I was wondering if there are any alternative better quality types of condensor about that we might be able to use instead of the random lifetime ones that are around now.

Interesting article, condensors are dissected and the problem with them seems clear. Could we not use something like this chap did on his Sprite? US based though so it would be a case of finding a similar one over here if I change types.

I was just going to re-site my condensor up by the coil by extending the wire, so I could just swap easily as needed. Having read up on that, it seems it could just make the points last less long, so it would be counter productive and not advisable.
Its annoying me that these silly little capacitors are making a really reliable car, a little bit unreliable. I have spares in the car now but its about 45 mins to change the condensor when i do it and on the side of a motorway in the pouring rain is not appealing.

http://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/cap_failure/

Ian,
in my experience, 'remote' mounting of a capacitor did not adversely affect points life.
You don't even need to stick with ones in Citroen boxes, since the capacitance is usually in the same range, 'around' 0.22 microfarads.
Something like this one, on which the ring connector slips over the 'prong ' on the points box side of the coil, trapped in place by the female bullet connector.
.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAZDA-1971-7 ... SwFYZamTsn

Excellent info Ken, thank you. I've bought a couple of those to try.

I went to my friendly garage to drop the car off for wheel bearings and they dug out this older unopened set of points and condenser for 2cv.

Hmm, could this one be from before the quality problems?

I've been extremely lucky recently; the one in my Mehari went on in 2013, it's done three world meetings and is still fine. Perhaps more remarkably, my everyday car (clocks about 250 miles/week) has the condenser that was in the engine from when I was given the engine, which was of unknown provenance.
On the other hand, the Van ate condensers for breakfast. Sometimes lunch and dinner too. So I 123'd it

Ken,
Please allow me a correction.
The capacitance is actually 0,22 µF (microfarads)

Hi Taskos,
Oops, well spotted.
Accordingly, I've amended my earlier 'fake news' post...

Ian,
I bought a couple of fuel tank senders from Roy @ ECAS last week and he told me that the best quality items were from Magnet Marelli, but have now been discontinued, probably because so many folk were buying the 'el cheapo' alternatives.
If the same holds true for points & condensers/capacitors, hope you snapped those up...

Oh excellent, yes I have them in my kitchen ready to go on. Thanks again for advice and feedback.