A capacitor discharge ignition system in which shut-off of the electronic switch is ensured by the use of an impedance means in series between the electronic switch and the primary winding of the ignition transformer, and by the use of a voltage responsive device to remove the triggering potential from the electronic switch immediately after the conduction of the electronic switch. Engine shut-off is ensured by the application of triggering potential to the electronic switch concurrently with the application of charging current to the ignition capacitor whereby the electronic switch remains conductive to prevent the accumulation of a charge on the ignition capacitor. A novel twolegged core and physical arrangement of the coils and other components of the system is also disclosed for one and multiple cylinder operation.