Actually the MacPherson strut comes very close to the sliding pillar design, albeit a self-contained strut compared to lots of smaller sliding parts. Being all pre-lubed internally for up/down right/left motion, it places the ball joint pivot centerline on the center line of the tire much easier than about any other setup. You don't have to have a wide rear offset wheel to accomplish this feat.
Even though there is a lower control arm and ball joint to allow for the rotational axis of the strut, it's still a very simple design. VW was very successful with it when they came out with the Super Beetle in '70.
Or even if you look at the first link that Gambalunga listed, the one with the pillar and red external shock, think how easy it would be to take this simple design to the next level. What if you just removed the coil springs, compression/rebound, from the pillar and replaced the shock with a coil over that would be fully adjustable. With front steering linkage place the coil over on the rear and place rubber boots on the exposed pillar for protection.
There are so many designs it boggles the mind.
