It happened around 2 p.m. in the 2700 block of Hillsborough Road.
Firefighters arrived and found smoke and flames coming from multiple bays of the shop. Several cars were on fire.
Firefighters quickly deployed hose lines and forced entry by cutting through roll-up doors to gain access to the building and begin fire suppression efforts, the Durham Fire Department said.
The fire started with one car and quickly spread to others.
The building sustained significant damage and was deemed a total loss, DFD said. The roof collapsed shortly after crews got there. More than 65 Durham firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading.
People inside the building were able to get out in time, and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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