Looking over the database of Cat 5 storms, it would seem that most of them don't qualify for the title based on their minimum pressure. Perhaps the conversions were wrong and reanalysis is needed.
Many of the 1950-1980 Cat 5s had pressure readings of 930-940 and even a 960. Of course minimum pressure might not have been measured correctly, but the storm that made landfall 10 hours or so after being declared a Cat 5 with Cat 1 force.
All the Cat 5s of recent times (since 1998), have made it down into the record books for pressure. Mitch (905) was the 4th strongest at the time, tied with Camille and only behind FL Keys, Allen and Gilbert. Isabel was not nearly as powerful, but it made it down to 916, respectable territory.
Ivan made it down to 910, making it 6th all time at the time, behind Mitch and Camille along with the rest. Katrina made it down to 902, 4th again, bumping everyone above her one place and then Rita, at 897, was third, bumping everyone again along with Allen (899).
Past Cat 5s
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