Originally Posted by MS Fowler

GREAT NEWS!!

One thing to remember is that cars of that era are simple to hot wire. All you need is a positive wire to the positive side of the coil, and one to crank the starter. No computer; no electric fuel pump, no electronic injectors, easy, simple. You need the key to be able to turn the steering wheel, but you can get the engine running simply.

Sounds like your battery might be bad. It shouldn't lose volts just sitting.