The company was founded in 1972 as a mail-order business selling automotive accessories from the Brisbane home of founders Reg and Hazel Rowe.

[3][4] In July 2004, the company was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange as Super Cheap Auto at $1.97,[5] which earned the co-founders $81.8 million.

[6] In December 2004, Super Cheap Auto Group acquired CampMart, a camping and outdoor leisure retailer with four stores in Brisbane.

[11] In about April 2018 several Rays began to be liquidated, with the remainder stores planned to be merged with its recently acquired, New Zealand chain Macpac.

[12] In December 2019 the group moved into their new $75 million office building situated on 6 Coulthards Ave in Strathpine.