Hi Mike,
Funny you should mention this, as a student in Germany in 1956 one of my temp jobs was at the The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia factory driving the lower section (lower floor assembly, motor and wheels) of the sports car (2+2 coupe) from the railroad cars into the parking holding area before they were moved to the final assembly area. I don't think we managed anywhere close to a 1000 during one shift, since after we got one off the railroad car a lot of pushing was called for..
However, like yourself we had fun doing it. It was actually fun going to work, more like an excercise after sitting in classes for hours.
I never liked that little car. I got spoiled during my next job (small business) the owner my boss let me wash his Benz on Saturdays driving that car out from the garage and back in after washing was the highlight of my week. Only later once I immigrated to Canada in the 60s a Pagoda catches my eye. I never could afford one way back then, only once I retired I was lucky to find one in great condition.
I now try to enjoy her as often as I can for time stands sill for no one
Happy Motoring,
Cheers, Dieter