Back in the good old days when Mission Brown was just about the only paint colour and green shade cloth was cutting edge, WA Salvage ruled the state's home improvement scene - and 'Luigi Savadamoni' was its king.

With his iconic catch phrase 'We're not fancy, but we're cheap,' Luigi spruiked everything from fridge magnets to outdoor chairs in legendary TV ads that have become a part of Perth's history.

First played by Italian migrant Claudio Versaico when he was 35 and brand new to Australia, he retired from the role in 1995 at the age of 68 when the shops shut down, having the cheeky alter ego for more than thirty years.

Speaking to 6PR's Simon Beaumont in his new 'Long Time No Speak' segment, Mr Versaico said he still gets recognised by people he meets in the street.