Owners of automotive repair shops are often given vehicles in lieu of payment when the repair bills exceed a point of no return. However, this doesn’t mean they’re receiving desirable cars in exchange for the work performed. Often, it’s the class of vehicle that even a cash-strapped owner realizes isn’t worth funneling money into. However, these same individuals also often have projects of their own, and the so-called “shop car” can live inside on the lifts indefinitely waiting for the day the over-worked proprietor has time to work on it. Sadly, that day never came for this 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV listed here on eBay after the owner retired and closed his shop down.

The Giugiaro-designed GTV was revelation when it was introduced. Similar in classification and purpose to cars like the BMW 2002, it represented perhaps the golden era of vehicles you could use for daily use that were also incredibly sporting underneath. The Alfa proved so popular and so compelling in stock form that it barely changed for over a decade with the exception of more powerful engines. The fact that the recipe was barely touched indicated just how popular this sports sedans were with car shoppers at the time. The seller notes that he does have the hood, bumper, headlight rings, and grill, along with other parts, in his stash.

The engine bay looks tidy and complete, which wasn’t a certainty when you first glance at this vintage Alfa. The 2.0L engine makes right around 130 horsepower, which should still be plenty for getting in and out of traffic. The seller notes that he has closed his repair shop and lost his storage as a result, which is why you always want to a.) own your own shop space, and b.) finish your projects before you retire. It’s hard to know when that day will come, and if this shop owner is anything like the ones I know and patronize, you’re always so over-woreked that it’s near impossible to find time to work on your own projects.

Like most vintage Italian cars, this Alfa is suffering from some unmitigated rust issues. The rockers are toast and one would assume this level of rot extends into the floorboards as well. The body panels above the rockers appear decent, however, and given how many of these cars are still being restored right now, it’s not that hard to find good replacement panels. Unlike other cars of a certain vintage where I’ve raised the prospect of them no longer being desirable restoration candidates, vintage Alfas still have the cache to justify the cost of improvements along with a driving experience that makes them worth the pain of refurbishment. There’s just one bid at the moment to $1,500 with the reserve unmet.