Quick Jacks were used in the pits to quickly raise the car. I don't have any real history on their use, but here are links to a couple of photos:
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...ickjacks1a.jpg
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...d=5820&thumb=1
There's also a thread at
Quick Jacks which, in simple terms, advises against actually using them for lifting. It certainly seems most quick jacks these days are more decorative than functional.