I have seen on a couple of TV overhaulin, Pimp my ride type shows recently, a tressle type jack thing. As it is pushed together it raises the car up. A scissor kind of action raises the car up.
I believe shpub bought himself one of these a while ago, don't remember the make but perhaps he'd tell you if you asked nicely. It looked well put together and at the time he seemed very pleased with it.