My "Stop Lamp" warning came on last night, and this morning I replaced the bulb that went out. I was surprised to find the dead blub labeled with "KOITO JAPAN". I have been using standard GE 1157s for as long as I can remember. I even have 4 more spare GE 1157s after I used one for this replacement. Even these spare GE bulbs are probably 20 years old.

Could it be the bulb I removed today was really an original 40 year old bulb? I kind of doubt it, but is it OLD.

 

its totally possible its 40 years old, Koito bulbs are GOOD.
that being said you can buy them in the US