Trev is correct. A condenser is a capacitor that keeps the points from arcing when they open.

My question is - Is the ignition in a 1981 Volvo controlled by points?

I thought that points were eliminated from all cars sold in the US 1975 and later, due to the requirement that manufacturers guarantee emissions for 50,000 miles.

I vaguely recall seeing points that controlled the timing on a fuel injection system once. Is that what your points are for?

Sorry for the dumb question, but it's easier to ask you guys than to take the trouble to look it up somewhere.