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Taito Grand Prix: Eikou heno License Nintendo
Formula One racing game with RPG elements published by Taito in 1987 for the Famicom. It was never released outside of Japan.
Taito Grand Prix was unusual for its time for having much more of a simulation element: In the game's normal mode, players could drive from town to town, entering races and earning money to go towards customizing the car and buying better ones. The goal is to eventually purchase a Formula 1 car that will allow the player to enter the F1 races. These races award a lot more money.
The game used a then-popular (thanks to OutRun and its peers) behind the car view, with the twisting track laid out just ahead. Most races are simply against the clock, as you race to qualify. Winning races earns money, which can then be spent on upgrades, which then allow the player to compete in more challenging races, and so on.
The starting vehicle is an old Mini Cooper.