distributor intermeadiate shaft?

It doesn't matter, there are 18 teeth on the drive and likewise on the cam so..

To have a designated position allows the distributor to be 'most' adjustable in and around the timing curve the engine runs in with out hitting the fire wall,coil,etc while the old point the slot at the drivers front intake bolt @tdc makes only the difference of on or 180* off for entry level or forgetful wrench'rs.

But really you could go 4 teeth either way and just turn the body, basically if you were to take the dist drive & distributor locked and were able to pull them out together and rotate then reinstall, it be at the same timing.