Smith Auto, Inc. began in 1986 as a body shop offering collision repair, glass replacement, rebuilders and miscellaneous jobs. The business moved from downtown Pawnee City to its current location west of town in 1994. As the rebuilders multiplied, so did the parts cars; this led to the decision to begin a salvage yard operation in 1996.

In 2015, the business expanded opening a self-serve yard with over 700 vehicles to offer. Smith Auto, Inc. now includes a salvage yard and self-serve yard.