner
will hold office until the annual meeting of its shareholders and directors,
which is scheduled for the later part of 2000.

(c)     None

(d)     No family relationship exists between any such director or executive
        officer of the General Partner.

(e)     The following is an account of the business experience during the past
        five years of each such director and executive officer:


                                       21
   22

Kevin K. Moriarty, Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco,
Inc. Mr. Moriarty began his career with Burger King Corporation in 1974 in
Operations Unit Management. In 1983, he was promoted to Area Manager in New
York, and was subsequently promoted to the Regional Vice President, Chicago
Region in 1985. In 1988, he became Executive Vice President and General Manager
of the North Central Division. Mr. Moriarty served in that position until 1990
when he joined Del Taco, Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer on July
31, 1990. Mr. Moriarty has served as a Director of the General Partner since
1990.

C. Ronald Petty, President of Del Taco, Inc. Mr. Petty began his career in the
restaurant business in 1973 with McDonald's Corporation. He was employed by
McDonald's in a real estate capacity until 1978. For the next 12 years, Mr.
Petty was in various officer positions with Burger King. These positions
included Vice President of Real Estate, Sr. Vice President of Development,
Region Vice President, Sr. Vice President European Operations, President of
International and President of U.S. Mr. Petty served as President of Miami Subs
from 1990-1992; President and CEO of Denny's 1993-1996; President and CEO of
Peter Piper Pizza 1996-1998; President of Del Taco December 1998-present.

Paul W. Hitzelberger, Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy and Franchise
Relations/Development of Del Taco, Inc. He was appointed to his current position
in December 1995. Mr. Hitzelberger has responsibility for franchise development,
relations and training. He also oversees public relations and training for the
corporation. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Hitzelberger was Executive Vice President,
Marketing of Del Taco, Inc. From September 1988 through September 1989, Mr.
Hitzelberger was Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Marketing Group. Prior
to that, Mr. Hitzelberger was a Vice President of Del Taco, Inc. Prior to
joining Del Taco, Inc., he served as Vice President - Marketing at the
department store division of Lucky Stores, Inc., a major supermarket retailer.
Mr. Hitzelberger received a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola
University in Chicago, Illinois.

Robert J. Terrano, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Del
Taco, Inc. From May 1994 to April 1995, Mr. Terrano served as Chief Financial
Officer for Denny's, Inc. in Spartanburg, S.C. From August 1983 to May 1994, he
served with Burger King Corporation, Miami Florida, in a variety of positions,
most recently as Division Controller. Mr. Terrano joined Del Taco, Inc. in April
1995.

James D. Stoops, Executive Vice President, Operations of Del Taco, Inc. From
1968 to 1991, Mr. Stoops served in a wide variety of Operations positions with
Burger King Corporation with increasing levels of responsibility. In 1985, Mr.
Stoops was appointed Region Vice President/General Manager for the New York
region and served in that position until October of 1990. In January of 1991, he
joined Del Taco, Inc. in his current post.

Janet D. Simmons, Senior Vice President, Purchasing of Del Taco, Inc. From 1979
to 1986, Ms. Simmons was with Denny's Incorporated. She served in the Research
and Development department in a variety of positions until 1982 when she was
promoted to the position of Purchasing Agent. Ms. Simmons was hired in 1986 as
Manager of Contract Purchasing with Carl Karcher Enterprises, a post she held
until March 1990 when she became Vice President, Purchasing for Del Taco, Inc.
Ms. Simmons has a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition from Cal
State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California.


                                       22
   23

Michael L. Annis, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Del Taco,
Inc. From 1981 to 1986 Mr. Annis served as Regional Real Estate Manager and
Director of Real Estate Services with Taco Bell, Inc. In 1986 he served as
Regional General Manager with Quaker State Minit Lube. In January of 1987 Mr.
Annis joined Red Robin International, Inc. as General Counsel and was
subsequently promoted to Vice President/Secretary and later Vice President Real
Estate Development/Secretary and General Counsel, the position he held until
joining Del Taco, Inc. in December of 1993. Mr. Annis received his J.D. Degree
from Whittier College.

C. Douglas Mitchell, Vice President and Corporate Controller. Mr. Mitchell
joined Del Taco, Inc. in August of 1994 as Controller and was promoted to his
current position in January 1996. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Mitchell was a Senior
Audit Manager with Coopers & Lybrand. Prior to 1990, Mr. Mitchell held various
positions in finance and accounting with the Geneva Companies (a subsidiary of
Chemical Bank), Zaremba Corporation (a real estate developer) and The Dexter
Corporation (an international manufacturer of specialty materials). Mr. Mitchell
has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from the University
of Southern California.

Timothy A. Hackbardt, Vice President, Marketing of Del Taco, Inc. Mr. Hackbardt
joined Del Taco, Inc. in November 1999. Prior to then, since November of 1995,
he served as Vice President of Marketing of Taco Time International, Inc.,
Eugene, OR. From September 1994 to November 1995, Mr. Hackbardt was Director of
Marketing for Wok Spirit Chinese Delivery restaurants in Newport Beach, CA. From
December 1992 to September 1994, Mr. Hackbardt was Director of Marketing for
Fosters Freeze International, Inc., San Luis Obispo, CA. Prior to then, Mr.
Hackbardt held various positions in the television and radio industry in sales
and sales management. Mr. Hackbardt is a graduate of Central Michigan University
where he received a Bachelor of Applied Arts, majoring in Broadcast and
Cinematic Arts and minoring in Marketing.

Shirlene Lopez, Vice President, Corporate Development & Design of Del Taco, Inc.
Ms. Lopez began her career with Del Taco in 1978 as an hourly employee and
advanced through the ranks to General Manager in 1984. Ms. Lopez was promoted to
the corporate office in 1989 as Human Resource Manager. In 1994, she was
promoted to Executive Project Manager reporting to the CEO and in 1996, to
Director of Corporate Development in charge of all interior image and design.
Ms. Lopez has held her current position since August 1997.

ITEM 11. MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION AND TRANSACTIONS

The partnership has no executive officers or directors and pays no direct
remuneration to any executive officer or director of its General Partner. The
partnership has not issued any options or stock appreciation rights to any
executive officer or director of its General Partner, nor does the partnership
propose to pay any annuity, pension or retirement benefits to any executive
officer or director of its General Partner. The partnership has no plan, nor
does the partnership presently propose a plan, which will result in any
remuneration being paid to any executive officer or director of the General
Partner upon termination of employment.


                                       23
   24

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

(a)     No person of record currently owns more than five percent of limited
        partnership units of the partnership, nor was any person known of by the
        partnership to own of record and beneficially, or beneficially only,
        more than five percent of such securities.

(b)     Neither Del Taco, Inc., nor any executive officer or director of Del
        Taco, Inc. owns any limited partnership units of the partnership.

(c)     The partnership knows of no contractual arrangements, the operation or
        the terms of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in
        control of the partnership, except for provisions in the partnership
        agreement providing for removal of the General Partner by holders of a
        majority of the limited partnership units and if a material event of
        default occurs under the financing agreements of the General Partner.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

(a)     No transactions have occurred between the partnership and any executive
        officer or director of its General Partner.

        During 1999, the following transactions occurred between the partnership
        and the General Partner pursuant to the terms of the partnership
        agreement.

        (1)    The General Partner earned $5,668 as its one percent share of the
               net income of the partnership.

        (2)    The General Partner received $6,910 in distributions relating to
               its one percent interest in the partnership.

(b)     During 1999, the partnership had no business relationships with any
        entity of a type required to be reported under this item.

(c)     Neither the General Partner, any director or officer of the General
        Partner or any associate of any such person, was indebted to the
        partnership at any time during 1999 for any amount in excess of $60,000.

(d)     Not applicable.


                                       24
   25


                                     PART IV


ITEM 14(a)(1) AND (2). EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K

        Financial statement schedules:

               Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

        Financial statement schedules other than those referred to above have
        been omitted because they are not applicable or not required.

(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of 1999.

(c) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

        1.     Incorporated herein by reference, Restated Agreement of Limited
               Partnership of Del Taco Restaurant Properties III filed as
               Exhibit 3.01 to Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-11
               as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December
               30, 1985.

        2.     Incorporated herein by reference, Amendment to Restated Agreement
               of Limited Partnership of Del Taco Restaurant Properties III.

        3.     Incorporated herein by reference, Form of Standard Lease to be
               entered into by partnership and Del Taco, Inc., as lessee, filed
               as Exhibit 10.02 to Partnership's Registration Statement on Form
               S-11 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
               December 30, 1985.


                                       25
   26

                DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III - SCHEDULE III
                    REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                                DECEMBER 31, 1999


                                                                                    Cost capitalized         Gross amount at
                                                             Initial cost            subsequent to          which carried at
           Description              Encumbrances               to company              acquisition          close of period
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Land        Buildings &                            Land, buildings &
        (All Restaurants)                                & land         Improve-        Carrying              improvements
                                                       improvements       ments          costs                    Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
Rancho California, CA                          $ -       $ 384,400      $ 257,807               $ -             $ 642,207
Vista, CA                                        -         512,130        343,471                 -               855,601
Industry, CA                                     -         627,082        420,566                 -             1,047,648
Perris, Ca                                       -         437,522        293,434                 -               730,956
Upland, CA                                       -         281,827        189,014                 -               470,841
Walnut, CA                                       -         340,848        228,597                 -               569,445
Los Angeles, CA                                  -         674,283        452,223                 -             1,126,506
Chatsworth, CA                                   -         642,475        430,890                 -             1,073,365
Victorville, CA                                  -         505,399        338,957                 -               844,356
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                               $ -     $ 4,405,966    $ 2,954,959               $ -           $ 7,360,925
                                   =============================================================================================




                                                                                      Life on which
                                                                                  depreciation in latest
           Description                Accumulated        Date of       Date           income statement
        (All Restaurants)            depreciation     construction   acquired           is computed
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     
Rancho California, CA                   $ 110,765         1986         1986         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Vista, CA                                 147,569         1987         1987         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Industry, CA                              180,693         1987         1987         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Perris, Ca                                126,071         1987         1987         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Upland, CA                                 81,207         1987         1987         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Walnut, CA                                 98,214         1988         1988         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Los Angeles, CA                           194,294         1988         1988         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Chatsworth, CA                            185,127         1989         1989         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
Victorville, CA                           145,635         1989         1989         20 (LI), 35 (BI)
                                    -------------
                                      $ 1,269,575
                                    =============

                                                                         Accumulated
                                                     Restaurants         Depreciation
                                                     -----------         -------------
                                                                   
Balances at December 31, 1996:                       $ 7,360,925            $ 929,854
   Acquisitions                                                -              113,240
   Sales                                                       -                    -
                                                     -----------         -------------
Balances at December 31, 1997:                         7,360,925            1,043,094
   Acquisitions                                                -              113,240
   Sales                                                       -                    -
                                                     -----------         -------------
Balances at December 31, 1998:                         7,360,925            1,156,334
   Acquisitions                                                -              113,241
   Sales                                                       -                    -
                                                     -----------          ------------
Balances at December 31, 1999:                       $ 7,360,925          $ 1,269,575
                                                     ===========          ============




                                       26
   27

                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the partnership has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                          DEL TACO RESTAURANT PROPERTIES III
                                          a California limited partnership


                                          Del Taco, Inc.
                                          General Partner



Date March 07, 2000                       Kevin K. Moriarty
     --------------                       --------------------------------
                                          Kevin K. Moriarty
                                          Director, Chairman and Chief
                                          Executive Officer



Date March 07, 2000                       Michael L. Annis
     --------------                       --------------------------------
                                          Michael L. Annis
                                          Vice President, Secretary and
                                          General Counsel




Date March 07, 2000                       Robert J. Terrano
     --------------                       ------------------------------
                                          Robert J. Terrano
                                          Executive Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer




Date March 07, 2000                       C. Douglas Mitchell
     --------------                       -------------------
                                          C. Douglas Mitchell
                                          Vice President and Corporate
                                          Controller


                                       27

   28

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
- -------
  27                Financial Data Schedule